To complete the updated vibe, the couple added vintage lighting and furniture, abstract paintings by Charbonneau and retro collectibles. “I like the kitschy stuff,” Berven said. (They’ve turned their porch into an exuberantly decorated tiki bar.)
The makeover has dramatically changed the way the couple lives in their home, they said. They used to spend a lot of time in their basement. “Now we live here (on the main level),” Berven said.
They cook a lot more often. And their home has become a gathering spot for the extended family, including the Saturday After Thanksgiving Party, a tradition invented by Berven. Even with a crowd, there’s now space to maneuver in the kitchen, she marveled. “Daryl knows exactly how many butts fit into a space.”
©2013 Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
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