Home Archives | Artful Living Magazine https://artfulliving.com/category/home/ The Magazine of the North Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:14:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://artfulliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/favicon.jpg Home Archives | Artful Living Magazine https://artfulliving.com/category/home/ 32 32 184598046 Hot Property: 4889 E. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis https://artfulliving.com/hot-property-4889-e-lake-harriet-parkway-minneapolis/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:14:39 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53518 4889 E. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis $4,899,000 At A Glance Built in 2020 7,606 square feet 5 bedrooms 6 bathrooms Stunning Lake Harriet masterpiece designed by Chris Light, executed to perfection showcasing unparalleled views of the lake, bandshell and the Minneapolis skyline. Enjoy the world-class combination of timeless architecture and modern influences at every turn. […]

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Photography provided by Coldwell Banker Realty

4889 E. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis

$4,899,000

At A Glance

  • Built in 2020
  • 7,606 square feet
  • 5 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms

Stunning Lake Harriet masterpiece designed by Chris Light, executed to perfection showcasing unparalleled views of the lake, bandshell and the Minneapolis skyline. Enjoy the world-class combination of timeless architecture and modern influences at every turn. The open, flowing main level features a living room with doors that open to the front patio overlooking the water. Gourmet kitchen with two large center islands, oversized sink, high-end appliances, wine fridge, expansive prep-pantry with additional appliances, and formal and informal dining spaces. Upper level offers a large loft, laundry room and three bedrooms, including the primary suite with spa-like bathroom with heated floors, two walk-in closets, fireplace and private deck with long water views. The lower level features a family room with bar and beverage fridge, amusement room and two guest bedrooms. Additional features include main-level office with custom built-ins and gas fireplace, smart home technology, large fenced backyard with putting green, pickleball court, recreation space and private driveway. Attached heated four-car garage with mudroom and detached heated two-car garage. A rare find around the City Lakes system!


For more information, contact Jeffrey Dewing at 612-597-0424.

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Protected: Elevare Combines Authentic Comfort and Sophisticated Design in Minnetonka https://artfulliving.com/elevare-swanson-homes-luxury-living-minnetonka-2025/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:18:30 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53529 There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

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8 Chic Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Every Home Chef https://artfulliving.com/top-kitchen-gadgets-2025/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:54:40 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53452 All products featured on ArtfulLiving.com are independently selected by our editors. We may earn commission on items you choose to buy. Becoming a home chef doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires you to abandon the realms of perfection and lean into the spirit of curiosity, the inevitability of failure, and most of all, […]

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All products featured on ArtfulLiving.com are independently selected by our editors. We may earn commission on items you choose to buy.

Becoming a home chef doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires you to abandon the realms of perfection and lean into the spirit of curiosity, the inevitability of failure, and most of all, the world of mouthwatering flavor. As someone navigating their own journey, my tragic instinct while in the kitchen is to always work harder and not smarter, which usually ends in tears or my neighbors doing a wellness check — I may be yelling, but the chicken will never yell back. Personal issues aside, I’ve found that the most simple hack to make the adventure easier is investing in an arsenal of tools that spark joy and aid in getting the job done. These 8 chic, must-have gadgets will not only add style to your kitchen, they will ultimately elevate your home chef experience.


Photography provided by AnZa

AnZa Espresso Machine

To me, there’s nothing sexier in life than the luxury of pulling your own espresso shot at home. AnZa’s remarkably artful espresso machine is designed to keep the look of your countertop sleek while also making a quality and delicious drip. Any questions?


Photography provided by Food52

Rosti Mensura Scale

This one is for the bakers and those who dread pulling out those measuring cups. Built to measure both dry and wet ingredients, this Rosti scale can weigh up to 22 pounds and offers multiple six-unit calculation features. Warning: Once you’ve lived the scale life, you’ll never go back.


Photography provided by Caraway

Caraway Dutch Oven

Making things easier for yourself in the kitchen is not, and will never be, a crime. The art of slow cooking requires equal parts patience and trust, that you’ve set the dish you’re making up for success. This enameled Dutch oven by Caraway allows for a seamless transition from stovetop to oven, making it a one-pot diva.


Photography provided by Lulu and Georgia

Lulu and Georgia Julep Oil Cruet

If you’re keeping your olive oil in the vessel you purchased from the market, you’re doing it so wrong. Investing in a cruet allows you to flex your style game, add some personality to your countertop and free up space in your cabinets. Not only is this one from Lulu and Georgia playful, it’s dishwasher safe.


Photography provided by Dreamfarm

Dreamfarm Flucier Citrus Juicers

This one is for the haters who claim that hand juicers are a scam. Please put that lore to bed and snag one of Dreamfarm’s fabulous (and affordable) citrus juicers that does the trick so well and so fast, that it honestly feels like cheating.


Photography provided by Our Place

Our Place Cast Iron Pan

For anyone intimidated by using cast iron in the kitchen, Our Place is a great introduction to upping the cooking and flavor game of every stovetop dish. The brand’s range of cast iron products makes it a fool-proof journey for every user, and the enamel finish allows for an 8-in-1 multifunctionality.


Photography provided by Gohar

Gohar Mother-of-Pearl Spoon Set

Some might not consider serveware a gadget, but I’m here to debunk the skeptics with this chic set of caviar spoons by my favorite treasure-creating icons at Gohar. This mother-of-pearl set elevates every aperitif experience and is a charming addition to the hosting experience.


Photography provided by Saffron + Poe

Saffron + Poe Atlas Brass Pepper Grinder

A high-quality pepper grinder is a non-negotiable for every home chef. Each Saffron + Poe grinder is handcrafted in Greece with natural brass and classic adjustment settings. A big perk is that the finish will acquire a natural patina to remind you just how much you love using it.

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Designing a Wellness-Inspired Orono Oasis with Kolbe Windows & Doors https://artfulliving.com/kolbe-windows-orchard-creek-hillside-orono-home-2025/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:28:04 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53453 Set on more than eight acres bordering a wetland, this newly built modern home joins Gordon James’ private five-site residential development in Orono. As the third residence built in this exclusive neighborhood, it encompasses approximately 6,540-square-feet with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, an indoor sport court and dedicated wellness spaces, plus a chef-quality kitchen and dramatic […]

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Set on more than eight acres bordering a wetland, this newly built modern home joins Gordon James’ private five-site residential development in Orono. As the third residence built in this exclusive neighborhood, it encompasses approximately 6,540-square-feet with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, an indoor sport court and dedicated wellness spaces, plus a chef-quality kitchen and dramatic pool area for entertaining. Fondly dubbed Orchard Creek Hillside, the project was completed on an accelerated 10-month timeframe for the 2024 Summer Artisan Home Tour.

Photography by Mike McCaw and Michael Green / Spacecrafting

Modern, Museum-Quality Views

Custom designed for a family of five by Everson Architect principal Tommy Everson, the new home was inspired by another one of the architect’s completed projects in the development. “The clients saw the first house we designed in partnership with Gordon James, the Orchard Creek Overlook,” remembers Everson. “That house has more of a mountain modern architectural style and was designed to blend into the natural setting. The clients liked the setting and layout, but said they wanted an even more modern design.”

“In this home, it was more about the expansive use of space and views,” notes Everson. “We used Kolbe Windows & Doors. The large glass openings with narrow framing give it a museum quality, where the windows become the artwork and draw you into the dynamic views.” Jeremy Thompson, senior project manager at Gordon James, agrees. “The windows were a huge part of this house,” Thompson shares. “It’s no surprise that many people on the Artisan Home Tour commented on how great the windows looked and asked what brand they were.”

Approachable, Personalized Entry

While the Orchard Creek Hillside home is a picturesque portrait of modern design from every angle, the front façade of the house is intentionally understated. Distinctive, approachable and welcoming, the personalized nine-foot entry door was custom-crafted by Kolbe Windows & Doors. Composed of horizontal planes of walnut wood, the door’s boards align with the adjacent dark gray exterior siding. An expansive nine-foot window flanking the entry door provides a glimpse into the home and vast landscape beyond.

This statement window, like the rest of the Kolbe VistaLuxe WD LINE products in the residence, prioritizes the glass and views with minimal, narrow framing. On the exterior, the extruded aluminum is finished in onyx black. In the interior, the pine trim was also painted to match the modern color palette. Upon entering the home, a 15-foot window wall offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding wetland area and pool below. “The homeowners didn’t want to draw a lot of attention with a grand entry. Instead, they reserved the grandiose gesture for the back of the house,” shares Everson.

Dramatic Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living

The back of Orchard Creek Hillside showcases an ideal blend of indoor/outdoor living, touting a dramatic yet inviting outdoor pool area connected to the home by an open-air pavilion and an expansive all-aluminum framed multi-slide glass door. “We designed the core of the house around this door,” says Everson. “The pool is lined up exactly with the lower level’s windows and the multi-slide door. It’s a three-panel door system from Kolbe VistaLuxe AL LINE. It is a truly unique product, with such narrow framing and such a large opening.”

Before committing to Kolbe VistaLuxe products for their house, the homeowners visited Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities in Edina, which Everson notes was impactful for the homeowners. “The showroom is top notch,” he shares. “The people who work there understand more than just their products; they understand architecture. I don’t feel the need to accompany clients on every visit. I can just send our drawings ahead of time and know that our clients will be taken care of.” The gallery’s high level of service and high quality displays give homeowners the opportunity to see, feel and experience their options firsthand, which makes all the difference.

“Kolbe’s VistaLuxe lines have such a clean aesthetic. You can tell they were designed in collaboration with architects,” Everson says. He considers the Kolbe VistaLuxe AL multi-slide door a critical design element to the Orchard Creek Hillside project. “It’s all about the view and connection to the surrounding landscape,” he continues, reiterating the design priorities. “On the lower level, you look through the glass door, onto the pool and into the landscape beyond. When the door is closed, it looks so convincingly like a window that people on the Artisan tour didn’t realize they could open it.”

Wellness and Natural Light

Everson worked with the homeowners to extend the pool’s loungey vibe and wellness theme inside the home’s lower level. “Inspired by the health clubs they have frequented through the years, we created a spa on the lower level that includes a yoga studio, sauna, steam shower and a daybed area,” he explains. “These spaces are located around the corner from an indoor sport court. The spa area also has direct access to the pool and an adjacent hot tub. We kept all of these on the same level and connected to each other.”

Throughout both stories of the home, most rooms include at least one operable window or exterior door. The floor-to-ceiling windows are proportionally scaled with reference to the lower-level multi-slide door. Several window-sized modules were used to unify the glazing patterns throughout the house, establishing a hierarchy for various architectural elements.

“The front faces north, giving a calming, indirect light through the large openings,” Everson explains. “The back faces south, bringing a lot of direct light into the house. The south-facing interior’s floating glass staircase is anchored by a two-story chimney, connecting both levels. You are surrounded by glass and hardly notice anything other than the views because of the minimal window framing. Kolbe’s windows are a huge part of achieving that experience.”

Everson adds that the clerestory windows were also integral to the design, as the clients had requested vaulted ceilings in the living room. “They run east to west, where the sun angle tends to be lower, but their size and positioning helps control the amount and quality of light they let in,” he says. “Conceptually, they help articulate the white stucco banding that wraps the home’s exterior.”

 

Color, Comfort and Long Views

The undulating white stucco band provides a strong visual element for the home’s exterior, complimented by the window glazing and dark siding. Everson and the homeowners worked with Minnesota-born, California-based interior designer Nada Bibi to articulate the desired appearance of the interiors — a combination of a modern black-and-white palette with grayscale tones, natural wood and stone.

Indoor-outdoor comfort is extended from the main floor in the form of a covered outdoor deck accessible from the great room and the parents’ bedroom. “In Minnesota, we have a short pool season, so the deck offers outdoor space for other times of the year,” says Everson. “The floor of the deck provides shelter from the elements for the pavilion area and walkways below.”

“Where the lower level’s views draw you outside to the pool, the main floor is more about the long views,” continues Everson. “The windows and doors subtly frame views of the landscape and beyond into the wilderness. “When the light is just right outside, you can see a reflection of the house mirrored in the pool from the backyard.”

Complex Construction, Savvy Collaborators

As the senior project manager, Thompson is involved in almost every project by Gordon James. Addressing the Orchard Creek Hillside home’s 10-month construction schedule, he acknowledges: “A timeframe that quick is unheard of for a house of this size and complexity.”

While Gordon James works with many window and door manufacturers, Thompson emphasizes his positive experience with Kolbe on the Orchard Creek Hillside home. “Kolbe met the balance of the design that was needed to make the project work,” he says. “The Kolbe staff worked directly and seamlessly with the architect to put all the specifications together.” Accurate information and a smooth construction sequence were essential to the home’s on-time completion.

The pool was installed as soon as the framing was done in the fall of 2023. Windows and doors followed, with the installation completing soon after in November. With regard to the lower-level Kolbe VistaLuxe AL multi-slide door, he echoes the experience typical of Kolbe clients and collaborators: “Their installation was seamless.” What more can you ask for?

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Hot Property: 5125 Schaefer Road, Edina https://artfulliving.com/hot-property-5125-schaefer-road-edina/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:15:55 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53447 5125 Schaefer Road, Edina $2,995,000 This may be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build your dream home on flat acreage in prime West Edina. Well over two acres of play space and lawn with the beautiful privacy of a pond in the far corner of the property. This private lot allows you to set your new […]

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Photography provided by Coldwell Banker Realty

5125 Schaefer Road, Edina

$2,995,000

This may be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build your dream home on flat acreage in prime West Edina. Well over two acres of play space and lawn with the beautiful privacy of a pond in the far corner of the property. This private lot allows you to set your new home well away from the road frontage for privacy and still have plenty of room for spectacular backyard resort-style living. Open to any builder. Don’t miss this special parcel.


For more information, contact Steve Schmitz at 952-484-6045.

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Charles Stinson Designs a Sonoran Desert Midcentury Beauty https://artfulliving.com/charles-stinson-architect-desert-home/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:08:37 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53091 In the Sonoran Desert, architecture becomes more than just design; it becomes a conversation with the elements. Heat is relentless, light sculpts every surface and the vastness of the landscape demands humility. For architect Charles Stinson, this environment isn’t a challenge to conquer but a partner to embrace. “The desert demands honesty,” Stinson reflects. Situated […]

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In the Sonoran Desert, architecture becomes more than just design; it becomes a conversation with the elements. Heat is relentless, light sculpts every surface and the vastness of the landscape demands humility. For architect Charles Stinson, this environment isn’t a challenge to conquer but a partner to embrace. “The desert demands honesty,” Stinson reflects. Situated near northern Scottsdale, this 4,980-square-foot sanctuary of breezeways and soft light epitomizes Stinson’s architectural approach: working with the land to frame the beauty, not compete with it. “You don’t fight the desert; you celebrate it,” he adds. “As humans, we need to feel that connection with nature.”

Photography by Corey Gaffer

Nestled against a golden granite rock formation, the home is perched on a platform above a serpentine retaining wall. Stinson and local custom homebuilder Jim Manship intentionally built the perimeter with a tri-fold purpose of sustainably channeling rainwater during monsoons, preserving the natural landscape as much as possible and guiding visitors up a sculptural walkway that wraps around the home. This fluid geometry harmonizes with Stinson’s signature vertical and horizontal planes, creating a visual tension that feels both organic and thoughtful. “It’s a balance between wild nature and the order of man-made forms,” explains the architect. Even the roof lines terrace backward so the architecture flows with the site and keeps the structure from feeling pretentious.

Once inside, the house unfolds like a journey through the desert itself. You’re greeted by panoramic vistas of the valley below, Pinnacle Peak to one side and towering rock formations on the other. The main level is elevated for optimal views, featuring a great room with soaring clerestory windows that flood the space with natural light while the kitchen overlooks a garden of native boulders and agave, with no upper cabinetry to spoil the view. The dining area boasts a beautiful, transparent wine display that anchors the space while echoing the clarity of the desert. Every perspective is perfectly framed, whether it’s the watercolor hues of a sunset or the shadow of an ancient saguaro stretching across the desert floor.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls slide away to dissolve the boundaries between the main level and the outside. The soaring deck is outfitted for comfortable living, including built-in heaters, a lounge area complete with a fireplace and television, and a kitchen and bar with casual counter seating plus a more formal dining space. The infinity pool connects the communal area to the primary suite, and its unique geometric shape allows the homeowners (and their beloved dog) to each get their laps in. Once toweled off, the clients’ golf game gets an easy tune-up thanks to the attached putting green — a nod to Stinson’s commitment to tailoring each project to a client’s personal lifestyle. Generous overhangs, a hallmark of the award-winning architect, provide respite from the desert sun and help frame the views even when you’re outside the confines of the interiors.

Upstairs, a guest suite offers sweeping views of the valley, while another downstairs suite is tucked into the hillside, gazing out at a desert garden that incorporates restorative plantings, such as yucca, barrel cactus and agave. “Each room has a dramatic, unique perspective,” Stinson notes. “It’s about embracing the site and letting the architecture serve the experience.” Each guest room also includes a private terrace, offering moments of solitude. Despite its modest footprint, the home feels expansive, thanks to its seamless connection to the outdoors and Stinson’s ability to capture natural light in every single space, particularly in places most wouldn’t even consider, like underneath the stairwell or at the end of a hallway. “This house has everything you need and nothing you don’t,” adds Senior Project Manager Chuck Thiss. Even the details are imbued with purpose: The great room transforms effortlessly into an entertaining haven, with a concealed television above the fireplace that slides into view when needed. A hidden elevator ensures years-long comfort for all, and down the hall, a modern reinterpretation of a pocket door reveals a hidden office, where floating walnut shelves and built-in cabinetry mimic the sleek, 90-degree angles of the architecture.

Stinson and the clients collaborated with local interior designer David Michael Miller to craft a space that feels as clean and modern as it does warm and inviting. “The biggest difference is what the clients bring to the project,” remarks Thiss. In this case, a curated collection of midcentury modern furniture and artwork that play beautifully against the open canvas of Stinson’s architecture. Elegantly curved dining chairs made of natural fibers accompany an oval table and an origami-inspired steel pendant, softening the angular details of the main level. Blonde-hued white oak floors, European white oak wall paneling and Hemlock fir plank ceilings create a sense of intimacy among the desert’s vastness.

The team took care to balance these natural materials so they wouldn’t feel overbearing. The wall panels have sleeker dimensions, for example, and much of the wood is offset by white melamine and quartzite countertops to exude a midcentury influence while maintaining modern flavor. It all comes together with warmly tinted limestone spanning both the interior and exterior that echoes back to the rock formations while brightening the dark wood tones.

Though Minnesota-based, Stinson’s firm is well-versed in designing across the country. Many of these homes start as vacation retreats but — as the homebuilding process evolves, the deft integration of life and style ultimately hastens the property’s transition from second home into the clients’ primary residence. “The whole idea of building in different geographies is to embrace the local area,” says Stinson. In the desert, his modern designs become even more distilled and deliberate. His signature lies in the seamless interplay between rugged natural forms and the clean precision of his architecture. “The desert has its own rhythm [from the Midwest],” he says. “Every season brings something different, whether it’s the light, the colors or the scents.” In Stinson’s hands, the best designs are those that respect the land, celebrate its spirit and remind us of our place within it.

Architect: Charles Stinson Architecture + Design
Builder: Manship Builders
Interior Designer: David Michael Miller Associates

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

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Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat https://artfulliving.com/unfold-architecture-lake-odowd-retreat/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:07:49 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53089 What appears to be a modest one-story house sits at the end of a wooded driveway near Lake O’Dowd. But looks can be deceiving — and surprising. Thanks to an astute design by architects Mike Gray and Greg Vose of Unfold Architecture, this “modest” abode is actually a palatial 6,866-square-foot residence that melts into the […]

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What appears to be a modest one-story house sits at the end of a wooded driveway near Lake O’Dowd. But looks can be deceiving — and surprising. Thanks to an astute design by architects Mike Gray and Greg Vose of Unfold Architecture, this “modest” abode is actually a palatial 6,866-square-foot residence that melts into the landscape.

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

Photography by Lauren Gryniewski, Round Three Photography

It was love at first sight for Paul and AJ when they first saw the empty lot in 2021. At the time, the couple was living in Linden Hills with their three young children, and as much as they liked the neighborhood, they wanted to be closer to nature so the kids could grow up exploring the woods. A cabin wasn’t a good option because the couple have busy careers and sometimes work on weekends. So they started searching for lake properties close to the metro and found this two-plus acre lot at The Peninsula at Lake O’Dowd in Shakopee — a Sustainable 9 Design + Build community.

AJ recalls their first visit. “We walked the property on a snowy day, and it was so peaceful and pretty among the trees. We looked at each other and said, ‘This will do.’” The couple’s decision was made easier because they had already worked with Sustainable 9 on their previous house and found the experience enjoyable. “They run it like a friendly family business,” AJ says.

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

The couple appreciates midcentury architecture, especially the emphasis on natural materials, indoor-outdoor connection and site-integrated design, where the home’s shape and size reflect the contours of the existing landscape. This meant working with the grade, a gentle slope toward the lake that suggested a walkout. Respecting the grade is also why the front of the house features a bridge from the driveway to the front entry and what appears to be a floating porch (actually built on concrete piers). Both seem to hover above the slope, explains architect Mike Gray. “The home is designed to sit lightly on the land. Simple gestures like crossing the bridge or allowing light and air to flow beneath the screen porch underscore this intentional connection to the site.”

At the same time, the couple needed space for their family of five — an open kitchen/dining and living room for everyday efficiency, five bedrooms and baths, and easy access to the outdoors so the kids could exercise, explore and run their imaginations all year round. This was the impetus behind their request for a large porch and indoor sports court — places for ​the whole family to get fresh air and move regardless of the weather.

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

Sustainability was front of mind, too. “We were both influenced by a book a friend gave us called Building a Sustainable Home by Melissa Rappaport Schifman,” Paul says. “It lays out a pretty compelling case for the financial, health and social benefits of greener building with guidance on the costs and benefits of various measures.” The couple was in good hands with Sustainable 9 Design + Build, whose primary focus for the past 20 years has been designing and building energy-efficient and healthy homes. In fact, the entire Peninsula at Lake O’Dowd development is sustainable — from tree preservation and lake setbacks that protect the ecosystem to the materials and systems used in the community’s 14 homes. “We know our approach to sustainable development appeals to a lot of people because these lots sold quickly,” says Chad Hanson, a partner at Sustainable 9.

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

This home meets the highest standards of green building without compromising one ounce of style, comfort or performance. The triple pane windows are enormous and gorgeous, the geothermal heating and cooling system keeps the house perfectly warm or cool at a fraction of the cost, and the solar roof is ready for panels, so the house could go off-grid if desired. But it doesn’t stop there. The air inside is healthier, too, because the paints, fabrics and other materials in this house don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can release harmful chemicals. The appliances and mechanical systems are all-electric, and the low-flow plumbing fixtures save water without making bathers feel deprived. Green building has come a long way, says Hanson. “Homeowners no longer have to compromise. These systems are superior to what is typically included in a ‘code built’ home with lower energy bills, comfortable indoor temperatures and cleaner air. We anticipate many of these systems, finishes and techniques will become code in five to 10 years.”

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

All of these green features are felt and breathed more than seen, as they should be, allowing the beautiful red oak woodwork, lake and woods views, and splashes of midcentury style (terrazzo floors, a brick fireplace, a mono stringer staircase) to shine. Sustainable 9 Senior Interior Designer Elizabeth Welsh worked with Paul and AJ to source local materials from DWELL 44 Modern Design Showroom located in St. Louis Park to make the house comfortable and unique to their taste with pops of atomic-era color throughout.

One surprise on the main floor is a wood-wrapped den with wool carpeting, a window seat and soundproofed walls — a place for the couple’s turntable, record collection and books. “Paul and I hang out here after the kids are in bed. We listen to music and envision retreating here when they’re teenagers and take over the house!” AJ says, laughing. It’s a secret room hiding in plain sight. From the living room, it looks like an unbroken wall of red oak paneling, but it disguises a door that pivots into the room — a sophisticated and playful touch.

Artful Living | Unfold Architecture and Sustainable 9 Build a Quiet-Natured Retreat

Another unexpected room in the house is a huge screen porch off to the side. ​More like a secondary family room with infrared ceiling heaters, a wood-burning fireplace and a ping-pong table, it’s a way for the family to get outside with protection from the elements — hot sun, rain or snow. “It’s the largest screen porch we’ve ever built,” Hanson says. The size reflects the value the couple place on being outside in nature. The porch was one of their top priorities. “Taking in fresh air, even for 20 minutes, makes us feel better physically and mentally. Sometimes, as adults, we don’t get that,” Paul says.

When the family’s not outside, you might find them on the lower-level sport court (another surprise for visitors because it’s daylit and not visible from the front of the house) having relays, hosting Harry Potter tea parties, shooting baskets or playing pickleball. “We are amazed at how Unfold took our vague ideas and the ‘feeling’ we wanted here and made it a reality,” AJ says. “It was great to work with S9 again and see how they’ve expanded and retained the same close family feel. Even Chad’s parents helped out. We love that.”

Architect: Unfold Architecture
Builder: Sustainable 9 Design + Build
Interior Designer: Sustainable 9 Design + Build

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

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Streeter Crafts a Classic Colonial with a Contemporary Edge https://artfulliving.com/streeter-custom-builder-contemporary-colonial-home/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:07:18 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53087 “We wanted to build a new home with an old soul,” shares Julie Lindemann, senior project manager at Streeter Custom Builder. Her team tapped Murphy & Co. Design and Prospect Refuge Studio, both known for their classic, yet unique approaches to home to establish a masterclass in balance. Crisp lines meet inviting curves. Personality complements […]

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“We wanted to build a new home with an old soul,” shares Julie Lindemann, senior project manager at Streeter Custom Builder. Her team tapped Murphy & Co. Design and Prospect Refuge Studio, both known for their classic, yet unique approaches to home to establish a masterclass in balance. Crisp lines meet inviting curves. Personality complements livability. And classicism finds its contemporary edge. The design journey began in 2019. Shortly after the work started, the family moved temporarily to Spain. Upon the clients’ homecoming, the team quickly picked up the project with a resurgence in energy and renewed commitment to creating a curated, comfortable landing pad for the family.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

Photography by Eric Petschek

From the outset, the team worked within the historic style of the neighborhood to ensure the new house would harmonize with its surroundings. There’s a certain sensibility to the painted brick and shingle-style exterior, warmed up with a palette of soft white, deep blue and cedar that sets the stage for what’s inside. “Designing a house in a more traditional neighborhood that could feel fresh and new, while not standing out from the surrounding homes was a fun challenge,” adds Blake Solberg, principal and lead designer at Murphy & Co. Design.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

Throughout the process, the team embraced a conceptual approach to ground themselves in what was basically a blank canvas issued by the clients. The defining concept: a white button-down shirt. “It was something the clients mentioned, and it stuck with us. They were the muse,” says Founder and Design Director of Prospect Refuge Studio Victoria Sass. A white button-down can be classic and tailored — or playful and undone. It’s a foundational piece that supports everything else. The result is a home that feels at once timeless and entirely personal, where tradition and modernity coexist with ease.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

This beautiful balance is immediately evident upon entry. The foyer’s marble flooring is a work of art in itself; individual slabs fabricated and installed one by one create a geometric inlay that sets the stage for refined applications found throughout. Stepping further into the space, one enters the formal living room, which is enlivened with hints of playfulness. Colonial-style Marvin windows skew traditional, but their floor-to-ceiling scale gives them a modern twist. Intricate cove detailing wraps around the ceiling — an unexpected alternative to traditional crown molding which nods to classical proportions. And a nostalgic, open-hearth Isokern fireplace gets a facelift thanks to the raised travertine hearth. The home office is just a step past the fire, where the team worked with Braaten Creative Woods to give the built-in cabinetry a more updated feel, featuring open shelving, limited face frames and pared-back hardware — a sophisticated design choice that’s peppered throughout the plans.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

It’s one thing to dream up these creative ideas; it’s another to execute them. And that’s where Streeter’s unyielding focus and commitment to building excellence separates its homes from others. Streeter’s tenured team of framers and trim carpenters achieve a level of craftsmanship which is unique in the industry. The visionary team is masterful in their craft and approach their work with unparalleled knowledge, execution and passion. “It’s about doing the smallest things at the highest level,” says Lindemann. The staircase, a striking example of the home’s craftsmanship, posed a unique challenge. “The clients didn’t want to see drywall at the underside of the stairs, so we asked ourselves, ‘how do we elevate it?’” she recalls. Her team’s stunning response was a fully custom staircase wrapped in white oak. The continuous panel softens the architecture while reinforcing the home’s detail-driven approach.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

Curvature meets contrast in the kitchen. The industrial-style range hood is constructed from double-layered frosted glass, and its clean profile is met with curved metal to accommodate the cove ceiling. “That type of interaction is where Streeter shines,” adds Solberg. The kitchen is a buzzing area that needs to work hard for the young family. A window bank over the sink frames the creek beyond, a view that dictates much of the layout. Prioritizing openness and functionality, the team chose to forego upper cabinetry in favor of storage-packed lower cabinets and an island that feels more like a found piece of furniture than a typical prep space. A small table extends from the island, encouraging the kids to pull up a chair in the heart of the home.

Artful Living | Streeter Custom Builder Crafts a Classic Colonial with Contemporary Edge

“At its core, this is a family home,” echoes Lindemann. Within the 10,000-square-foot space, the homeowners were determined to carve out smaller hangout areas. A 370-square-foot room just off the kitchen — dubbed “the cozy room” — became a game of inches for the design team. “Isn’t that human nature?” Sass smiles. “We just want to be snug.” The team expertly delivered a space with a dedicated eating area, lounge spot and access to the patio, with beautiful details like wrap-around bookcases and custom tilework. Upstairs, all the family bedrooms are arranged around a central hub, a space for togetherness at the heart of daily life. A kid’s lounge room is tucked between the primary suite and the kids’ rooms, providing an informal place to perch during busy mornings and end-of-day unwinding. Downstairs is dedicated to family, too, with a sport court, family and game room, craft room, and a guest suite plus a sauna. The lower level connects to the sprawling backyard, boasting old-growth trees the neighborhood is known for, plus a pool and water access. From the back, this new era of traditionalism is also evident; gabled roofs and traditional balcony details are contrasted by large expanses of glass and flat roofing over “the cozy room” and screened front porch, which are topped off with vegetation for a fun design element.

The success of the project hinged on collaboration and trust. “The clients were incredibly open from the beginning,” the team shares. That paved the way for a particularly artful approach in the dining room, where Sass worked with artist Ginny Sims on a custom mural. She added in personal touches, like a view of Barcelona from the family’s time abroad. “Their trust allowed us to push the boundaries and elevate the home beyond what they could have imagined,” says Lindemann. And like the best white button-down, the end result is effortlessly chic, infinitely versatile and always in style.

Builder: Streeter Custom Builder
Architect: Murphy & Co. Design
Interior Designer: Prospect Refuge Studio

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

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The Guide: Everything’s Coming Up Roses This Spring https://artfulliving.com/the-guide-spring-2025/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:06:24 +0000 https://artfulliving.com/?p=53049 Nothing reignites our desire to host quite like the seasonal shift from freezing temperatures to balmy light-jacket weather. Which makes spring the perfect time to infuse your hosting arsenal with elegant and unique picks that will amp up you home decor and set your tablescapes apart. From darling appliances to gleaming glassware, our spring Guide is […]

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Nothing reignites our desire to host quite like the seasonal shift from freezing temperatures to balmy light-jacket weather. Which makes spring the perfect time to infuse your hosting arsenal with elegant and unique picks that will amp up you home decor and set your tablescapes apart. From darling appliances to gleaming glassware, our spring Guide is filled with fresh picks that are blooming with style.


Photography by Bo Carlock / Spacecrafting

Crate & Barrel Edge 5 oz. Champagne Glass, $14.95


Raawii Strøm Jug, Design Within Reach, $99     Ampersand Pink Rose Bouquet, $22     The Book of Rosé: The Provençal Vineyard That Revolutionized Rosé By Whispering Angel and Château D’Esclans, Barnes & Noble, $75     Ginori 1735 Porpora Dessert Plate in Oriente Italiano, Ampersand, $137


Pottery Barn Mason Oversized Linen Napkin in Dusty Rose, $12     Williams Sonoma Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Bowls in Pink, $35 each     SMEG 2-Slice Toaster in Pink, Crate & Barrel, $199.95


Parachute Canopy Recycled Glass Tumbler Set, $50


Chocolate Moonshine Co. Hand-Painted Pink Champagne Truffle Bars, $34.95     Fortnum & Mason Rose Pouchong Loose Leaf Tea, Williams Sonoma, $39.95

Shop featured Galleria stores: AmpersandBarnes & NobleChocolate Moonshine Co.Crate & BarrelDesign Within ReachParachutePottery BarnWilliams Sonoma

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

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post The Guide: Everything’s Coming Up Roses This Spring appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

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