701.478.3000 | 3280 Veterans Blvd. Suite 120 Fargo, ND 58104

Thomsen Homes

Affordable Luxury Homes in Fargo, ND

Home Decor

Visible Beauty: Creating a Showcase with Open Shelving

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We’ve stated many times throughout the years that your home is a reflection of you and your lifestyle. This statement cannot be more true when it comes to how you decorate and showcase prized possessions such as trophies, photographs, your favorite books, movies… etc. Open shelving gives a breath of freshness throughout the home and pulls back the curtain of who you are. It has succeeded the tradition of closed cabinets and doors. There are many different variations of open shelving too as this Inspiration booklet below will show you! Come and create your own “lifestyle gallery” with Thomsen Homes!

 

Your Relaxation Destination

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We’ve all seen the movie scenes…

Julie Roberts singing along to Prince while she’s soaking in the tub, Marilyn cooling off from the NY heat, Al Pacino relaxing and smoking a cigar… you gotta admit it, bathrooms are more than just  the room with a toilet! Bathrooms can be a place of rest and relaxation; where you go to get a little peace and quiet, a little… YOU time. Thomsen Homes wants you to be able to create a spa-like oasis that’s just footsteps away! Here are some key features to think about then designing your relaxation destination:

  1. Are you a shower or a tub kind of person? Some may forgo a grandiose shower in search of a free-standing tub with jets! Maybe you’re the former and love a luxurious shower you can sing your heart out in?!
  2. Do you need one or two sinks? Remember that while having two sinks is mostly ideal, it can also take up counter space you may need for getting ready i.e makeup, shaving…
  3. Do you need more than one outlet? A lot of times couples get ready at the same time. Having an extra outlet on both sides of the counter can eliminate the stress associated with tangling electronics cords.
  4. Consider a storage nook/closet for your toiletries.
  5. Do you have children or pets that need bathing? A shower/tub combo should be included in one of your bathrooms for an easy bath solution! Perhaps adding a detachable shower head isn’t such a bad idea either?

We have so many options for you to choose from! From vinyl to tile flooring, fiberglass to tile showers, laminate to quartz countertops and SO MUCH MORE, you’ll be able to come home and unwind the day away in your brand new oasis! See our Inspiration booklet below for some amazing ideas!

Go Ahead & Judge That Cover: Home Exterior Options

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As the title alludes, we’re dropping the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The way a home looks on the outside can say just as much about the people who live there as the interior does! We’ve all driven through neighborhoods and admired certain homes’ exteriors, some more than others. What has caught your eye lately?

Are you a modern type of person who enjoys sleek lines, geometric accents and bold colors? Or perhaps you are more of a craftsman or colonial style person, revealing in rich character and little details? Not sure what you like? We will help you choose which exterior will fit you and your lifestyle! From our timeless standard options to one of our upgraded options, you can be sure your home stands out in a neighborhood full of “cookie cutter” homes.

Your Kitchen: A Space of Many Uses

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When you reminisce on memories you’ve made with friends and family, where do a lot of those memories occur? Think about events and parties you’ve been to, or have hosted yourself. What space do you gather in? The kitchen is the space most beloved and used in the home. You cook, entertain, eat, socialize, and so much more in the kitchen. Designing this space to your liking is key to ensure plenty more memorable moments happen in the years to come!

 

Coming to the Surface: Countertops & Choosing What Suits You

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There are quite a few things to consider when picking out your counters. With all the choices from laminate to granite, from a simple to a busy design, picking countertops may give you a little stress when it comes time to choose. Not so design savvy? Don’t worry! Our Designers will help guide you through this process by asking you questions to get your mind fine-tuned and running towards countertop success! With an abundance of samples in our Design Studio to feel and look at, the choosing becomes a little easier! We will help you get a feel for your space as a whole by helping you choose cabinets and flooring to match, creating something that is cohesive and beautiful!

We offer three types of countertops in our homes:

Laminate: These come standard in our Classic home bathrooms. They are made from layers of bonded plastic and board. Many varieties that have a consistent look.

Quartz: These come standard in both Classic and Luxury home kitchens and standard in our Luxury home bathrooms. Made from ground quartz and resins, these countertops are very hard, durable and easy to clean, but not heat resistant.

Granite: Granite is an upgrade option for any home. Granite countertops are made from sheets of granite, therefore the color and pattern can vary from one sample to the next. Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz is.

Not sure which to choose? Check out this article on choosing quartz or granite.

We have created a series called Design For Your Mind, which focuses on guiding you through various aspects of the design process! Watch our countertops edition below!

The ‘Purr’fect Home Is A Pet Friendly Home

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We all love our furry, slimy, scaly, small, large (you name it) companions. They bring a sense of comfort and joy to not only yourself and others, but to the home as well. A happy, wiggly greeting as you walk in from a hard day’s work. A meow and leg rub as you’re cooking breakfast. The simple gratitude knowing that these little ones love and depend on you. With that being said, what can you do to make sure your home is the best it can be? Here are a couple tips on making your home, the ‘purr’fect home.

Toys Are Your Friend: Sometimes our little friends can get bored. And when there’s a bored pet, there’s usually damage to your home that ensues. If your pet is a chewer we suggest sturdy, chewable toys like Kong brand items and bones. Rawhides are a good choice due to their chewiness and ease of swallowing, if that occurs. Rawhides, however, can leave residue on carpet and other fabrics so make sure to clean up as soon as possible! Feathers and balls are great for distraction too! Do you have a scratcher? We suggest carpeted posts and covers for couches/chairs if your cat or dog is persistent.

Home in a Home: Your pet also likes a little alone time. A good getaway for some peace and quiet is just what they need! This can be as simple as a bed tucked in a corner or as elaborate as a nook underneath the stairs. Need some inspiration for this? Check out Rodimel Dog House Project. Cat condos also create not only a place for cats to play, but to sunbathe and hide too.\

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Green Can Be Mean: Remember when picking out plants that some, although pretty, can be toxic to animals. Aloe Vera is on trend right now but did you know it’s toxic to animals? We didn’t! Keeping these away from animals can also give you an excuse to decorate! A cute macrame hanging planter or a perched plant on a shelf keeps animals safe and your home cozy! Here is a full list of plants to keep out of reach of animals, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.

Fine Feathered Friends: The bird’s the word around here, but they’ll be around for a LONG time. Remember that these guys can live over 30 years. Keep their cages away from windows with direct sunlight or breezy tendencies. A corner placement is preferred to make them feel secure. Do your research as some birds require companions which means a dual package. If you have a bird that mimics, such as a parrot or cockatoo, remember what you say… it can and probably WILL remember and repeat.

Tidy & Neat, A Good Feat: Some of these tips may seem obvious, but we will state them anyway. To keep a clean home, bathe your pets regularly if their breed requires it. Matching fabric color to fur color can hide noticeable shedding on furniture. Rugs are a good way to hide and prevent scratches in hardwood and laminate flooring. Decluttering keeps animals safe and also keeps them less prone to getting into things. Keep treats and food off the ground or keep food in a pet-safe container.

Life is easy when your pets’ lives are easy. Remember to do your research before purchasing a pet and know your limits! We hope your pet adventure is a long and filled love. Live long and prosper, pet owners!

Krafting Your Kitchen – What’s Trending in the 2019 Kitchen

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“The kitchen is the heart of every home. It evokes memories of your family history.” – Debi Mazar

 

Indeed the kitchen is the heart of the home, or at least we like to think so here at Thomsen Homes. The kitchen is one of the most personal parts of the home, giving life to a person’s style and uniqueness. Kitchen style is forever changing year after year. 2019 is bringing some new trends that some will be sure to love!

One trend carrying into 2019 is custom-painted cabinets. This enables you to transform your kitchen like never before. Instead of staying within the boundary of stains, painted cabinets give you a plethora of colors to choose from. Literally endless! Are you a white, chic kind of person? Or perhaps you’re bold and like your cabinets to be a statement, maybe going with a blush or navy hue. Whatever your choice, here are a couple colors trending in 2019.

  • Warm Grey
  • Blues (robin’s egg, navy, almost-black blue)
  • Blush
  • Greens (think forest green, sage  or a deep teal)
  • Beige (yes even the “boring” colors aren’t so boring anymore)

 

Another new trend is the mixing of materials in the kitchen. Gone is the cliche that you can’t combine gold and silver or brushed nickel. How dare we? Well we say, “We dare you!” We recommend no more than two different metals in your kitchen. Be sure to make sure your fixtures coordinate well with the cabinetry/counter tops you choose in your home! If you aren’t sure, our designers will point you in the right direction!

What does your kitchen say about you? “Kraft your new kitchen” today with Thomsen Homes!

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

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Among dieting and exercising as the top new year’s resolutions, 2019 may bring a new kind of resolution and it has to do with your home.

Whether you rent, own, are looking to buy or renovate, having a new year’s resolution for your home can be one that may be easier or more fun to stick to than a diet (wink, wink).

 

Setting realistic expectations for your home

The tricky thing about resolutions is that sometimes the expectations we set for ourselves are unrealistic and not achievable, or we just stop and don’t continue moving forward with them. When it comes to your home, try to set timelines and expectations for these resolutions so you can achieve them.

For example, if you rent your home but are looking to own, set a resolution to start the wheels in motion to move towards that goal. Maybe you need to start with seeing what you qualify for, or maybe you need to knock off some debt before doing that. Set an end date to do these things by and try and keep yourself accountable for doing so.

Are you in an existing home that maybe your family has grown out of? Look at different options on how to find a home to accommodate your family and your lifestyle. Maybe consider new construction and look at different floor plan options that would work for you.

Do you have house projects that you just never have gotten around to doing?  These can add up quick. Try and limit yourself to a couple. Maybe you want to put up a kitchen back-splash, or get new shades? no matter what the resolution is set realistic expectations, so you can achieve it.

 

Do your research

Remember no matter what the resolution is from diets, to home resolutions, do your research. In the long run this will help you. Look at your options, what you can afford, consider new and existing construction and weigh your options. Try not to limit yourself and do the research up front.  Find inspiration through Instagram, Pinterest and blogs to start to get excited about your new home resolutions.