Photography provided by Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus created “quiet luxury” before it was a thing. The Minnesota-raised designer and best-selling author first rose to fame in 2002 as Oprah’s go-to interiors expert. But he has since created an empire all his own (just ask his 1.9 million Instagram followers). With his namesake furnishings, textile and window collections as well as the high-end residential design firm he founded at age 24, Berkus is beloved for his unique mix of classic elements and unexpected pops of daring. Enter a Nate Berkus–designed room, and beyond the foundational background of checkerboard flooring, brass finishes and creamy neutral upholstery, you might find a Calacata Turquoise Antico marble countertop, a vintage Parisian-style mirrored wall or a black bouclé settee. His ability to create spaces that simultaneously soothe and surprise sets him apart. And his skill at transforming homes into sanctuaries that feel modern and timeless has only sharpened over the decades. Here, he shares his favorite Midwestern holiday traditions and advice for making your house a haven. It’s no wonder that when we asked him about his dream holiday travel destination, he replied, “Home.”

Photography provided by Nate Berkus

On Minnesota Memories

I was raised in Minnesota and Southern California, so I celebrated the holidays on the West Coast every year with my dad and that side of the family. When I was 7, my father and stepmother got me a battery-powered police motorcycle you could ride. I still remember that morning. But returning to the Midwest every January tan and wearing skateboarding clothes did not make me particularly popular in middle school. I still feel nostalgic for the Minnesota of my childhood: the [now-closed] Ralph Lauren store on Nicollet Mall, Dayton’s department store and Boundary Waters [wilderness sanctuary]. Now, when I’m in Minneapolis, I love to visit the Walker Art Center and sculpture garden, downtown Wayzata and the antiques shops on Main Street in Hopkins. I love Lunds & Byerlys’ wild rice soup and anything from Leeann Chin [Chinese restaurant]. I love broccoli casserole. I also love stuffing. Being from Minnesota, I’ll eat almost anything served in Pyrex.

On Global Tables

I like when my eye travels around a room and lands on something that tells a story — an object that evokes memories and is unique to your family. That, to me, is what the holidays are about, however you choose to celebrate. Decorate your tree or tablescapes using meaningful keepsakes. I don’t cook, so setting the table is always my job, and I love it. I keep it simple and the color palette muted, using texture and gold and brass elements rather than reaching for traditional holiday decor. I mix things found in different countries, like woven placemats from Mexico with Italian porcelain plates and lots of candles in vintage candlesticks. Also, don’t leave setting the table to the last minute. I always do it the night before, even though getting me off the sofa after a meal is tough!

Photography provided by Nate Berkus

On Garlands Galore

Nothing nods more to the holiday season than fresh greenery in your entryway, on your mantel or weaving up your staircase. Fresh branches in a vase add a festive touch in guest rooms. [Berkus is a fan of pale marble or textured stone planters, as seen here in his apartment in Manhattan’s West Village.]

On Luxe Linens

I love gifting two sets of white towels because who can’t use a new set? I’ll usually tie them with ribbon and write a personal note. Making your holiday guests feel cared for when they visit is essential. Crisp white sheets and a cozy throw, a reading light and a carafe of water with a glass next to the bed are welcoming touches. I always put new towels and bath mats in the bathroom. If I’ve read a good book recently that I think my guests will enjoy, I’ll leave a copy on the bedside table.

Photography provided by Nate Berkus

On Rejecting Resolutions

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions because they often make people feel bad when they don’t follow through. I try to live intentionally year round.

Photography by Inês Silva Sá

Laura Gonzalez

Award-winning French designer and architect Laura Gonzalez is unlike any other interiors expert working today. With galleries in Paris and Manhattan, she’s the living embodiment of what the French call “Art de Vivre” — a maximalist mash-up of fearless decorator, skilled engineer, creative craftswoman and avant-garde artist. She wears her many hats lightly, letting her imagination unfurl into every boundary-pushing, breathtaking space she touches. Within the private homes, chic Parisian eateries and five-star hotels she designs, you’ll find eclectic mixes of the unexpected — a fantastical chandelier with dangling glass flowers, a Medusa-inspired end table with undulating brass legs, rich brocade drapes, a tomato-red lacquer desk. She has designed boutiques for L’Occitane, Louboutin and Cartier, including the iconic jewelry house’s landmark Fifth Avenue mansion. Rizzoli has published a book of her projects around the world. Here, she discusses the pleasures of her annual holiday at her country house in Normandy.

On Throwing Down

My house in Mainneville, Normandy, is my favorite place to go for the holidays. I like to be in my bubble with my family during this time. Christmas and New Year’s Eve have a special place in my heart, with our unmissable Christmas tree. I love to add warmth and comfy touches in every room; I cover the sofas and beds with soft throws. It is simply the most precious time.

Photography by Inês Silva Sá

On Sculptural Vases

As the daylight is rare, I love to compensate with colorful garlands inside the house for a unique winter glow. I also add beautiful vases, matching them with the season’s flowers. My favorite vases at the moment are by Nicolette Johnson, a Brisbane, Australia–based ceramic artist.

Photography by Inês Silva Sá

On Vibrant Meals

I like having lots of people around the table. I also love to cook with my children. My favorite dish for the holidays is seafood risotto. It’s simple but very chic at the same time. I’ll pair it with a dry French white wine like Chablis or Pouilly Fumé. I collect glassware from flea markets in different places I’ve traveled. I am especially drawn to plates, glasses and cutlery. Christmas is a perfect excuse to show them off and create a beautiful, colorful table.

On Gilded Gifts

Sharing my children’s excitement about presents and celebrations is one of my greatest pleasures. To friends, I usually offer very arty gifts — small objects that can be useful and decorative simultaneously, like little pocket mirrors or beautiful jewelry boxes. My favorite ones this year are pretty marquetry boxes made by L’Atelier Jallu.

Photography by Inês Silva Sá

On Soaking It All In

I am a big fan of candles; they add a particular atmosphere. To make my guests feel at home, I also like to place a small coffee table near the bath, with a body sponge and a wide choice of soaps so they can feel free to use their favorite.

On Good Intentions

I prefer small intentions to big resolutions. Rather than trying to change everything, I focus on what I can improve daily. It’s a gentler approach, I think. New Year’s resolutions are about cultivating a positive mindset and setting goals that feed our well-being.

Photography by Inês Silva Sá

On Making Beautiful Music

The gifts I love to receive are those from my closest loved ones, especially when they add to some of my collections, like rings or crystals. The best gift I’ve given recently is an art deco rosewood piano to my husband, Benjamin, a music lover. He started playing a year ago but has learned faster than I did with 10 years of lessons! The piano is Danish and dates back to the 1950s. It arrived on the morning of Christmas Eve, an event for the whole family.

Photography by Samira Rashid

Kahlana Barfield Brown

Stylist. Fashion and beauty influencer. Brand ambassador. Kahlana Barfield Brown is a major player in the social media game. Privately, though, she nurtures another passion — interior design. As a new L.A. homeowner, “I will talk to you about cleaning supplies, detergent for the best-smelling towels and Christmas ornaments all day,” the former InStyle beauty director confesses. “I love fashion, but I would rather talk about interiors than shoes and bags any day!” During the holidays, the Seattle native hews closely to the minimalist-chic aesthetic that defines her coveted fashion looks. She’s drawn to silver-and-glass lighting, stone furnishings and culture-defining coffee table books — all an extension of the sophisticated simplicity she cultivates in every aspect of her life. “I think about designing my home like putting together an outfit,” she says. “The look is clean, architectural and interesting but never over the top.”

Photography by Samira Rashid

On Fashion as Inspiration

If clothing brand The Row were a house, that would be my design style. Very minimalist. After years in fashion, my wardrobe is almost a uniform. My palette is black, white, ivory or tan. I learned years ago I would get more wear out of investing in neutral blazers with interesting embellishments, fitted tops to highlight the waist and amazing, oversized pants in unique shapes than I would with trendy colors or patterns you wouldn’t be caught dead in after one season. Now, I might be in all-white, but my shirt will be asymmetric, or the silhouette will be unexpected. I take that same approach at home. A neutral palette never goes out of style. You can always bring the look to life with pops of color. Some might find it boring, but it feels fresh and classic to me. I love clean lines, balance and eye-catching details. I want to be as comfortable in my living space as I am in my clothes.

On Holiday Drip

I lived in a small box [apartment] in New York City for most of my life. Now that we are in L.A., it’s the first time I’ve had the space to do the whole Christmas thing. So I invested in a beautiful Balsam Hill tree and covered it in clear glass teardrop ornaments that look like dripping icicles. They look so luxe, but they’re super affordable from Amazon! I used to be a gold jewelry girl but lately I’m loving silver. It’s less flashy and more elegant. Last year, I placed giant decorative silver CB2 orbs under the tree. It’s a classic Christmas look I’ll want to revisit every December. I love coming home to this beautiful tree that lights up our space and puts us all in the holiday spirit.

Photography by Samira Rashid

On Winter Whites

I like my house to feel like no one lives here. That’s very challenging when you have two kids! But they know not to eat anywhere near our vintage seventies white fabric semicircle couch. My mom begged me not to get it. She was like, “You have children. You are not going to be able to keep it white.” But I’m so glad I did. It’s also such a joy to have fresh white tulips or roses everywhere. It’s like a gift I give to myself every week. The Empty Vase in L.A. makes the most beautiful arrangements, with the stems twirled decoratively around the vessel. They’re always my centerpiece when I’m entertaining. I’ll also bring out metallic, snowflake-inspired placemats and clear glass hurricanes. My white porcelain plates have a silver border. That’s as far as I go with color. The tree has lights embedded in the branches, so you click a button to switch them from white to colorful. My girls come home from school and turn on the colored lights, and I’m like, “No!” I am allergic to those lights! I’m always going behind them and switching back to the all-white lights.

Photography by Samira Rashid

On Storytelling Shelves

I can’t just display pretty books. They have to be meaningful to me. I have fashion books on Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton and Virgil Abloh. But I also love rap, so I have Jay-Z and Tupac biographies. My shelves reflect a mix of culture — art, fashion, music, Black history. I always return to my books by Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela. So when someone looks at my shelves, they will understand what I value. They’ll see me.

On Hostess Glam

When hosting, I wear black or white maxi skirts and a blazer, perhaps with feathers on the sleeve. My go-to look is white nail polish, a matte red lip and a sleek bob. My favorite blue-based red lipsticks are MAC Ruby Woo or Bawse Lady by The Lip Bar. I wear them with a brown lip liner — Makeup Forever in Limitless. Some people constantly experiment with their look, but I figured out what works for me and stuck with it.

Photography by Jack Junk

Tiffany Howell

Los Angeles–based designer Tiffany Howell, founder of Night Palm Interiors, began her career in film and fashion, including as director of the music video studio for iconic fashion photographer Herb Ritts. So it’s no surprise that sexy, cinematic spaces are her signature. Howell thinks of each project as a “visual poem,” drawing inspiration from references like eighties music, floral Gucci campaigns and Mediterranean villas. The results are glamorous, texture-rich rooms, often accented with historical French wallpaper, custom wood furnishings and jewel-like vintage sconces. Her talents have been tapped by industry insiders like Hollywood actors, celebrity real estate agents, screenwriters, top wellness gurus and authors. At holiday time, however, her focus is on family and flowers, heirlooms and silk robes — all imbued with their own romance.

Photography by Pablo Enriquez

On Lush Living 

I would never design a home that is not cozy. My word that I probably use too much — as my team will tell you— is “lush.” Seating must feel lush, both aesthetically and from a sensory perspective. I love sculptural objects, but I will find a way to make every room feel lived in. I do complete comfort studies with my clients to personalize their furniture. Some like ergonomic seating. Some like it cushy. But I avoid anything too heavy or clunky.

On Soft Hues

I’m drawn to holiday colors but more muted versions, like rust reds and mint greens. For example, we selected teal velvet couches because this client liked green and blue. That house could be seen as bold and wild, but because of the color palette, it has a lushness. I may pick a pink, like the one in the bathroom (opposite, upper right), but it’s not jarring. I custom-made that paint by finding a vintage dress then color-matching it. The walls are painted in a tadelakt finish, an age-old technique that feels like Venetian plaster.

Photography by Pablo Enriquez

On Moody Lighting

I change my spaces for the holidays by bringing in more lighting as it gets darker earlier. I love creating a cozy vibe with candles and lamps everywhere. I try to incorporate artful moments into the architecture and find interesting objects nobody else has, like vintage sconces from 1stDibs or Chairish. I like to translate ideas from fashion into interiors, so I think of lighting as jewelry for the room.

On Hollywood Hospitality

I know the favorite smells of everyone in our family. So if they come to stay, I’ll find a related candle or create a flower arrangement of peonies or citrus branches I know they’ll love. I’m obsessed with this Lola James Harper room spray that I keep gifting and falling in love with. They made a fragrance sold at Colette in Paris, so it brings me right back there. If my guest is a fan of, say, Pablo Neruda, I’ll put a vintage book of his on the bedside table. And I’m all about giving guests super plush Four Seasons robes or vintage silk kimonos and slippers. I want them to feel like they’re in a beautiful hotel.

Photography by Pablo Enriquez

On Vintage Barware

For this Hollywood Hills project (pictured here), I selected beautiful vintage Christian Dior dinnerware and Gucci barware for my client. My own entertaining bar gets significantly beefed up during the holidays, with beautiful vintage glassware and trays from my travels. I don’t keep a holiday table permanently set because my son would dance on it and break everything.

On Heirloom Magic

The holidays are a time for nostalgia and connection. My favorite gifts of all time are handwritten letters from my son that I keep in a vintage art deco box. I lean into romance during Christmas but not with traditional decorations. Listen, my husband is totally like, “The nutcrackers are coming out!” And I’m like, “No more nutcrackers! No more Santas and weird elves!” But it is a time to reflect on what’s important to you, to express yourself and honor your history. The holidays can be challenging, so I try to surround myself with objects that bring me joy. I’ll set out many personal mementos, tableware and linens I typically don’t want to see all year. Heritage pieces like beautifully mismatched plates from my grandmother, or I’ll fill her pitchers with dahlias. I bring out all the old poetry books I grew up with or the nostalgic Dr. Seuss books I read to my son every Christmas and place those all around.

Photography by Pablo Enriquez

On a Sensory Experience

In my home, all the senses are awakened. I love the scents of evergreen and whisky because they remind me of my grandfather. We’ll watch When Harry Met Sally a million times. I’m obsessed with jazz and I’ll listen to Chet Baker’s rendition of “Winter Wonderland.” I want to be surrounded by things that bring me closer to the people I love.

Photography by David Engelhardt

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown essentially invented “no makeup makeup” — building a blockbuster brand based on the once-revolutionary idea that we look best when we enhance our features rather than try to transform them. If you wore makeup in the nineties, you were probably obsessed with her rum raisin lip pencil. Consider her accomplishment: Her products went viral three decades before TikTok. And Brown hasn’t stopped innovating since. The Chicago native once again took the cosmetics business by storm with the 2020 launch of Jones Road, a clean makeup-skincare hybrid beloved for its pots of multipurpose Miracle Balms, setting the standard for natural beauty a second time. Just a few years earlier, Brown poured her passions for design and travel into The George, a landmark inn in Montclair, New Jersey, the hip New York City suburb where she raised her three kids. Thanks to an extensive renovation, the historic building has been reborn as a 31-room boutique hotel, where art nodding to famous Georges — from President Washington to the Beatles’ Harrison to Seinfeld’s Costanza — abounds. Whether celebrating the holidays there or at her waterfront Hamptons home, Brown takes an equally artful yet down-to-earth approach. One formula she hasn’t improved upon: believing authenticity is the main ingredient for beauty — and betting on herself.

Photography by David Engelhardt

On Easy Entertaining

I may not be a great cook, but I’m a great entertainer. I believe in having everything prepared before the first guest arrives. I’m the host but also want to enjoy the party! I don’t typically use chefs, but I’ll often bring in delicious food from my favorite takeout spots. I love a beautiful platter, so I’ll get amazing cheeses from our local shop. I’ll serve something extra special like caviar with all the fixings in my most beautiful pottery bowls. It makes it look like you had it professionally catered. And I don’t mind splurging to bring someone in to help with the cleanup. It makes a perfect night of entertaining stress free.

On Moderation and Meditation

I do my best to maintain my regular exercise routine and healthy eating habits, even when my calendar is full of holiday parties and work commitments. If I do indulge, I try to do it in moderation. My favorite cocktail is one I invented called “The Bobbi Rocks.” It’s a large ice cube, fresh cucumber juice, a squeeze of lemon juice and clean vodka like Tito’s or Belvedere. If I eat French fries or have an extra cocktail, I enjoy it in the moment. But then I’ll eat clean for the next few days and get back on track without feeling guilty. I love the first few weeks of January. After indulging during the holidays, I reset and recharge myself. I also try to take five minutes out of the day to slow down and take a breath. That habit doesn’t always last, but it’s an excellent way to start the year.

Photography by David Engelhardt

On Festive Faces

If you love a red lip, make a strong statement with a matte finish. ’Tis the season for it! Pair it with some pink blush on the apples of your cheeks. When picking a red, start with the texture. A sheer balm or lip tint is forgiving, so you can choose a brighter or deeper shade. But if you’re like me and feel more comfortable with a neutral lip, use a poppy red on your nails. That’s my signature look. Then accentuate your eyes and cheeks. Top off a pop of blush with shimmery highlighter on your cheekbones. You can get dramatic eyes in just a few easy steps: First, define your brows with a brow pencil. Add some smoky gray shadow on your lids for definition. Line your top lash line with black pencil, then finish with three coats of black mascara. Now you’re party-ready!

Photography by David Engelhardt

On Signature Swag

I love to gift a leather picture frame or a chic domino set. Whether at our home or our hotel, I’ll stock guest rooms with small comforts like healthy snacks — fresh fruit, raw almonds, plain yogurt — and bottled water with sliced lemon to keep everyone well-hydrated. Finally, I always leave a Jones Road lip balm, a Hippie Stick (an all-over face, body and hair balm) or our Fragrance in Shower as a special gift.

Photography by David Engelhardt

On Travel Traditions

Blue water and white sand make the Caribbean my happy place. In the Bahamas, we stay at Baker’s Bay. But the best holiday travel experience I’ve ever had was taking a safari with my extended family to the Londolozi Game Reserve [in South Africa]. Wherever I am, I love to be in a luxurious hotel bed. Give me clean, crisp sheets, the TV remote, a charger for all my electronics and a comfortable bathrobe, and I am one happy girl.

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Photography by Spacecrafting

David Yurman Streamline Two Row Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds, $6,500   •   David Yurman Beveled Two Row 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring with Diamonds, $6,500   •   David Yurman Streamline Two Row Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold with Cognac Diamonds, $5,700

Kate Spade Leandra Heeled Loafer in Silver, $268   •   Kate Spade Dakota Metallic Small Top-Handle Bag, $378   •   Kate Spade Dakota Metallic Saddle Bag, $398

Match Pewter Martini Glasses, Ampersand Shops, $128 per glass   •   Match Pewter Tray with Handles, Ampersand Shops, $479

Little Secret Round Sunglasses, Free People, $30   •   Marmi Natural Remi Bag, $115   •   OMEGA 42 Millimeters Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph, JB Hudson, $42,600

Williams Sonoma Copper Ice Bucket, $199.95   •   Williams Sonoma Copper Round Tray, $199.95

Large Amaranth Vase, Arhaus, $349   •   Small Amaranth Vase, Arhaus, $299

Marmi Chica Gold Remi Bag, $85   •   Mara Bini Betty Gold Slingbacks with Crystals, Pumpz, $375   •   Kevyn Aucoin Sculpt and Define Contour Book Volume IV, Lili Salon Spa, $95

Shop featured Galleria Edina stores: Ampersand Shops • Arhaus • David Yurman • Free People • JB Hudson • Kate Spade • Lili Salon Spa • Marmi • Pumpz • Williams Sonoma

Visit galleriaedina.com to view the full collection of stores and learn more.

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Photography provided by Lalique

The MP3 magic begins before you even step inside the store. “Every year, our holiday window displays become a true spectacle, renowned for their creativity, intricate design and attention to detail,” says Anthony Serino, marketing director at MartinPatrick 3. “These elaborate showcases have earned awards and become a highly anticipated attraction for locals and visitors alike.”

What’s in store this year? “This season,” Serino continues, “our windows revolve around the whimsical and nostalgic theme of the ‘Land of 10,000 Sweets,’ inspired by Minnesota’s nickname as the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes.’ We’re showcasing iconic Minnesota landmarks, each reimagined in a gingerbread motif.”

Photography provided by Johnstons of Elgin

The fun doesn’t stop at the windows. Inside, it’s like a game of Elf on the Shelf. Sprinkled throughout the store, you’ll find a specially curated selection of gingerbread-themed gifts — socks, T-shirts, a custom MP3 gingerbread scented candle and a few other surprises — that align with the magic on display,” Serino teases.

Beyond these playful seasonal offerings, MP3 is known for providing a very personalized shopping experience. “Our stylists build lasting relationships with our clients, learning their tastes and preferences and curating the perfect holiday gifting experience,” Serino continues. “Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your entire family, we take pride in helping you select meaningful presents that reflect the personality and style of each recipient.”

Photography provided by Bernadette

This season, as every year, holiday gift options abound at MP3. Buyer Ben Magnuson recommends checking out the boutique selection from Italian luxury brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, Isaia and Marco Pescarolo in the menswear section. Another one of his top picks for holiday gifting? Johnstons of Elgin. “This season, the 200-year-old Scottish cashmere mill has delivered beautiful sweaters, cardigans, scarves and beanies,” he says, adding that these pieces are perfect for layering. “Our customers have embraced this trend, and it shows no signs of slowing down.”

Over in womenswear, Samantha Tousey, director of women’s buying, says she finds it challenging to choose her holiday favorites. “It’s almost like a parent being asked to pick a favorite child,” she admits. She is, however, looking forward to introducing clients to Gigi Hadid’s new cashmere knitwear line, Guest in Residence. Offering cozy crews, cardigans and stylish coveralls, “it is fun and playful, perfect for the holidays,” she says. “I don’t like cold weather, but these pieces have me looking forward to winter.”

Photography provided by Baccarat

Tousey’s other can’t-miss-pick? Bernadette’s pre-spring 2025 line, A Conversation Between Mother and Daughter. The Antwerp, Belgium–based label’s latest drop includes keepsake-worthy cardigans, elegant dresses and chic two-piece sets, many featuring eye-catching floral prints. “The pieces are so special,” she says. “I think any mother or daughter will appreciate them.”

For the fragrance-obsessed teenager, Winslow suggests Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 — a captivating scent that radiates sophistication and youthful allure. And if there’s a tastemaker on your list who craves something truly remarkable? One of Assouline’s Impossible Collection books makes the perfect statement piece. An extraordinary collector’s item, the Formula 1 edition celebrates the history and thrill of the sport in breathtaking detail. “These books offer a luxurious blend of art and passion,” says Winslow. “For anyone who appreciates the finer things in life, they are an unforgettable gift.”

Photography provided by Assouline

Of course, these holiday highlights barely scratch the surface of what MartinPatrick 3 offers this season. Visiting in person is the only way to take it all in. Fair warning, though: You may be unable to resist scooping up a few things for yourself along the way.

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Photography by Spacecrafting

But before this modern 5,600-square-foot marvel took shape, another project laid the groundwork — quite literally. The would-be homeowners happened upon the extremely compact site after the helical pier foundation from a previous project was already in place. “Our challenge was to design and build a home that would align with the existing foundation, but in a completely different architectural style,” explains Vice President John Kraemer. The homeowners saw potential in the location and the award-winning homebuilder. “JK and Sons has a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail, so we trusted them to bring our vision to life.”

That vision was clear: a modern, cozy home that would stand the test of time. With the house’s bones already established, the team turned to Alexander Design Group for the dramatic architectural shift. Sleek lines and expansive glass walls replaced the initial lake cottage design. “Our goal was to make the house look see-through,” says Kathryn Alexander, president and owner of the design firm. The architecture is enhanced by triple-pane Loewen windows and sliding doors, selected for their efficiency and sound barriers to withstand harsh winters and the liveliness of downtown. “We’re mindful that the house has to look beautiful, but it needs to perform, too,” adds Kraemer. Stained cedar siding and a pitched standing seam metal roof complete the exterior for a fresh take on modern Minnesota architecture.

Principal Interior Designer Brooke Voss expanded on these architectural cues, playing into a mix of natural materials that balance the industrial elements of the home with the cozy layers the clients craved. White oak is highlighted throughout, providing all the warmth of wood without the heaviness. It beautifully offsets the home’s industrial touches, such as the exposed steel beams and the cable rail staircase. Voss chose metal wire lighting fixtures to create an airy atmosphere with a touch of drama, suspending them at varying heights in the main stairwell to create an artistic installation so anyone can admire them, even from the front elevation.

The designers introduced pockets of pattern, texture and color throughout the largely open-concept floor plan. One side of the formal living room offers a panoramic water view. To the left lies a trifecta of fire, steel and stone: a linear fireplace flanked by blackened steel built-ins at the base. Stained wood slats ascend to meet a glass-and-limestone feature wall. “We love how the craftsmanship highlights our artwork and other features,” the clients said. One of their favorite spaces is the gathering room, a glass-encased porch that seamlessly blends the indoors and out. In the warmer months, multi-slide doors open to invite the fresh air in, while in cooler weather, the family can close up and cozy up, nestling near the fireplace. With its wood-paneled ceiling for added warmth, the space is perfectly designed for year-round enjoyment. Kraemer and the team incorporated built-in niches to display treasured art, adding a personal touch to this well-loved room. It connects to the kitchen via the pass-through bar, where Voss selected a hand-glazed metallic tile backsplash that captures the natural light throughout the day, giving it just the right amount of shimmer as it shifts between copper, gunmetal and bronze hues.

Designed with a large extended family in mind, the kitchen is a study in both form and function. The client requested a solution that could serve as a buffet for family gatherings without dominating the space. The design team responded with a counter-height table attached to the island — a waterfall of walnut acts as a stylish serve-yourself station or a casual eating spot for two, with backless counter stools that tuck right underneath when not in use. A swathe of white oak grounds this central gathering space, wrapping the sleek cabinetry by artisan Mark Hurley as well as the island and flooring.

The lower level had some restrictions due to site limitations and proximity to the water. Kraemer’s team tapped into their creativity, building lower-level solutions outside the confines of a basement. The boathouse echoes the architectural style of the abode and provides ample storage. The team took advantage of the square footage above the garage to make space for a fitness room. The entire upper level feels extra livable, boasting three guest rooms, an office and an additional living space that flows out to the main deck where exterior materials echo the palette inside. Limestone adds to the warm, organic feel of the home, connecting the deck to the terrace down below, which features a pool and hot tub — amenities that not just any builder could position on such a challenging site. “We’ve built on the tightest sites around the state. Nothing is too challenging for our team,” says Kraemer, who was proud to deliver the highly desired feature for the clients.

The upper balcony is also a complete destination. Accessible only by the spiral staircase ascending from the deck or a quick elevator ride, the space provides a bird’s eye view with a beverage fridge and other thoughtful essentials. This home and its unique location represent the perfect blend of worlds — an approach mirrored in the design and build process, resulting in a masterful fusion of modern comfort. Reflecting on the collaboration, Voss notes, “We’re fortunate to work with partners like John Kraemer & Sons, who are at the top of their game.”

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons
Architect: Alexander Design Group
Interior Designer: Brooke Voss Interior Design

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Photography by Scott Amundson

Infused with the Anderson family’s signature warmth and hospitality, the evening began with Champagne and a special cocktail to celebrate the 100th birthday of Baby Bootlegger, a 1924 mahogany runabout and two-time winner of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Gold Cup Races. After a presentation by Mark Mason, a vintage boat enthusiast who found Baby Bootlegger in a Florida junkyard and restored it to its original glory in 1982, guests dined on fresh seafood, prime rib sliders, paella and other delights as they explored the Andersons’ collection of boats, including Tolka, an impeccably restored 1928 limousine boat built in Alexander Graham Bell’s lab, plus classic cars, rare Native American artifacts and other treasures.

The evening at the Anderson compound was one of the many highlights of the week-long ACBS show, which brought hundreds of enthusiasts and their prized boats from Lake Minnetonka, Lake Michigan, Lake George, Lake Tahoe and other resort lakes across the United States and Canada. Guests enjoyed picture-perfect Minnesota weather, a shoreline cruise, a water ski show, an evening at Fort Mahogany, a private museum founded by Lee’s longtime friend and fellow collector John Allen and a boat show at Allen’s Bar Harbor Supper Club on Gull Lake.

Photography by Steven Lapkin

“Together, Lee Anderson and John Allen have the finest collection of wooden boats in North America, so for antique and classic boat enthusiasts, their private museums are like Versailles and the Louvre,” says Dave Bortner, chair of Woods and Water II. “What sets Lee and John apart from many other boat collectors is that they take their boats out on the lake and use them as they were intended. Restoring a boat so it can be enjoyed on the water requires much more commitment and craftsmanship than simply preserving it for display in a static environment.”

The Anderson family has been part of the Brainerd Lakes community for generations. Lee’s parents bought their first cabin on Nisswa Lake in 1943, and he inherited his love of wooden boats from his father, a passion he passed down to his children and grandchildren. “In 1985, my father bought his first antique wooden boat, a 19-foot 1938 Chris-Craft Sportsman. He christened it Katharine after my mother,” says Andy. “Since then, he’s rescued and restored many wooden boats that are more than a century old. Every boat in his collection is truly one of one — the only one of its kind in existence anywhere in the world. As stewards of these rare boats, my family is honored to be able to preserve, respect and take care of them for the next generation.”

Photography by Steven Lapkin

The ACBS fundraising dinner reflected the Andersons’ commitment to quality, craftsmanship and stewardship — the same values that guide Nor-Son Custom Builders’ process of designing and building custom homes. Working with their clients, architects, interior designers, expert artisans and craftspeople, the Nor-Son team combines science with artistry to create legacy homes that will last for generations.

“Whether we’re refinishing a prize-winning mahogany boat and restoring its original World War II aircraft engine, renovating an ancient log cabin on Gull Lake or building a luxurious modern family home on Lake Minnetonka, we recognize that every project is one of one — a rare opportunity to build an enduring relationship with people who share our passion,” says Andy. “We’re so grateful to the Andersons, Nor-Son Custom Builders, John Allen and Bar Harbor Supper Club for creating these incredible experiences for our members and making Woods and Water II a resounding success,” says Bortner. “As longtime friends, Gull Lake neighbors and fellow vintage boat enthusiasts, their generosity helped take this year’s International Show to the next level. For many of our guests, this show was their first introduction to the Brainerd Lakes area and this uniquely Minnesotan way of life. The opportunity to see many of the world’s most famous vintage boats in person made the week truly memorable.”

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My Italian tour guide, Michela, points to a high room in a tower to my left. We are sitting at the outdoor Atrium Bar on the deck of Hotel Cala di Volpe drinking Bellinis that taste like they have been blended from nectar of the gods. “He could see the entire bay from that little window.”

Photography by Whitebox Studio

It’s easy to see why His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who founded Cala di Volpe in 1962 with some Sardinian partners, was enchanted with the setting. Designed by famed French architect Jacques Couëlle to look like a charming fishing village, the property offers unobstructed panoramic views of Costa Smeralda, a coastal destination in northwestern Sardinia so stunning it seems almost AI-generated.

Sitting on the deck, we are surrounded by vibrant pink bougainvillea and sparkling, emerald-blue water. Dramatic granite cliffs and craggy mountains dot the horizon. I got a closer peek at those rock towers yesterday when my son and I were taken by boat (the only mode of transport) to the hotel’s private beach. After lounging on the white sand for a few hours, we strolled over for lunch at Matsuhisa Beach (yes, that Matsuhisa; it’s the only Nobu in all of Italy, and it’s right on the water). There, we nibbled on Michelin-star yellowtail with jalapeno and miso cod while taking in arguably one of the most beautiful restaurant views in the world.

I take a sip of my Bellini. “Ooh, that’s fresh,” I whisper, dabbing a few drops of pulp from my lips as a discreet waiter slips a tiny dish onto a table already filled with glistening olives, crispy chips and fresh guacamole. Michela has been regaling me with stories about the hotel. Though she won’t reveal the names of many of the celebrities and royals who have stayed in the $41,120-a-night Harrods Suite, she does mention that Dodi Fayed docked his yacht in the harbor here and he and Princess Diana ate at the restaurant. (I don’t know about the rest of you but I remember those yacht pictures.)

“And did you know that a James Bond movie was filmed here?” she asks. “Remember the scene in The Spy Who Loved Me where the white sports car [a Lotus Esprit] shoots off the dock into the water? It was shot right over there.” She points to a dock before us and takes a small sip of her Bellini. “After we finish here, I’ll take you to the Matsuhisa in the hotel. It’s a restaurant now, but when they shot the film, they used it as James Bond’s hotel suite.”

After we finish our drinks, we continue our tour of the property, passing the Olympic-sized saltwater pool where I spent the morning gazing at yachts from a terra cotta–hued lounge chair. “We have an indoor and an outdoor gym,” she says, waving toward a small fleet of machines on the ocean’s edge. “And, of course, you’ve tried our Barbeque restaurant, right?” Indeed, I had. Earlier that morning, the chef whipped up an herb-and-cheese omelet that I ate looking out on the glamorous poolscape, trying not to pinch myself.

“And this is my favorite part of the hotel,” Michela says as she walks past tennis courts and a soccer field where my son spent a few hours the day prior. (The hotel offers a “Juventus Resort Experience” for would-be Taty Castellanoses.) She opens the gate to a magical little garden that’s part of the Kids Club (and where, for a fee, you can host a private farm-to-table alfresco dinner for up to 20 people). “The children love the goats,” Michela notes as we amble toward a small shed filled with kids (baby goats, that is, not pint-sized hotel guests).

After admiring the adorable baby goats and wishing I had more tiny farm animals in my life, I continue to explore the garden, which smells intensely of mint. I glance to my right and discover why: a massive plot filled with enough mint to serve mint juleps to the entire hotel in perpetuity. My nose leads me to another fragrant spot, and I spy lavender, rosemary and basil. We wander past row after row of fresh herbs and vegetables. “I think the chef used some of these herbs in my omelet this morning,” I say, crushing some sage in my hand and inhaling deeply. “Maybe,” says Michela. “It’s very possible!”

Soon, we are back at the main hotel, which consists of a series of irregularly shaped pastel houses with tiled roofs that curve around the coastline. Though the main building was renovated in 2022 by the Parisian design studio Moinard Bétaille, many of the interior spaces have retained the rustic, cavelike quality of Jacques Couëlle’s original design, with rough-hewn whitewashed walls, large, arched windows and doors, terra cotta tiles, local stonework and stained glass windows throughout.

As we leave the main lobby, we pass a beauty salon. (The word “coiffure” is hand-painted in a maroon-and-black script, set off by a swirling design motif seen throughout the hotel.) At the entrance, a series of bulbous green jugs of varying sizes have been half submerged in the white stucco wall, giving the effect of sea glass washed ashore.

We arrive at Matsuhisa at Cala di Volpe, aka James Bond’s hotel suite in The Spy Who Loved Me. It is a vast space with a wall of glass windows facing the glittering Costa Smeralda Bay. I immediately recognize the undulating white stucco walls, dark exposed wood beams and funky curved bar from the movie, which I must have watched at least five times with my dad, a huge James Bond fan. “Shaken, not stirred,” I think, imagining Roger Moore standing a few feet away, his signature martini in hand.

Our next stop is the Harrods Penthouse Suite, the crown jewel of this iconic hotel. If James Bond really did stay here, this is undoubtedly where he would spend the night canoodling with Russian double agent Major Anya Amasova. Renovated recently by the design team from Harrods, the palatial, three-floor, 2,690-square-foot suite is a masterpiece of modern design with solid-wood doors carved to resemble sunbeams; a glass wardrobe hand-painted in swirling emerald green and sapphire blue with 22-karat gold fragments; and a fluted limestone feature wall that mirrors the natural curves of the Sardinian landscape.

On the first floor of the suite, there is both a bar and a wine cellar. In the three king-size bedrooms, patinated-bronze alcoves cast ambient light over the beds. But the pièce de résistance — the raw material for a lifetime of vacation fantasies — is the 2,690-square-foot rooftop. In addition to an alfresco dining pergola and a sunbathing deck, the roof boasts a gorgeous infinity pool (with an integrated bar) that appears to spill right over into the Mediterranean Sea.

“Nobody does it better,” Carly Simon crooned about 007 in the 1977 theme song to The Spy Who Loved Me. The same can be said about this stunning hotel where James Bond chose to shelter in place.

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Photography by Scott Amundson

“The staircase would generally be in the center of a colonial house, but we wanted a clear view from the front entry through the house to the lake beyond,” Rehkamp explains. “So, we placed the stairs in a wing between the kitchen and primary suite.” Formally detailed, comfortably furnished rooms radiate off that front-to-back central hall, each proportioned to suit its purpose. Winsome nooks and small enchantments are sprinkled throughout the house, architectural touches that would be common in older homes of this style. Take the porthole window over a built-in desk off the stairs that peers into the pantry, a slim French casement window bisecting the living bookcase, classic tile detailing or the delicate Grecian pattern metal vent covers. This house oozes charm.

The dining room is papered in a dreamy, hand-painted verdure mural by Iksel, a portion of which conceals a hidden jib door that pops open to reveal a sweet, soft pink China closet. Even unoccupied, the space evokes a sense of occasion. Across the hall, the kitchen and family room are a bit less formal and more open but share the same attention to detail as the rest of the house. It’s easy to envision the home full of family members engaged in various activities, reading by the fire in the living room, playing board games on the porch, baking cookies in the kitchen or watching a movie in the family room. “That’s the beauty of this layout,” says designer Sue Weldon. “Each room is inviting and scaled just right.”

Traditional homes can sometimes be dark, with less natural light due to smaller windows and a more closed layout. Rehkamp resolved the issue in various ways — creating wider openings between rooms, adding French doors off the living and dining room and including three stories of divided glass on the staircase. “So that views to the lake and reflected light are always part of the experience when moving between levels of the home,” she explains. Rehkamp added two cupolas (a more romantic alternative to skylights) in the mudroom and primary suite closet and Solatube [tubular daylighting devices] in the vaulted second-floor internal hallway to welcome light from above. Her goal was to capture daylight without sacrificing the authentic feel of the design. “It’s quite amazing how much natural light this house has without massive windows,” says Josh Crenshaw, project director and director of innovation at Streeter Custom Builder.

Weldon worked with the homeowners on finishing touches, selecting soft paint colors, subtle wallpaper and a mix of light fixtures. Antiques, newer pieces and an array of patterns, textures, and details like scalloped edges and rolled arms on furniture make the house feel established — like it’s not trying too hard. One fun addition is a pull-down world map behind the kitchen banquette for the family to reference during meals and games — a repeated detail from a previous home project with Rehkamp Larson. “We had a ball,” says Weldon.

The house’s grounds reflect the same sensibility, beginning with the long herringbone driveway and courtyard (you can almost hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves). “These clay pavers are an Old World material that will change color as they age,” says Landscape Architect Todd Irvine of Keenan & Sveiven. His understated design includes boxwood hedges, bobo hydrangeas, ornamental grasses and a feels-like-its-always-been-there limestone wall on the lakeside. Elegantly satisfying the five-foot pool safety fence requirement, the wall supports the pool, pool house and hot tub.

True to its inspiration, the home recalls Connecticut or Southampton. “It defines elegance,” says Rehkamp. “I love details, and this was a deep dive into all the layers and an incredible collaboration with all the players.”

Architect: Rehkamp Larson Architects, Inc
Builder: Streeter Custom Builder
Interior Designer: Sue Weldon
Landscape Architect: Keenan & Sveiven

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Photography by Scott Amundson

From the first crunch of the gravel drive to the sweeping lake views sheltered by soaring timber ceilings, every architectural detail of this wooded haven is rooted in nature. The expansive retreat is nestled on Leisure Lake, a pocket of northwestern Wisconsin more secluded than the typical lakeside community. A communal feel was always top of mind for clients Kristi and Jeff Wisdom. “We envisioned a place where people could gather and soak in the beauty of the Northwoods in a relaxed yet luxurious way,” says Kristi. When she came across TEA2 Architects, she was immediately confident the award-winning team would be able to realize her vision of a wellness-centered abode.

Leffert Tigelaar, associate principal at TEA2, and Project Manager Ann Carlson-Yunga took cues from the 100-acre site when conjuring the rustic, contemporary retreat. A palette of steel, wood and stone connects the structure to its surroundings, providing a space that’s as comfortable for grand gatherings as it is for cozy weekends for the couple. The linear, cedar-sided cabin is offset by two gables, each distinctive in their own right: one defined by a tall window grouping that frames a three-story staircase, allowing light to enter deeply into the lower level, and the other accented by a commanding limestone chimney. “It’s a critical way of looking at the architecture,” explains Tigelaar. “We had to ensure it’s balanced without being 100% symmetrical.”

The floor plan unfolds behind a statement wall in the foyer, revealing a living area that offers a balance of openness and refuge. Its nave-like space features vaulted ceilings with industrial steel trusses and is lined with windows on both ends. Partnering with Country View Log Homes, the team thickened transitional walls. It incorporated built-in window bench seating to make the central space feel more grounded, providing a cozy sanctuary where you can gaze at panoramic water views. “The [window] seating simply becomes part of the surrounding architecture,” Tigelaar says. This strategic solution also allows large groups to feel part of a singular gathering, alleviating the need for multiple seating areas within one space. On the other side of the nave is the hearth room. Its low ceilings and cascade of limestone masonry anchor the large expanse of glass on the opposite end. The space also features an inviting Rumford-style fireplace, nearly as tall as it is wide. As the flooring transitions from wood to stone, the intimate setting creates the sensation of being inside the hearth — a getaway within the home’s grandeur.

Connecting these two destinations is a live-edge extension dining table, which comfortably seats large groups for private retreats hosted by Wise & Well, a health and wellness company owned by the Wisdoms’ daughter, McKenzie. Guests gather underneath over three dozen hand-blown glass pendants, illuminating chef-crafted meals. For a quieter dining experience, guests can enjoy island seating or a built-in dinette booth in the kitchen. The intimate atmosphere is enhanced by a modest ceiling height and walnut-wrapped cabinetry reminiscent of a classic Northwoods cabin. “The kitchen is the heart of our home. It’s where connection happens most,” adds Wisdom. It flows out to a sprawling stone patio where you can take in the sunrise or its watercolor reflections off the lake in the evenings while enjoying a slice of wood-fired pizza made in the outdoor oven. Behind the kitchen is an office nook and primary suite, while the upper level boasts a trio of bedroom suites. The lower level offers a generous bunk room, a vibrant communal space and a bar perfect for entertaining. Above it, a second circular patio softens the exterior architecture, evoking a labyrinth-like feel.

In addition to a pre-existing spa and guest house, which includes a sauna, a full kitchen and a living area complete with a fireplace, the estate highlights the wonderment of nature through intentional design. The team celebrated the site’s natural beauty by incorporating an amphitheater, which features retaining-wall style seating built directly into the bowl-shaped topography. This unique amenity provides a beautiful setting for naturalists to host educational engagements about the region’s flora and fauna. A community garden and natural flower and bee garden are enhanced by a 30-by-15-foot potting shed designed by TEA2. “We achieved aesthetic cohesion not by making everything identical but by integrating complementary elements just as nature does,” says Tigelaar.

The Wisdoms also partnered with Tiffany Weber of Studio Vesta for interior design and finish selections, as well as with landscape architects at TEN x TEN to develop thoughtfully designed walking trails. Each pathway elevates the journey between structures and highlights the extraordinary experiences throughout the acreage. That invitation to connect — through environment and architecture — is a hallmark of the service-oriented firm. Seamlessly merging the two is second nature.

Builder: Country View Log Homes
Architect: TEA2 Architects
Landscape Architect: TEN x TEN
Interior Designer: Studio Vesta

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Nevertheless, this warm, light-filled space rose to the top of over 1,600 global entries to earn a finalist spot in the prestigious 2022–2023 Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest (KDC). Not everyone was surprised, including Rosemary Merrill, trade and builder representative for local luxury showroom, Roth Living (reopening early 2025), the exclusive Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove regional distributor. “When I saw this kitchen, I knew they would be a finalist if not a winner,” says Merrill.

Photography by Spacecrafting

Like most well-designed rooms, the space feels effortless in a way that belies its precise details, which include large windows and an airy vault. Key to the ease of the space are expanses of white oak cabinetry — a calm envelope that punctuates the view and the homeowner’s colorful Fiestaware collection (displayed in open plate racks). “The cabinetry creates a kind of nest around the room,” explains Anderson.

One unconventional touch is the location of the Wolf Range along a bank of windows, but it makes sense here. “The homeowner loves to cook, and we wanted to allow her to be a part of the lake activity while she does it,” says Tammy Angaran, project manager at PKA. She and Anderson tapped into some architectural ingenuity to find a spot for the exhaust fan, meeting the challenge with a white oak soffit that conceals the ventilation hood without blocking the view. Next to the kitchen, a hard-working pantry allows the residents to prepare and store large meals ahead of family gatherings. It functions like a secondary kitchen with a Wolf wall oven and warming drawer and a Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and wine fridge. Here, the white oak continues, but the appliances appear in all their stainless-steel glory, signaling the no-nonsense nature of the space.

“The clients have had Sub-Zero and Wolf before and wanted them here because they’re reliable and keep food fresher longer,” says Anderson. “As architects, we appreciate the versatility of being panel-ready or stainless,” she adds. “We can be bold in some areas and quieter in others.”

As a KDC finalist, Anderson, and Angaran mingled with other nominated designers at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, at the gala and summit. Merrill points out that entries are now open for the 2024–2025 KDC and close at the end of January 2026. “This is the best kitchen design contest in the industry,” says Merrill. “To anyone considering entering the KDC Contest, get out there and do it! It’s free to enter, and the opportunity is unbelievable. It can really take your career to the next level.”

Visit Roth Living, reopening in Minnetonka with a brand-new showroom in 2025, to see the state-of-the-art appliances that inspired this winning kitchen design. Entries for the 2024–2025 Subzero, Wolf, and CoveKitchen Design Contest are being accepted at subzerowolf.com/contest.

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