Kitchens have become a gathering place in modern homes. After all, they’re the heart and soul of family dinners, elegant cocktail hours, holiday meals, birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, weekend pancakes, and the snack spread during afternoon football games. When it comes to hosting family and friends, there are few greater deterrents than having a kitchen the feels past its prime, crowded, or simply outdated. Wondering to yourself what design elements can take a kitchen from tired to trendy? Read on below for our five favorite improvements for creating the ultimate host’s kitchen! Open Layout The best gathering spaces often flow seamlessly from the great room to the kitchen and encourage guests to wander. Regardless of the reason to...Read More
Independence Day has passed, and it’s safe to say we’re hitting the peak of summer. During these next few months, Minnesotans will be taking full advantage of the beautiful warm weather. Is there a better way to enjoy the gorgeous days to come than on the deck? While there’s no one-size-fits-all design for decks or porches, there are plenty of ways to create a unique and practical outdoor space. Use the four tips below to help your deck stand apart from the rest! Layered Design Similar to a layered cake, decks are enticing when they feature more than one level. Multi-level decks are a great way to add value to your home and create additional space for entertaining friends and...Read More
Now that the weather is warmer, there are a few home maintenance and remodeling projects you might want to consider getting a jump on. Tackling these projects in the spring and summer will prove to be an investment you’ll enjoy during warm weather and beyond! Decks, Patios, and Sun Porches There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your spring, summer, and even fall more with the addition of a deck or sunroom. These features expand your livable space and make everything from entertaining to lounging a bit more relaxed. Want some sun porch inspiration? Check out our guide for insight and tips on adding a three-season porch to your home. Gutters and Drains With storm season in full swing, your home’s drains...Read More
The office is perhaps the most forgotten space in home design. Instead of being a hub of organization and creativity, a lot of home offices are poorly planned afterthoughts. We know there are other rooms that guests spend more time in, and spaces you feel are more important to invest your budget on. We get it. But, as more people continue to shift toward working from home, it’s high time that the office got its fair share of attention! Here are some helpful ideas and tips on how to optimize and approach any in-home office space. Take a Quick Assessment Before you purchase any furniture or paint any walls, the best place to start is with a few accessing questions....Read More
Design trends are in constant flux, but certain interior elements seem particularly subject to passing styles. When it comes to the living room, we can think of no feature more prominent than the family fireplace. The mantel is the star of the show, the centerpiece of the traditional American family room. It’s where priceless heirlooms and treasured family photos rest. Seasonal and holiday decor also make their home on the mantelpiece. Since the fireplace is so often the focal point of family living space, shouldn’t its style be compelling? If your hearth’s starting to look dated, there are a multitude of methods to update its appearance! From simple fixes to all-out remodels, we’ve listed our favorite fireplace upgrade ideas below. 1....Read More
Ready or not, winter is here! In Minnesota, we all know that the snowy months can feel never-ending. While you can bet we’ll be counting down the days until spring returns, there are a few ways to make those chilly winter months more bearable. With that in mind, we’re sharing some of our coziest interior design tips for winter. Check them out below! Get Out Those Throws Find those soft and heavy throw blankets and add them to your sofas and chairs. They’re inviting to guests and ready-and-waiting whenever you want to settle in with a good book on a cool winter’s evening. Find the Flannels Flannel sheets, that is! Dig them out of the linen closet, and your...Read More
The hazy days of summer have come and gone, which means one thing—it’s time to look ahead to fall! Every homeowner should have a seasonal maintenance checklist, that way once the weather starts changing you know exactly what projects need to be tackled. If to-do lists aren’t your strong suit then give the one below a try; it’s a great jumping-off point for getting your home ready for winter hibernation! Yardwork and Landscaping Fall maintenance helps prepare your yard for winter’s deep chill. Be sure to trim bushes and trees, cover gardens and any vulnerable plants, and rake all leaves. Take the time to repair any sidewalks or paved paths that could be dangerous when covered with snow. Next, put...Read More
Is your home’s curb appeal looking a little lackluster these days? Summer is the perfect time to change that! There are plenty of simple, quick fixes you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal. To help you get started, we’ve put together a quick list of ways you can spruce up your home’s exterior. Check them out below! Paint Your Front Door Try adding a fresh coat of paint, a bold pop of color, or buy a new door with a more interesting design to mix things up. A brightly colored front door is eye-catching and creates a great focal point for your home. Fix Problem Areas Have a list of home maintenance issues you need to fix? It’s...Read More
You’ve waited, saved, researched and it’s finally time; You’re actually ready to begin your dream home project! Whether it’s an updated kitchen, spa-style master bath, or lower level bar suited for entertaining, one thing remains true: you want your long-awaited remodel to be a success. The last thing anyone wants after investing their resources in a big home project is to end up disappointed, after all, you’re the one who has to live with the results. Outside of thorough planning and finding a remodeling contractor that you trust, here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid making when embarking on any home remodeling project. 1. Too Trendy. Striking a balance between timeless and trend influenced styles will serve you well throughout...Read More
