2017 ASID MN Showcase Home

You could say that this year’s Mpls.St.Paul Magazine ASID MN Showcase Home is a product of fate. The homeowners were driving around, looking at open houses one weekend, when they got lost. “By happenstance we ran into this empty lot that was for sale,” they recall of the Bohn’s Point property on Lake Minnetonka. “Once we stepped foot on the land, we instantly had decades of memories. We knew this is where we had to be and where we wanted to live.”

A house in Minnesota, however, was not always in the plans. The young husband and wife grew up and have lived on the East and West coasts, and it wasn’t until a trip to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis—the homeowner refers to himself as “an avid fan and player” of the sport—that they fell in love with the Twin Cities’ central location, culture, and open space. They lived in The Carlyle in downtown Minneapolis for a few years, but with the arrival of their first baby this past summer, it was time to find a space they could grow into. 

Enlisting John Kraemer & Sons as the builder and Sharratt Design & Company as the architect, they got to work crafting plans for a 13,000-square-foot home. The project was already underway when the opportunity to be this year’s Mpls.St.Paul ASID MN Showcase Home was presented, adding 25 interior designers to the mix. “Typically our projects have one interior designer on them, so working with 25 different people with different styles and different processes and different tastes is really unique and challenging, but very fun at the same time,” John Kraemer says.

Another hurdle was the truncated timeline. This is the first time in the Showcase Home’s 20-year history that the house is new construction, and a house of this size typically takes 14 to 16 months to complete. “We’re doing it in 11,” Kraemer says. “We like a challenge.”

The homeowners were also up for the task, applying a heavy hand in swift decision-making while also relying on the professionals to guide them through the process. “It’s tough because we’ve been very nomadic. It’s only recently that we decided to have a ‘headquarters’ for the next couple of decades,” the homeowners say. “So when they were asking us, ‘What’s your typical routine like?,’ well, it changes every year depending on the place we’re in, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what we want. We took pages and pages of notes from living in different places, saying, ‘This is something we would do again, this is what we wouldn’t,’ so when we met with the team, they had a general idea of what we were thinking.”

The client wanted to build their ‘forever’ home to grow into. It's really set up for future living.”  

— John Kraemer, Builder, John Kraemer & Sons

The result is a home made for entertaining. Six bedrooms sit ready to host the homeowners’ families and friends, while a 14-foot-long kitchen island makes for the perfect place to gather during meal preps. Some of the other special features include a wine room, movie theater, and roof deck overlooking the lake—all created with a cool, calm color palette of blues, greens, and neutrals for the water-loving homeowners. “The aesthetic of the home is not identified to a particular period of time or a mere repetition of a particular historical style—nor should it be,” says architect Michael Sharratt of the home’s mix of European and modern influences, reflected in elements like the stucco exterior, traditional cabinetry, beamed ceilings, and crown moldings. “The design refers to past historical appearances, and details reflect current best industry practices.” 

The homeowners, too, are hesitant to pinpoint one word to describe the home—it’s been called everything from a “chateau on Lake Minnetonka” to “updated transitional” to “open concept”—but they tried to inject whimsical details wherever possible. “I don’t think our house will feel mismatched, but every area is its own thing,” the homeowners say. “Our relationship and our lives have been very unique and different, and it’s reflected in the style of home we picked. It’s just us.”

Want to see the Mpls.St.Paul ASID MN Showcase Home for yourself? Get tickets for the tour!

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Showcase Style

Step inside these spaces created by local interior designers who share their secrets to getting the timeless looks.

Great Room

Impressive architecture is warmed with shapely furniture and accents. 

Envisioned as a grand space or entertaining, the great room makes an architectural statement with its high vaulted ceiling, two-story windows, and Twin City Fireplace & Stone fireplace with a dramatic two-story mantle (a nod to Harry Potter) by François & Co. To make the room also feel warm, cozy, and functional for the homeowners, the designers infused the room with soft curves and pops of color, like the tall, blue-painted chairs that flank the fireplace. Blue fabric and paint are references to the water, the designers say. “The homeowners wanted the feel of a home on the water without any nautical clichés.” 

Tips from the design team:

• Create a conversation zone. Most people are not comfortable talking with someone seated more than 12 feet away. 
• Keep the entry open. Don’t block the main entry with a large piece of furniture that needs to be circumnavigated to sit down.This says, “Do not enter.”
• Think about scale. In a room with tall ceilings, be sure there are a few pieces of furniture with height to create a visual balance. 

Bonnie Birnbaum, ASID, Bonnie Birnbaum Interiors, 612-803-8120

Diane Lumpkin, Allied ASID, Diane Lumpkin Design, 612-414-3529, dianelumpkindesign.com

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Grand Entrance

Gold finishes and design details combine in the powder room, foyer, stairway, and hallway. 

Working with smaller spaces, designer Lisa Ball focused on interesting details and finishes to bring the powder room, foyer, stairway, and hallway to life. Since these transitional areas open to other spaces in the home, Ball chose materials that are classic but not too formal. A gold Broche light and gold leaf mirror pop against a backdrop of a gray damask-patterned wallcovering painted on brushed cotton in the powder room, while a dark-stained French armoire makes a statement in the foyer. The transitional runner rug on the stairs has a triangle pattern that is family-friendly and stylish for today. 

Tips from the design team:

• Mix warm and cool colors (like gray and gold in this space) to create interest and vibrancy. 
• Layer up. Wallpaper in small spaces adds depth and personality. 

Lisa Ball, Allied ASID, Design by Lisa, 952-261-2027, designbylisa.com

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Dining & Sitting Room

Distinctive patterns liven up these livable spaces. 

The look of the dining and sitting rooms is sophisticated and fresh but also family-friendly, with wipeable faux leather chairs and a leather ottoman, perfect for putting your feet up or building a LEGO kit. For impact in the dining room—a space with virtually no walls—the designers chose Schumacher’s iconic Singeries wallpaper depicting fashionably dressed monkeys to make the space memorable. The homeowners “have a great sense of humor and a lighthearted view of how their home should look and feel,” the designers say. Across the hallway in the sitting room, a blue color scheme was given a lively spirit with touches of green to reflect the dining room design.  

“The light has beautiful, strong undulating lines; it’s both masculine and feminine.” — designer Keri Olson 

Tips from the design team:

• Get inspired. A piece of art, rug, wallcovering, or family heirloom can inform a room’s design. 
• Use pattern to help move your eye around the room. 
• Add whimsical touches. If a fabric, wallcovering, light fixture, or color makes you smile, you’re doing something right! 

Keri Olson, Allied ASID, KOR Interior Design, 651-230-6642, korinteriordesign.com

Kimberly Herrick, ASID, Herrick Design Group, 952-220-5958, herrickdesigngroup.com

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Kitchen

Serving up natural light and fresh colors in the heart of the home. 

As the heart of the home, the kitchen and adjoining hard-working rooms needed materials that could take the wear of everyday use while also being stylish. Keeping in mind the homeowners’ love of light and fresh colors, the designers crafted welcoming spaces for entertaining by using blue and green hues, some unexpected surprises—like pooch wallpaper in the dog’s room—and a touch of glamour, as reflected in the kitchen’s antique chandelier painted a bold blue and the prep kitchen’s pressed tin metallic ceiling. The result is a collection of spaces that blend old and new with modern and traditional.

“Understanding the client’s specific baking, cooking, and entertaining needs helps us create a win at the finish.” — designer Christine Frisk

Tips from the design team:

• Form a plan. Spend time upfront mapping out your design goals for a space. Think about how you will use these spaces to guide decisions. 
• Measure up. Be mindful of the scale of furniture and lighting to ensure pieces are the proper size to fill out the room. 
• Play up accents. A white backdrop, like a white-painted wall, allows accents, textures, and colors to pop.  

Christine Frisk, ASID | Jennifer Ruis, IP ASID | Jessica Bliven, ASID, InUnison Design, 612-659-1775, inunisondesign.com

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His & Her Offices

Pretty and practical touches define the pair of offices.

Original plans for a large conference room were scrapped in favor of two unique offices. Her office features a crystal chandelier and floral wallpaper that reflects her bubbly personality. Durable surfaces—such as magnetic panels to hang art, easy-to-clean outdoor fabrics, and a smooth-top project table to resist crumb buildup—will allow the space to eventually double as a craft room for kids. In his office, rich colors and varying textures, like linen wallpaper above stained wainscoting, combine for a look that is sophisticated and masculine yet young and hip. When the homeowner fell in love with a replica of the Oval Office Resolute desk, the designer had it sized to perfectly fit the small space. TruStile pocket doors from Marvin Windows and Doors provide the best view of the lake and sitting room. 

Tips from the design team:

• Take A risk. It’s OK for one room in your house to be totally different than the rest. Spaces like a project room are ideal to try a bold color or wallpaper. 
• Use vinyl instead of leather—it’s cheaper, comes in tons of colors and patterns, and is durable for kids and pets. 
• Use indoor/outdoor fabrics for spaces that get dirty and take a lot of abuse.

Laura Engen, Allied ASID, Laura Engen Interior Design, 320-339-1520, lauraengen.com

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Junior Master Suite

A cozy retreat for family and friends.  

Designed as a sanctuary for the homeowners’ parents when they come to visit, the junior master suite is inviting, comforting, and traditional. A mix of cool grays, whites, and dark tones is complemented by metallic finishes and pops of blush pink, blue, and green. The overall look is crisp and fresh with floral fabric pillows and tile that brings texture to walls and floors in the bathroom. A reclaimed fireplace mantel, olive-green dresser, and chandelier with glass drops complete the look. “Really, it was about the design harmonizing with the rest of the main level as far as style, but also creating a bit of an oasis for their folks,” the designers say of the space, which also features an adjoining balcony.  

“For this piece, the client got to choose paint color, hardware, face design, and legs.” — Designer Kim Tucker  

Tips from the design team:

• Dress your bed with crisp white linens to create a luxurious feel when you slip between the sheets. 
• Create drama on sliding glass doors with long traversing drapery that can be pulled to one side.   
• Put pattern on a piece of upholstery for a great and inexpensive way to bring personality to your space. 

Jennifer Horstman, ASID, Lenox House Design, 612-743-4023, lenoxhousedesign.com

Kim Tucker, Allied ASID, Tucker ThomasInterior Design, 952-473-6000, tuckerthomasdesign.com

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Master Suite

Classic European style meets modern luxury. 

Taking inspiration from the room’s sky and lake views, the master bedroom was crafted around a color palette of French blue hues. While the homeowners’ preferences reflect a traditional European style, which can be seen in the vintage settee and nightstands, there are some unexpected twists, like the Lucite bench, which the designers refer to as the room’s “bling.” In the master bathroom, the homeowners were drawn to the glam of the Hollywood Regency era, which the designers fulfilled with a mini crystal chandelier, marble floors, and swan faucets on the vanity and claw-foot tub. The closet by Twin Cities Closet Company boasts his and her storage, and plenty of natural light for dressing. 

“Furniture finishes and fabrics are combined for a surprising twist on the room’s european style.” — designer Angela Parker 

Tips from the design team:

• Vary the finish. In adjacent spaces, try different values of the same color for a cohesive feel. 
• Stick to classic pieces with furniture, so you can use them for years to come. Have fun with trendy accessories that can be easily switched out.

Angela Parker, ASID, Interior Places and Spaces, 952-451-1960, alparker-ips.com

Karen Soojian, ASID, KSID Studio, LLC, 952-457-5041, ksidstudio.com

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Library

East Coast flair inspired this literary escape. 

For the library, the designer wanted to create a space for the homeowners to put up their feet and get lost inside a book. A rich, sophisticated color palette gives the room depth, while the star wallpaper on the ceiling keeps the look fresh. “The library is a great example of how a space can be classic and timeless yet have a great personality,” says designer Laura Wiedmann. Warm and cool tones accented with Ralph Lauren textiles and Nob Hill leather hardware give the space an East Coast vibe. Wiedmann traveled to the Boston Public Library, where the homeowners had their engagement photos taken, to gather inspiration for architectural details and décor. A showpiece of the space is the custom-designed glass museum box, used to highlight the collector’s book The Queen Mary Atlas.   

“The antique brass nail heads add sophistication and bling to the reading chair.” — designer Laura Wiedmann 

Tips from the design team:

• Pay attention to the ceiling. Adding color or pattern to the fifth wall in a room helps create warmth and make the entire space feel pulled together and polished. 
• Use a deep color palette in the library. It creates a softer, quieter space for reading and relaxing. 
• Repeat design elements. In a small space, repeat elements instead of introducing new motifs. A small space with too many moving parts can look over-designed and congested.

Laura Wiedmann, Allied ASID, Laura Wiedmann Interior Design, 952-820-5506, lwidstudio.com

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Nursery & Bath

Peaceful spaces with room to grow. 

The design for the nursery began with a “must-have” request from the homeowner for a ceiling mural that would work for a boy or girl. A palette of soft yellows, pale grays, and blues delivers with a unique focal point in the space. To make the nursery a room that the child can grow into, the designers created a cozy play area with soft felt baskets, low shelves for easy access to toys, and ample space for art. “We hope readers will notice and feel the peacefulness of the room but also the elements of whimsy and charm,” the designers say. “Everything from the mural to the relaxing paint color to the selection of window treatments makes this room perfect for cheerful days and calming nights.”  

Tips from the design team:

• Use A timeless color palette. Pick a color palette that will grow with your child, then breathe life into the space with accessories. 
• Add visual interest with wall collages that convey personality and let the child’s imagination soar. 
• Create a gathering spot in the child’s room for bonding, like a comfortable chair for story time. 

Christine Happel, Allied ASID | Amanda Davis, Allied ASID | Benjamin Odden, Allied ASID , Ethan Allen-Woodbury, 651-578-6506, ethanallen.com

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Maritime Voyage

A nautical guest room that unlocks the imagination.  

In this guest bed and bath suite, a mural of Lake Minnetonka—featuring hidden Xs marking the sunken ships of the lake—is the focal point of the design. “The homeowners have a love of maps and history,” the designer says. “It was a strategic part of the design concept.” The nautical theme is continued with deep blue-gray walls and a vanity top that sparkles in a navy quartzite, copper lighting, and a boat-shaped bed. The designer hopes the room will inspire and encourage visitors to use their imagination.  

“The homeowners love maps and history. The mural was a strategic part of the design concept.” — designer Kimberly Niosi

Tips from the design team:

• Do your homework. Educate yourself on the quality of products, construction, fabrics, and plumbing. 
• Spend time with your design plan and imagine walking through your space numerous times. 
• Consider your budget carefully and have a bit set aside for contingencies. 

Kimberly Niosi, Allied ASID, Niosi Design, 612-701-3628, niosidesign.com

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Serene Retreat

A trendy and classic space sits ready to welcome guests. 

This serene retreat is for now a guest bedroom and bathroom, but the homeowners also wanted a space that could easily be transformed into a child’s room down the road. For that reason, the design team, a group of interior design students from Dakota County Technical College, chose a blue and gray color palette that is classic and on-trend. An asymmetrical furniture arrangement—with all furnishings donated by Hope Chest For Breast Cancer—balances against the symmetrical and angular ceiling, while an impressionist painting of pond hockey on the wall reflects the homeowner’s past as a college hockey player and his move to Minnesota. 

Tips from the design team:

• Consider the function of a room before anything else to help inform your design decisions.  
• Adding white trim to a space adds a crisp, polished feel. 
• Use Large tile pieces, as opposed to small pieces, in the bathroom. It’s trendy and easier to clean. 

Anne Farniok, ASID Professional Member, Dakota County Technical College, dctc.edu/interiordesign

Christine LaPean, Robynne Johnson, Deb Soderman, Katie Chamberlin, Olivia Cicha, Students ASID, DCTC

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Bunk Room & Laundry

A multifunctional space where fun is the goal.

Meant to be a multifunctional room,this space features bunk beds with Colette Jaffe linens to sleep a family or to host “epic sleepover parties.” Playing off a California-boho vibe, hanging chairs, colorful décor, and rope accents “give guests permission to have fun in the space,” designer Jennie Korsbon says. The laundry room also has its own personality. There’s plank tile that looks like wood, plus custom gray (not white!) cabinetry with a pull-out ironing board, clothes dryers, and baskets. The space was also outfitted with a built-in armoire with a hidden door that leads to the storage unit, reminiscent of the wardrobe in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

“We chose this sofa to coordinate with the California-boho vibe of the room.” — Designer Jennie Korsbon

Tips from the design team:

• Create different seating areas within a space by organizing furniture by activity. 
• Welcome Guests with high-quality sheets on their bed. 
• Use the space fully—floor to ceiling and wall to wall—like what was done here with bunk beds and hanging chairs.  

Jennie Korsbon, Allied ASID, J Korsbon Designs, 612-247-2252, jkorsbondesigns.com

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Lower-Level Recreation Room

A space where adults and kids can play and relax. 

Think beyond the billiards table, the homeowners asked of designers working on the rec room. Starting with a foundation of classic, vintage, and industrial textures, the design team mixed in pieces to make the space kid-friendly, like a Mickey Mouse chair. The room also has a treehouse, a rock climbing wall, and a coffee table bedecked with an image of Monopoly, a nod to the homeowners’ favorite board game. For the adults, there’s also a sport court and built-in beer dispenser from Warners’ Stellian. “We hope visitors feel the sense of joy and fun in the space,” the designers say. “It truly is a room for the imagination and to spend time together as a family.”

Tips from the design team:

• Look to notable interior design websites like Houzz to get ideas and connect with design lovers and professionals.  
• Less is more. For a cleaner look, use a few larger items to accessorize. 

Christine Happel, Amanda Davis, Benjamin Odden, Allied ASID, Ethan Allen-Woodbury, 651-578-6506, ethanallen.com

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Wine Room

French sensibility comes to Lake Minnetonka. 

The wine room gets its traditional French style from classic old-world elements, such as brick floors laid in a herringbone pattern, a reclaimed wood arched beam, and a timeless pendant light. Greeting guests at the entrance is a curved iron and glass door from Marvin Windows and Doors that sets the tone for the space. The result is reminiscent of an old cellar you might see in France. “It’s always a challenge to design a space that needs to look and feel timeless and vintage but is part of a brand-new build,” the designers say. “Our space mixes old and antique with new. It all plays well together.”   

Tips from the design team:

• Don’t be afraid to mix styles. It’s more about capturing the essence of a look, rather than everything being within a specific style or era. 
• Add soul to a space with artisan-made pieces. “There are wonderful artisans in the Twin Cities, and we love to incorporate their work whenever we can. It gives a space a story to tell,” the designers say. 
• Mix high and low. Be realistic about the budget and spend it wisely. 

Peggy Augustine, Allied ASID, Augustine Interiors, LLC, 612-805-0066, augustineinteriors2.com

Teresa Antonneau, Allied ASID, Augustine Interiors, LLC, 612-805-0066, augustineinteriors2.com

Lindy Haglund, Allied ASID, Designer Lindy Haglund, LLC, facebook.com/designerlindyhaglund

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Theater Room and Lake Prep Area & Bath

Taking inspiration from the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis and old Hollywood, the designers used a rich palette of dark red and textural fabrics to create a family-friendly atmosphere for movie nights in the theater room. In addition to traditional theater seating and acoustic panels, draperies hide the screen when children are conducting plays on the stage. “This space is stylish and somewhat glamorous but still comfortable,” the designers say. “It’s important to make sure a theater is as functional as it is inviting.” With the home being situated on Lake Minnetonka, it was also important for the homeowners to have an easily accessible space from the lake. Large-scale ceramic tile in the lake prep area makes for easy maintenance when water is tracked in, while an upholstered bench is the ideal spot to kick off winter boots. After a cold day, the bathroom—decked in classic black and white with accents of antique brass—offers a luxury steam shower. 

Tips from the design team:

• Comfort is important, but so is style. Don’t sacrifice one for the other. 
• Create the proper mood with ample lighting. Improper lighting can throw off the room’s mood and design. 
• Durability is important in spaces like a theater. Make sure the upholstery has cleanable surfaces. 

Jennifer Austin-McGrath, Allied ASID, Fine House Interiors + Design, LLC, 651-497-6398, finehouseinteriors.com

Rob Edman, Allied ASID, Edman Hill Interior Design, 612-839-4269, edmanhill.com

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Builder Spotlight: John Kraemer & Sons

Founded in 1978 by current president Gary Kraemer and his late father John, John Kraemer & Sons has become renowned for custom luxury homebuilding and remodeling. Their 39-year history, built upon a foundation of ethics and integrity, has been rewarded by being named Builder of the Year three times, making them the only three-time winner of the award in its history. They work individually with each of their clients on a 100 percent open-book basis, where every invoice, receipt, bid, and discount is disclosed to clients at all times. Gary is proud of John Kraemer & Sons’ 39-year past, but he is even more excited for the future. With two of his three sons, John and Jeff, in the business, clients can take comfort in knowing that John Kraemer & Sons will be around well into the future to build, remodel, and, most importantly, service their homes. 952-935-9100, jkandsons.com

Charity Partner Spotlight: Smile Network

Smile Network Inter-national is a Minnesota-based global nonprofit and humanitarian organization that provides life-altering reconstructive surgeries and related health care services to impoverished children born with cleft lips and palates in developing countries. Smile Network International conducts surgical missions abroad to impart dignity and quality of life to individuals whose medical needs may otherwise go untreated. In a timespan of just 45 minutes and for $500, Smile Network is able to provide a child with the gift of a new smile. Since 2003, Smile Network has provided 3,500 surgeries in 11 countries on five continents with the support of volunteer medical teams, local volunteers, and donors who give their time, talent, and resources. For more information, go to smilenetwork.org or call 612-377-1800.