Photography by Matt Lien

Cooking is the core of who I am. It’s my work, my craft, my passion, my spirituality, my entire existence. Cooking makes me feel alive and challenges me to be better every time I’m in the kitchen. Long before I had earned the title of chef, cooking gave me a sense of purpose and belonging as a child when I would help my grandmother prepare food for the family. Cooking is also the driving force behind my journey of self-discovery — a journey that has led me to open four Twin Cities restaurants in the span of 18 years and that has taken me around the world and back to my birth country.

My father died when I was 18 months old, and shortly after that, my mother and I fled war-torn Laos to seek refuge in Thailand. We stayed in the refugee camps for two and a half years, until my great uncle sponsored us to come to the United States. Upon arriving in Minnesota in 1984, my mother set out to provide for our family and took on multiple jobs, including working as a cook at Sawatdee Thai in the evenings.

Before we immigrated to America, I hadn’t spent a moment without my mother. She was my entire world, so losing her to work was so hard. I rarely had time with her, so when she was home, I was glued to her side. My love for cooking began in those moments watching her prepare our family meals. I would even tag along to Sawatdee and hang out in the kitchen while she was working the line. Since then, the kitchen has been my home.

Photography by Matt Lien

When I was seven years old, my mother remarried and moved us to California. Unfortunately, I didn’t fit in with my new blended family and missed my home in Minnesota. So when I was 11, my mother sent me back to Minnesota to live with my 70-year-old grandmother. That was such a traumatic experience for me; even though I put on a brave face, I felt so scared and alone.

I felt like I’d been abandoned by my own mother, like I’d lost the only person I had. Her actions also seemed to validate everything that my aunts and uncles had labeled me after my father’s death — weak, hopeless and at a disadvantage in life. Their words haunted me so much that I was always praying for a miracle.

Then I discovered the word “resilient” and became determined that this would be me, that I wasn’t doomed like everyone said I was. Whenever the people around me made me feel small, I’d close my eyes and remember the words my mother would whisper in my ear: ote ton, meaning “stay strong.” That simple yet powerful phrase is the greatest gift my mother gave me, and it has carried me through so many hardships in life.

Photography provided by Ann Ahmed

When I was a freshman in high school, my mother and stepfather moved back to Minnesota. I told my mother upon graduating that I wanted my own restaurant, which she immediately shot down. She explained that working in a restaurant was not the life she wanted for me — she wanted more for me, to see me sitting behind a desk wearing nice clothes. She felt that in order to achieve that goal, I needed to go to college and get a degree in anything but culinary studies.

To honor my mother’s wishes, I went to San Diego State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with the intention of becoming a teacher. But when I started my student teaching, I realized that my heart was not in the classroom. My creativity felt stifled, and I didn’t have the freedom that fuels my soul. I longed for the excitement, the sounds and the smells of the kitchen.

In 2005, out of nowhere my mother called and explained that while she was out for a walk in her Brooklyn Park neighborhood, she saw a Restaurant for Sale sign. She suggested I look into it. I was so confused, because this was the same person who had told me “no” seven years ago. But if she was going to tell me “yes” now, I wasn’t going to hesitate. Without seeing the space, I knew I wanted it. I went straight to the bank, walked out with a check for $150,000 and flew back to Minnesota to open my first restaurant, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine.

Photography by Matt Lien

At just 25, I was young and stupid when I made that decision (though “fearless” probably sounds better now). I didn’t have a business plan or any plan really, so I winged the whole thing. I found a lawyer online to help me finalize the transaction. I maxed out all my credit cards to repaint the space and remove the smelly carpets. I didn’t have any money left to stock my walk-in cooler, so I sold my car and walked instead. I was so determined to make it work.

We opened the doors to our first guest two weeks later. I couldn’t afford to hire anyone, so the Lemon Grass team consisted of my mother, my cousin and myself. Because we were such a small operation, we were able to survive the Great Recession. Then business started to boom. By 2011, I had saved enough money to expand from 10 tables to 20.

With the success of Lemon Grass, I knew I had it in me. I had long dreamed of building a restaurant from the ground up — something I could really pour my heart into. I wanted a menu that was a reflection of me and also yearned to inch my way closer to the city, so I settled for the western Twin Cities suburb of Golden Valley. But I didn’t want to play it safe with the food; I wanted to push the boundaries.

Photography by Matt Lien

At that time, I was really missing my grandmother, who had passed away in 2004. I found myself cooking her favorite dishes as a way to comfort myself, replaying those memories of her in my mind and tasting them on my palate. When I opened Lat14 in 2018, I wanted to honor her life and her passion for taking care of others. Focused on the diverse, flavorful cuisine found along latitude 14, the menu is a combination of my past and my future, reflecting my growth as a chef and restaurateur.

That’s when the public started to take notice of me. They were curious about the girl who was flipping a former Perkins into a posh Asian eatery in the suburbs of Minneapolis. As I started getting more attention, people wanted to know my story, which forced me to have a tough conversation with myself: Who am I? What am I doing? With everyone watching, that was a scary conversation. But it was also the beginning of my truth.

I started to realize I don’t need to be Asian enough or American enough — I just need to be me. I need to do what feels right for me and serves my purpose. Through Lat14, people got to see that my restaurants don’t fit into a stereotypical box. I wanted my guests to come for the delicious Southeast Asian–inspired dishes and stay for the drinks and vibe. Later that year, Rick Nelson of the Star Tribune gave me the title Maverick of the Year, and that’s when I truly felt I was Ann Ahmed. Not too Asian nor too American — just me.

Photography by Matt Lien

I have always wanted to own an eatery in Minneapolis, but I never would have thought that opportunity would arise during a global pandemic. Opening a restaurant was the last thing on my mind at that time, but I knew that if I wanted to see change that I needed to be a part of that change. I was hopeful for our city after the social uprising that followed George Floyd’s murder, and this would be a way to create jobs and help revive our industry. In October 2021, I opened Khâluna, named for the Buddhist teaching about compassion. During that time of collective struggle, I felt like we all needed to show one another some compassion.

My design inspiration for Khâluna was born out of the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home. Like most, I dreamt of tranquil beauty, nature and escape. My goal was to make guests feel like they’re on vacation by stimulating all their senses. Khâluna quickly became a destination experience, but without the long airport lines and TSA security checks.

I kept telling myself that Khâluna was the last restaurant I was going to open, but then another opportunity presented itself. My husband, Tarique, reminded me of my dream to create a restaurant heavily influenced by my Lao roots. I agreed to do a walk-through of the space, and it just spoke to me. I was immediately inspired by my favorite city in Laos, Luang Prabang. Gai Noi opened in Minneapolis’s Loring Park neighborhood last May, with an easygoing vibe that encourages guests to come as they are.

Photography by Matt Lien

I don’t like to be called an expert in Lao cuisine since I left my birth country at the age of two. I am still learning and am always searching for answers myself. What I want to share with guests is my interpretation of Lao food, why it’s important to me and how it’s part of who I am as a Lao American.

Every time I work on a new restaurant project, it becomes my obsession, just as cooking challenges me to create something more delicious than the last time. When a guest enjoys my food, it makes me feel worthy and needed — the exact opposite of that little girl who felt like she wasn’t wanted by her own mother. I’m slowly healing from my childhood trauma through cooking. It has been a bumpy journey — one filled with heartache, sorrow, mistakes and growth. But it’s my journey, and given the choice I’d do it all over again, because it led me to where I am today.

I started my first eatery solo, but oftentimes reaching your dreams requires being surrounded by people who believe in you. I started to feel that support when I met my husband. Up until that point, I felt destined to fail, just how everyone said I would. Tarique saw the exact opposite in me: a girl filled with hopes that he wanted to help make a reality. Learning to trust and accept help has allowed me to grow as a chef and as a person. Every single evolution I’ve experienced has strengthened my connection with my core and my foundation as a Laotian woman who grew up in the American Midwest.

Photography by Matt Lien

Throughout my career, I felt like I had to pick between growing my business and having children — that the two couldn’t go hand-in-hand. When I was 35, I chose to get pregnant with my twins and still focus on my work. I remember at one point I was cooking at the wok station and couldn’t reach the wok because my belly was in the way. I was so hormonal that I would sometimes lock myself in the employee bathroom and just cry. But those nine months flew by so quickly, and before I knew it, I had the cutest little faces to stare at. My now nine-year-old twins, Maxwell and Emma, are such a blessing. They gave me something I had been seeking for so long: a family of my own.

Choosing to have children and still run my restaurants has come with its own set of responsibilities and consequences. I have been told by women in my circle that I can’t do both — that I can’t be a great mother if I’m still working full-time, that it’s selfish to be away from my children, that I’m going to miss all the milestones in their lives. Of course, I feel guilty not being able to put my twins to bed every night, but I also know that I wouldn’t have been happy with myself if I had walked away from my restaurants to focus solely on my family. I am definitely not a traditional mom; instead, I’m charting my own path in parenthood. I only hope that my twins will appreciate this shared journey.

Now that I have my own children, I’m able to better understand the decision my mother made when she sent me away to live with my grandmother. Ever since I opened Lemon Grass, she has been my biggest supporter and has put my needs before her own without ever asking for anything in return. This is the love of a mother that I was not able to see until I became a mother myself.

Photography provided by Ann Ahmed

These days, I want to give my aging mother everything and share as many experiences with her as possible. That’s why our recent trip to Laos was so important to me. I know that she’s proud of me, but I wanted her to bask in the glory of her success in how I turned out, to experience firsthand her daughter being invited to cook Lao food for native Laotians at the luxurious Rosewood Luang Prabang resort. I am successful because of her.

Laos should feel foreign because I left as an infant, but for some reason it doesn’t feel that way. I remember returning to my birthplace when I was 29 years old and looking out the window as the plane descended upon the jungles, the mountains and the mighty Mekong River. When I first set foot outside the airport, it felt strangely comforting despite being so new to me. Traveling throughout Laos, I was mesmerized by its simple beauty and tranquility. These trips to my home country remind me to slow down, breathe and enjoy life’s small moments.

Before my recent dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang, I felt so anxious that my Lao cooking wouldn’t be authentic enough. Then when I saw the list of notable guests who would be in attendance, I fell down a rabbit hole of self-doubt and started to question myself as a chef: Am I Lao enough to cook this meal for all these important guests at a luxury hotel like the Rosewood? Am I skilled enough to represent myself as a Lao American?

Photography by Matt Lien

I had to remind myself that this invitation to be a guest chef at the Rosewood is one of the most honorable invitations of my career — to be able to showcase my skills as a Lao American chef at a luxury property in my home country. When Adrien, the hotel manager, invited me, I almost couldn’t believe they had chosen me for this experience. But he believed in me, and I wasn’t going to disappoint him. This opportunity aligned beautifully with who I am as a chef at the moment: I am a Lao refugee who fled her home country and is now returning to cook in her homeland with her mother and children in the audience. I was not going to let my trauma take this spotlight away from me.

Beforehand, I was also nervous about preparing the meal in a foreign kitchen and working with a completely different staff, especially since I’m not a super fluent Lao speaker. Most of all, I was worried they wouldn’t accept me as a Lao American presenting a non-traditional menu. But when I got there, I found a team of almost entirely women under the age of 30 who were so excited to work with me. They swarmed around me, trying to learn as much as possible during our few days together. I immediately felt inspired by these young women, and their curiosity to study my palate made me want to cook the best flavors for them.

The guest list for the evening was one of the most diverse audiences I’ve ever cooked for, including a group of friends from Napa, California, a lovely couple from Brazil, a foodie from Singapore, some native Laotians, a Minnesotan friend who now lives in Bangkok, and Khun Rena Udomkunnatum, owner of the Rosewood Luang Prabang. It was such an honor to cook for Rena and her friends. My biggest supporters were also amongst the diners, including my husband, my twins, my mother, my stepfather and my in-laws.

Photography by Matt Lien

The menu I curated was very close to my heart. My welcome bite was a special surprise for my mother: a wild fruit known as mak kall that’s her favorite food. It is such a treat to find thes purplish-blue delicacies at the morning market, because they are foraged in the wild from the tarow palm. I blended the mak kall’s creamy, silky flesh into sticky rice, then seasoned it with a hint of local cane sugar and lightly dusted it with young coconut meat and toasted sesame seeds.

Next, the first course was a quintessential trio of pun (wraps), followed by a Bangladeshi lamb curry that knocked everyone’s socks off. When the guests first saw this dish on the menu, many of them were confused: Why is a Lao American girl cooking Bangladeshi curry in Luang Prabang, Laos? In explaining the inspiration behind the dish, I shared my Bangladeshi love story with them.

In our lifetime, we have different points when we feel that our life begins again. For me, my life started when I met Tarique, which is why this dish is so important to me. My in-laws had very specific criteria for who was going to marry their son, and I didn’t meet any of those. So I did the one thing I know best to earn their acceptance: I cooked my way into their hearts.

Photography by Matt Lien

The third course was a Laotian feast featuring six different dishes, many of them inspired by my grandmother. The guests especially liked the knapp ped, grilled minced duck marinated with herbs and heavily seasoned with prickly ash from Xiangkhouang province. They commended me for not holding back; some of them were even a little shocked that a Lao American could deliver such bold, fearless flavors. For dessert, I gave the Rosewood chefs complete freedom. It was the perfect way to highlight their talents and close out the meal.

I went into that dinner with so much self-doubt, fearing that the guests would be underwhelmed with my style of Lao cooking. But the menu really helped me stay grounded to who I am. Once I started cooking, I felt more relaxed and confident that the diners were going to love the food, because everything came from the heart. This event was so special in so many ways, giving me a sense of connection and purpose that I didn’t know could exist.

Photography by Matt Lien

What is my truth? Cooking has helped me deal with my childhood trauma and has also allowed me to express wholeheartedly who I am. My apron is like a superhero cape — I feel so capable and strong when I’m in the kitchen. My truth is that I don’t need anyone’s approval to cook from my heart.

Over the years, my eateries have earned awards and accolades. Lat14 was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the Twin Cities. Khâluna was named one of the top 15 restaurants in the country and also earned James Beard restaurant and chef semifinalist honors. I still remember the morning last September when I found out that Gai Noi had been named one of America’s best new restaurants by The New York Times. I couldn’t believe I was being recognized with one of the highest honors in the industry.

Once I got over the initial shock, I was so proud that my team and I were finally being seen for all our hard work. Yet it was also a bittersweet moment: Of the many messages of congratulations I was receiving, none were from my aunts, uncles or cousins. In that moment, I felt like no matter how successful I am in the public eye, I will never receive that same recognition from my family. I fell back into the mindset that I’m not enough, that I need to work harder, that I need to accomplish more.

Photography by Matt Lien

But deep down, I know that I am enough. I am grateful for the love and support of my husband and my mother. I’ve done my best to accept that these types of validations aren’t expressed verbally in my family; instead, it’s how they show up for you. Despite our differences, my family has always shown up for me whenever I need them. They just won’t ever tell me how proud they are of me. I have made peace with that, but I hope this ends with my generation. I will make sure that my kids, nieces and nephews know how much we love them and how proud we are of them.

At the end of the day, I’m happiest when I’m cooking Lao food from memory and reliving that special time with my grandmother. Through cooking, I’m learning who I really am and understanding that I am loved, that I am enough. I now realize that I take up space and leave an impression when I exit the room. These are things I failed to see for so many years, because I was so consumed with self-doubt. That’s not completely gone, but I’m in a much better place now, with people and tools to support me. I also make sure I’m taking care of myself as much as I’m taking care of others.

My experience building and working in my restaurants has helped me realize I have earned my confidence and that the obstacles I have faced along the way have given me so much strength. I no longer need validation in everything that I do. Nearly 20 years and four successful restaurants later, I know that I’m capable and strong. I got this. And I’m not done yet.

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

Discover Ann Ahmed’s favorite Laotian restaurants around the world.

The post Chef Ann Ahmed’s Culinary Journey to Self-Discovery appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Photography by Spacecrafting

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Enjoy blooming gardens and larger-than-life floral installations throughout Galleria’s common spaces during the Galleria Floral Experience from March 24 to April 7. Visit galleriaedina.com to view the full collection of stores and to learn more.

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At BLACKOUT in Las Vegas, diners are blind to everything but the taste of their food. After locking up their phones and other personal effects, customers select a savory, spicy or sweet flavor profile from a mystery menu. A waiter wearing night goggles then escorts them into the pitch-black dining room, where they’ll enjoy a 90-minute, six-course meal they can’t see at all. Spoons clink, Champagne pops, and — if husband-and-wife owners Avraham Levi and Rachel Roberts-Levi have their way — taste buds are titillated like never before.

This may seem like a wild concept, but it’s part of a growing trend. “Consumers have emerged from the pandemic with a heightened demand for entertainment, spectacles and sensational experiences,” says Datassential trend forecaster Huy Do. And who can blame us? After years of living behind screens, who wouldn’t want to press pause on our phone and, say, sip a margarita in a cave full of stalactites, à la New York City’s La Caverna? And if your plate of seared scallops can be floated to you on a table-turned-river like at New Jersey’s Stone House, why settle for standard service? From sensory-rich meals served in complete darkness to 50-course tasting menus delivered with virtual reality hijinks, a new wave of immersive, multi-sensorial experiences is redefining the art of fine dining.

Photography provided by Rosewood Mayakoba

So what’s driving this craze? Gen Zers’ interest in the experiential, experts say. “Younger consumers use restaurants to reward themselves,” says Mintel food-service analyst Varchasvi Singh. “High-end experiential dining satisfies not only their need for novel, exciting experiences, but also their general curiosity about unique flavors, cuisines and their origins.” Add to that the fact that 70% of consumers are interested in multi-course meals and tasting menus, with nearly 60% saying they’re willing to pay more for these kinds of experiences, per a recent Datassential report, and you’ve got a full-blown fad.

Plus there’s science to back it up. The brain is intimately involved in our appreciation of food, according to late Yale neuroscientist Gordon Shepherd. Everything from plate color to background sounds impacts how we process taste. Lower pitched music, for example, can emphasize bitter flavors. Even chair softness has an effect. That’s why Eatrenalin in Germany combines an eight-course dinner with comfy floating chairs. Flavor is more potent when all our senses are triggered.

Photography provided by Umstead Hotel

Presentation also influences how we perceive food. A recent Ohio State study found that people enjoyed eating popcorn more with chopsticks than by hand and preferred the taste of water when sipping it out of an envelope or lapping it up like an animal (seriously). Concept restaurants lean into this, like the tiki-themed Tonga Room at Fairmont San Francisco, where you can dine alongside an indoor lagoon.

Lighting has a role, too. Rouge Room in Las Vegas plays into the “darkroom-core” aesthetic to influence how patrons feel upon entering the Parisian-themed eatery. A nocturnal atmosphere can trigger a visceral reaction, says color consultant Jennifer Guerin. “Red light is thought to stimulate hunger,” she notes. “It also evokes notions of sexiness and danger, so it can create a sense of intimacy.”

Photography provided by Rouge Room

And even virtual reality can influence our perceptions. A Cornell University study found that participants thought cheese tasted more pungent when savored in a (virtual) cow barn as compared to other settings.

As artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics and similar innovations continue to shape the culinary world in ever more inventive ways, experiential dining will no doubt give all of us lots of food for thought.

Explore our guide to the top experiential dining hot spots around the world.

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Photography by Spacecrafting

When it comes to real estate and flour milling, location is everything. Which is why, when a couple was looking for a brand-new condo in downtown Minneapolis, they set their sights on the Whitney Landmark Residences overlooking the Mississippi River in the Mill District. Originally built in 1879 by a team of top engineers, draftsmen and millwrights, the seven-story brick building set a new bar for industry design. Known as the Standard Mill, the innovative, light-filled structure reflected Minneapolis’s position as the epicenter of the global milling industry for several decades.

In 1987, the property was transformed into the luxurious Whitney Hotel — favored by celebrities like Elton John and Clint Eastwood — then eventually converted into condos in 2007. But of the 27 original units, only two raw adjacent shells on the seventh floor were available. Peppered with structural columns, mechanical and plumbing stacks, and other industrial remnants, the gritty 5,000-square-foot space was a far cry from a move-in-ready condo. And the client had recently remodeled a condo in Sarasota, Florida, so she’d sworn off renovation.

“I said I was never going to do that again,” she says with a laugh. “But as soon as I saw the brick walls and the views of the river, St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, I knew this was going to be my next project.”

An artist, the client has loved design and construction since childhood, when she helped her carpenter father draw up house plans. Based on her recent experience in Florida, she knew the renovation would require the gold standard of builders, architects, designers and artisans. Enter Streeter Custom Builder, whose team came in to examine the loft and identify the possibilities.

“Streeter is uniquely positioned to evaluate project potentials because of our vast experience crafting utopian environments for our clients,” says CEO/COO Bill Costello. “Senior Project Manager Ian Alderman and I were charmed by the historic elements, and we knew the design had to preserve those while also resolving the structural challenges. We introduced the clients to PKA Architecture founding principal and designer Gabriel Keller and architect Brent Nelson as well as Martin Patrick 3 cofounder and interior designer Greg Walsh, because we knew they would take them on an extraordinary journey. There’s nothing formulaic about their designs; each project feels fresh.”

Upon observing the 18-foot wood joist ceilings hewn from old-growth timber, the handmade bricks, the original glass windows, and the handcrafted metal hooks and pulleys, the design team was inspired to honor the legacy of the original West Side Milling District, a tight-knit community of metal, machine and woodworking shops that supported the area’s many mills.

“Materiality is always a key element of our designs, and with a historic renovation, it’s where the story begins,” says Nelson. “We were excited to work with Hurley Custom Cabinets, Islero Fabrication, Hennepin Made and GlassArt Design, because we knew these artisans would elevate the design and make the loft truly special.”

Just as the Mississippi River powered the mills, the client’s appreciation for artistry served as an incredible catalyst. She wanted the views to take center stage, so the designers oriented the entry on a window to create a dramatic sense of arrival. She also requested a balance of inviting public and intimate private spaces, so they divided the expansive residence with a gutsy steel mezzanine suspended from the structural columns. They created an open kitchen and dining/living area while tucking the guest bedrooms and an office/den beneath the mezzanine, which does double duty as both an art gallery and studio.

The clients have wonderful memories of living with their two young sons in England, Ireland and the Netherlands, so the team masterfully wove those experiences into the plan. When she requested a quiet, verdant space to grow plants, the designers looked across the pond to London, where Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace dazzled the world in 1851. Inspired by that innovation, the team conceived of a breathtaking solarium that brings nature into the top-floor loft. Crafted of steel and glass with a rhythmic pattern that nods to the Stone Arch Bridge, the space neatly frames the river and captures a remarkable spirit of place.

“As a team, we’re deeply rooted in Minneapolis, so we’re proud to have been entrusted with the transformation of this landmark space,” Walsh says. “We’re thrilled that the loft has been honored with design and architecture awards, but that was never our intent. For us, it was about working with our client to create a one-of-a-kind home that reflects her reverence for history and love of craft.”

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Photography by Laure Joliet

Sometimes the smallest homes can present the biggest opportunities. That was the case with this petite Spanish-style bungalow tucked into a very walkable West Hollywood neighborhood. Perfectly appointed and filled with effortless charm, the 1,600-square-foot retreat is packed with sunshine and embodies easy California living.

“When you have a small footprint, you can choose finishes and materials that cost slightly more than you might have spent if the house were much larger,” Minneapolis interior designer Martha Dayton points out. “We wanted this home to be cohesive but to have some playful moments, too.”

That playfulness starts outside the home, then works its way inside. That’s because from day one, the Minnesota-based client wanted to take full advantage of the outdoor living areas. “Since we don’t get to be outside year-round in Minnesota, it was important to prioritize the outside as much as the inside,” the owner says. “I really viewed the backyard as an extension of the interior spaces, so this is true indoor/outdoor living.”

To achieve this, not one but four sets of doors open onto an intimate terrace where dining, relaxing and reading take center stage. Crafted with help from Elizabeth Low of Elow Landscape Design and Build of Los Angeles, the space boasts a tidy garden area where raised beds are brimming with lush flora. “Because the yard is on the smaller side, our goal was to have a cohesive planting plan that would flow from the inside out,” Low explains. “Now, every window in the house looks out at something green.”

For vertical appeal, Dayton worked with Low to add tall black lattice panels along with lemon, lime and kumquat trees, which happily produce fresh fruit ready for the picking. Paired with drifts of lavender and white geraniums, the terrace has the feel of a secret garden, with a built-in stucco banquette for added seating.

But it’s the diminutive pool that sets the tone for these open-air rooms, with its vibrant custom-made cobalt blue tile from California Pottery & Tile Works. A ceramic fountain, meanwhile, adds a splash of Mediterranean chicness. “Honestly, this house just lends itself to having people over and spending time in the backyard,” says the owner. “I am happiest at dusk when the fireplace is on, the pool fountain is bubbling, and friends and family are sitting around.”

Of course, this style of effortless living is a hallmark of Martha Dayton Design, which brings a sense of functionality and finesse to every project, be it a renovation in South Minneapolis or a retreat south of the U.S. border. The award-winning team has spent the past two decades collaborating with builders and architects to create lasting homes that feel like sanctuaries.

The firm accomplished that in this bungalow by honoring the home’s original 1929 architecture. The plan was to build on the Craftsman aesthetic, adding rounded archways to bring in some softness. “We could see the structure had good bones, and we wanted to preserve that,” says Mark Caputo of boutique California builder Caputo Construction. “The house is very inviting — you walk in, and it’s like a jewel box. I have built bigger homes, but this one took just as much effort with all the same trades and finishes.”

You see this commitment to quality with the two custom-stained front doors, which make for a grand entrance indeed. Painstakingly hand carved in oak, the intricate motif speaks to the bungalow’s Mediterranean influences. The team worked closely with Arte de Mexico in North Hollywood to achieve this tour de force — one of the project’s great splurges. “The front doors are very elegant, with great Old World charm,” Caputo says. “Not what some would expect to see in this little gem of a house in West Hollywood.”

Once through the front door, it’s the organic texture of the flooring that greets you, seamlessly connecting one room to the next. Composed of custom-stained white oak, the handsome herringbone pattern comes courtesy of WD Flooring in Minneapolis. “The wood floor adds the necessary warmth since the walls are white (Benjamin Moore White Dove) and the windows are black,” Dayton explains. “The goal in the living and dining rooms was to create a space that could fit 10 people yet still feel open and welcoming.”

But perhaps the most joyous aspect inside the home is the lively ceramic tile found throughout. You’ll see this in the kitchen, where the island is dressed up in a graphic pattern of blue, gray and white (Walker Zanger Duquesa Fatima Mezzanotte). Ditto in the primary suite, where a spacious shower sports a powerful punch with crisp black-and-white tile (Country Floors Bavi 2). Carved into that shower tile is a last-minute transom window that brings in loads of natural light. No surprise, that little detail quickly became one of the most beloved features. “The client wanted a black-and-white bathroom, but we didn’t want it to go too cold, so having a custom-designed vanity made out of white oak was really important in the space,” Dayton adds.

To be sure, it’s the dozens of inspired design touches that make this home so enchanting — a cherished warm-weather escape where friends and family can sit back and indulge in some serious California dreaming. “Although the best part of this home is the outdoor living, there’s no question I love the entire house,” the owner says. “I love the ease of single-story living and the simplicity of a small house. It’s amazing how little space we need when it’s well thought out like this.”

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Photography by Spacecrafting

In this lakeside residence, the inspiration involved a greenhouse — a windowed conservatory where plants could flourish and warm light could flood in. That vision became a reality in the form of a glassed-in sanctuary with a serene sense of calm that’s now the heart of the home.

“In winter months, I love spending time in sunny, warm greenhouses, and I thought maybe I could recreate that at home on a smaller scale,” the client explains. “Initially, it was supposed to have a glass roof, but that posed a challenge with the hot and cold Minnesota seasons. We decided to turn it into a sunroom where we could still enjoy our greenery and have a sunny space come winter.”

This 11,000-square-foot residence is a study in contrasts: classic yet contemporary, bright but cozy. Inspired by the clean lines of homes in warmer climates, it’s a streamlined nod to the Floridian Mediterranean aesthetic. “The house is special in that it has a regal yet fresh and welcoming nature to the architecture,” explains Streeter Custom Builder co-owner Nate Wissink. “Its seamless connection to the landscape makes it feel holistic.”

One of those connections shows up in the soaring, three-story window wall that flanks an elegant staircase. With dramatic water views from every floor, the ethereal, open stairway gives the illusion that it’s floating. “We worked diligently with exacting detail on the artisan railing and mirrored wall panels adjacent to the staircase,” Wissink points out. “It allows the natural light from the window bank to reflect into the space, creating an additional dynamic.”

It is this kind of bespoke craftsmanship that sets Streeter Custom Builder apart. The Deephaven firm builds and renovates homes for the way clients want to live. The talented team does this by transforming raw materials like steel, stone and concrete into homes of distinction. Always at the heart of their work is a strong sense of collaboration, which is reflected in their long-standing relationships with top architects, designers and craftspeople.

In partnership with architect Andrea Swan, Streeter’s team worked closely with the clients to bring their dreams to life. One of the priorities was to develop an open living area combining the kitchen, dining room and living room. “This is the first project where I have created a layout like this for these high-trafficked, critical spaces, and it feels so right,” Swan says. “The dining room feels more like a library, with its warm walnut woodwork, and offers balance to the living room fireplace.”

Indeed, the openness of these rooms allows the parents to keep an eye on their three young girls while still creating a welcoming space where the whole family can be together. “We sit at the dining table for every meal and the kids do their homework and have snacks on the island while I’m making dinner,” the client says. “We also love having the fireplace on and lounging on the couch with the dogs.”

While interior designers are often relied upon to establish the decor direction for a project, in this case, it’s the homeowners who determined the overall look. “The clients had a distinct vision that drew on many aesthetics and traditions,” Swan observes. “They like contrasts like black and white but also balance and symmetry. It’s a yin-and-yang home.”

We see that push-pull in the kitchen with its refined palette. Grounding the room, a massive bank of black windows offers sweeping views of the property. Bookending both sides are two cream-colored cabinets that bring a pleasing sense of symmetry. Tucked nearby, a tidy pantry is perfectly organized with kitchen essentials, right down to the built-in coffeemaker. “We love turning on music and having dance parties, baking and cooking together, and hosting our family and friends,” the client shares.

In the primary suite, it’s all about quiet relaxation. A mélange of marble, mirror and painted wood makes for a spa-like white-on-white refuge. “We wanted the bedroom to be separate from the bathroom and closet area so that it would not interrupt sleep,” the owner explains. “Our favorite element is our heated bathtub, which remains a warm temperature for the entirety of the bath.”

Another favorite spot is the expansive lower level, which has been deftly designed for family fun. From here, you can sneak out to the sunken patio — an intimate space replete with a private fire pit and comfy chairs. Nearby, a two-tiered terrace is composed entirely of greenery. Designed by Travis Van Liere Studio, the lush garden frames the space and makes it feel like a secluded oasis.

Back inside, the lower level feels bright and cheerful, as two massive glass doors bring the outside in. “We didn’t want it to feel like a basement, so we opted for 10-foot ceilings with lots of natural light pouring into the space,” the owner notes. “This is where we watch movies, play in the sport court and arcade room, work out in the gym, and have cutthroat Ping-Pong competitions.”

Understandably, it’s during the warmer months that this lakeside residence comes alive. That’s when the various outdoor spaces capture the splendor of summer. “Whether relaxing in the screened porch with its automatic screens, sitting in the hot tub, lounging by the pool or playing in the expansive, flat backyard, there’s something for everyone,” says Wissink. “The best part of this project is seeing the clients’ vision come to life and creating a place for their family that will evolve with them as the years go by.”

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The clients — high-school sweethearts and busy professionals — decided to streamline their lives and buy on the lake, where they have spent many summer weeknights (including weekends on a boat that the couple kept nearby). “For four years, we hauled bags and coolers from the house to the car to the boat and back again, which got old,” the owner says.

Photography by Scott Amundson

After looking for a year, they found this property, with its remarkable natural features — including 135 feet of curving shoreline with a flat grassy area for lakeside games — and an unremarkable 1950s-era house. Fortunately, they were open to building. Though they appreciated their previous home’s Craftsman style, they wanted something brighter, with water views and open, casual rooms that flow easily inside and out for entertaining, recreation and everyday living.

The couple had another tall order: He is a former pro basketball player and stands at 6 feet, 8 inches tall. “I wanted tall ceilings, tall doorways, tall counters, tall everything!” he explains. “I didn’t want to duck to get through doorways or up the stairs.”

Strom delivered on both stature and style, designing a 7,220-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home that checks all the boxes for this fun-loving couple that often hosts friends and family. The front entrance begins with a heavy wooden door that opens to a Zen-inducing water vista and massive sliding glass doors offering seamless access to a lakeside deck.

On the main level, there’s an easy, open exchange between the kitchen, dining area and living room. Strom helped define each space through careful application of architectural features like ceiling height, windows and lighting. As a result, the layout feels comfortable for a large gathering or a quiet evening in.

A robust Pinterest board and ideas that the couple gleaned from attending home tours guided the interior spaces’ look and feel, marrying contemporary lines with warm Scandinavian design: steel windows, light wood tones, and clean-lined cabinetry and trim. A brawny black-tiled living room fireplace looks cool in the summer and provides warmth in the winter with the touch of a button — a welcome contrast to the frosty lake outside. The calm, quiet color palette throughout keeps with a Scandinavian sensibility and an understanding that here, the star of the show will always be the lake.

Strom encouraged the clients to create a few private living spaces in addition to the spacious entertaining areas, knowing that sometimes it’s good to get away. To that end, he bumped out one side of the house to create an office and placed a three-season porch on the other side behind the kitchen — both with lake views, of course. The couple is appreciative, explaining that “Jackson did a phenomenal job piecing off parts of the home for quiet space.”

A floating steel staircase with white oak treads has ample clearance — the basketball-playing owner could take a jump shot without bonking his head — and weightlessly connects all three floors, while a bank of windows distributes western light from the back of the residence.

Strom treated the lower level not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the abode, with a bar, family room, fitness room, sauna, and a guest suite and bunkroom for visitors. It reflects a focus on flow, which is the name of the game for this active couple. “We are in and out year-round — boating, swimming, and playing volleyball and yard games in the summer then snowmobiling and having outside fires in the winter,” the owner shares. Polished, heated cement floors are friendly to wet and cold feet, and there’s a mudroom, bench and half bath for lake traffic.

The clients take full advantage of all the amenities, even when it’s just the two of them. “My wife and I love being able to see the lake when we’re working out in the gym,” says the owner, referring to the floor-to-ceiling windows that make up one wall. They also use the lower level sauna almost daily, often jumping into the lake afterward for a cool plunge.

Less frequently used is a theater room they had requested early on. Placed above the garage, the space boasts reclining seating and surround-sound speakers — but the couple discovered that it takes a lot to pull themselves away from the lake view. They mostly watch TV in the living and family room instead.

Ensuring those vistas remained unobstructed was a priority, and windows were one of the bigger budget lines — a sensible investment, given the location. The team chose Marvin Modern for their slim profile and thermal control. “The look and performance of these windows will pay off in enjoyment and energy savings,” Strom notes.

The clients specifically requested a vaulted window in their second level bedroom so that they can wake up to big water and sky vistas. And because it’s the only room in the residence with a peaked ceiling, it feels dramatic and special.

The water has fulfilled its promise of fun and relaxation, and the owners can’t get enough. “We’re outside by the lake almost every day in some capacity, whether sitting on the dock or playing volleyball, bocce or badminton in the yard,” the owner says. “We are blessed with all the cool aspects that our home offers.”

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I’m at my neighborhood butcher shop, inquiring about the freshest cuts of meat. The friendly gentleman behind the counter patiently helps me decide, wraps up a steak then asks, “Special occasion?” It’s my dog’s birthday. I don’t even eat meat.

I’m not alone in spoiling my four-legged friend. A whopping 64% of us cook our pets a separate meal at least three times a week, according to recent OnePoll research. If that’s not dog math, I’m not sure what is.

I grew up in what we called an “animal family,” which meant that no matter how many pets we had, Mom would take in any stray she came across. Over the years, we had a chow chow named Chow, a pot-bellied pig, a ferret, countless other pups and a smattering of cats. But these weren’t pampered pets; they were more like backyard barn animals.

Oh, how times have changed. My mother and grandmother, who now live together and half-jokingly call each other sorority sisters, have just one pup: a feisty min pin/dachshund mix who lives better than I do. To them, Dudley isn’t a dog — he’s my brother. He gets Greek yogurt for breakfast, a Steak ’n Shake burger for lunch and cookies in between for being a good boy (boy, not dog). Meanwhile, my mother-in-law makes her own food from scratch (vet-approved, of course) for her beloved dachshund, Elsa, who lazes the days away in front of a fireplace.

My own senior pooch, a Lab/Australian shepherd named Delta Burke, has a subscription to the Farmer’s Dog, a service that delivers human-grade meals to our doorstep. My dinner, on the other hand, is usually a slice of pizza or some sad leftovers. I guess it’s safe to say that we’re still an animal family.

So when did our furry friends start eating like humans — only better? A 2019 Canadian Veterinary Journal study found that “most pet owners reported giving equal (53.1%) or more priority (43.6%) to buying healthy food for their pets compared with themselves.” As in: No, Fido, you take the last scoop of caviar.

Remember those Fancy Feast commercials with a white-gloved waiter revealing what must certainly be a gourmet meal? Instead, it’s a crystal dish piled high with — surprise! — cat food. Lori Richmond of Brooklyn, New York, emulates this in real life. Her blue Burmese, Mona, has an only-for-her pink crystal dish for her freeze-dried chicken as well as her own stroller, babydoll seat, doll crib and human toddler chair. Mona’s first birthday party was practically purrfect, complete with a tiny treat-filled piñata and glam gifts like a princess carriage and a pop-up play tent.

Illustration by Michael Iver Jacobsen

In Long Island, New York, Emily Cappiello feeds her Siberian husky, Dakota, whatever she’s having for dinner, off a dinner plate of her own: chicken, salmon, even caviar with crème fraîche and potato chips. Dakota also enjoys sushi, which Cappiello plops into the pooch’s mouth using chopsticks (obviously). “She’s here for a good time, not a long time,” Cappiello says of her pampered pup.

This raises a fair question: Is human fare actually better for our pets? Veterinary surgeon Cat Henstridge, known as Cat the Vet, has a hot take. “It’s extremely unlikely that home cooking all your pet’s meals will give them a balanced, healthy diet,” She explains. “My advice is to choose food made by a brand that employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, so you know they have the expertise to ensure their products are balanced and healthy.”

But that doesn’t mean it’s a faux paw to have a little foodie fun with our furry friends. Around the world, high-end hotels are cashing in on this craze. New York City’s luxe Mark Hotel boasts amenities like pet beds, dog bowls and its signature Woof Woof Kit with a collar, a to-go water dish, waste bags and other extras. But it’s the Spoiled Dog’s Menu that takes the cake. Curated by esteemed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the in-room dining offerings include the Healthy Bite (salmon with a cucumber, apple and spinach salad) and the Svelte Pup (hard-boiled eggs, steamed rice and mixed market vegetables).

If you think that’s rich, the five-star Egerton House Hotel in London hosts a doggie tea service in its posh dining room. The afternoon delights include chicken liver and beef meatloaf paired with peanut butter biscuits and carrot cupcakes. The dog-tini, meanwhile, is crafted with chicken consommé and garnished with a meat skewer.

And don’t forget dessert. Pupper Cup ice cream is made exclusively for pooches. This coconut-based sweet treat is swirled with ingredients like salmon, peanut butter and blueberries. Founder/CEO Kelly Crook admits she is typically less spoiled than her four-legged clients. “I’ll be roasting a wild-caught salmon fillet for Pupper Cup then go make a PB&J for myself,” she jokes. She really kicks it up a notch for holidays and other special occasions — think roasted filet mignon with carrots. Sign me up for that Christmas dinner!

So what’s the final verdict from our vet? “It’s absolutely fine to spoil your dog, and this sounds delicious enough for humans as well!” Henstridge concludes. “The occasional treat like this is a wonderful way to indulge them and share a lovely bonding experience.”

That’s all the pawsitive reinforcement I need. For Delta Burke’s next birthday, I’ll be treating her to a bacon Pupper Cup. But I draw the line at blowout bashes and over-the-top gifts — because she is a dog, after all. Just don’t tell her that.

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The post Are Our Pampered Pets Eating Better Than We Are? appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

A little backstory: In March 2021, family-owned jewelry retailer Gunderson’s acquired JB Hudson from Pohlad Companies, whose diverse business ventures span several sectors (including ownership of the Minnesota Twins). After the Minneapolis store closure, JB Hudson re-emerged in Wayzata, but under the Gunderson’s name. Gunderson’s President Breanne Demers candidly admits that clients were disheartened; they yearned for the JB Hudson they knew and loved.

Photography provided by JB Hudson

“There was never a plan to have JB Hudson go away,” Demers affirms. “We just wanted to make sure that when we re-launched we had it right.”

Behind the scenes, a deal with Galleria Edina was already in motion, and the team was bursting with excitement. The only problem? “We couldn’t announce it yet,” says Demers, who adds that their phones were ringing off the hook. “People were calling with requests to have their jewelry resized or repaired and didn’t want to bring it anywhere else in town.”

Years of anticipation crescendoed with the grand opening at the Galleria last November. The shop’s location was carefully chosen, nestled among premier brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. The community response was overwhelming. “We opened the doors to a line of people, and everyone was exchanging hugs and smiles,” Demers warmly recounts of the long-awaited reunion.

Photography provided by Armenta

While JB Hudson’s devoted following is strong, the Gunderson’s team’s unwavering passion for jewelry might just be stronger. “We are deeply rooted in this industry — it’s our sole focus,” Demers says. That commitment shines through in the revamped store. The open-concept space is bathed in natural light, with marbled display cases showcasing the finest jewelry and timepieces.

Fresh aesthetics aren’t the only thing to look forward to. Shoppers can also expect new exclusive lines unavailable anywhere else in Minnesota. Among them is Armenta, a women-owned and -operated artisanal brand offering handcrafted pieces for both men and women. Founder Emily Armenta uses ethically sourced materials such as mixed metals and colored gemstones to create designs brimming with personality and vintage charm.

Photography provided by JB Hudson

Another newcomer (and JB Hudson exclusive) is LAGOS. The brand’s baubles transcend classification, but one category stands out among the rest: cult-favorite caviar bracelets, famous for their roe-inspired beading and timeless shape. And true to a collector’s dream, there are endless styles to choose from — including classic takes in 18-karat gold or sterling silver as well as modern options with colored ceramic beading.

The new locale also features delightful modern touches. Case in point: Male clients can peruse a devoted section that the retailer has dubbed the Man Cave. “It’s an entire area of the store dedicated to men,” says Demers. “And it’s not just wedding bands and watches, but men’s fashion jewelry, too.”

Of course, watches remain a priority for the reimagined JB Hudson. Top Swiss brands Blancpain and Norqain join ranks with favorites like Omega, meaning there’s no shortage of luxury pieces available. Exclusive in-store events, such as the annual men’s watch gathering held at the former location, are also making a comeback — but they’re not limited to timepieces. Diamond enthusiasts can also look forward to happenings highlighting rare styles that aren’t regularly on display.

Although JB Hudson has certainly evolved since its debut in 1885, the team hasn’t strayed from its founding philosophy. They remain wholly devoted to offering Minnesotans the finest luxury jewelry, including access to exclusive designer lines. But some change is good, in this case. The beloved retailer’s subtle yet deliberate shift to embrace modern clients while retaining the loyalty of lifelong patrons is evident and admirable — a welcome fusion of old and new.

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