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Twin Cities Top Design New-Century Modern
Design Challenge: The condo’s eight-foot ceiling height was of great concern to the clients, who wanted a space conducive to showing their large pieces of modern art. The designers were challenged to aesthetically mask the low ceiling height as well as to choose furnishings and finishes that would make the art collection the condo’s focal point. Additionally, the furniture needed to be sleek and simple, without being cold and hard. Professional Solution: The designers selected furniture and accessories that would make the ceilings feel higher. The ceiling and wall colors were also kept light and neutral to make the ceilings appear higher and the spaces wider and to create an allusion of more space between the large pieces of art. A dark wood floor was installed to further add visual light, and seating was kept low profile. Furnishings are neutral and warm, repeating the color palette of the architectural materials—pale-camel-colored upholstery repeats the color of the white oak used on the walls and cabinets, while the deep brown of the wood floors is repeated in the woods of the dining room table and furniture accents. Complementary colors and layers of subtle textures were chosen that did not compete with the colors of the art collection. See more Residential Renovation 3,500–5,000 Square Feet award-winners. Charming Crocus Hill
Design Challenge: To return as many original elements as possible to the contiguous spaces of the living room, stairway, parlor, and dining room, which had been reduced, altered, or removed in a previous “modernization” of this historic home. Professional Solution: Through rediscovery, and some serious sleuthing, the design team used clues from the home to guide the project to the desired outcome. Two elements of the home that had been significantly altered were the original fireplace surround and a wooden screen separating the stairway hall from the parlor. Both had been removed years ago. The designers discovered the nailing pattern of the original stair screen and used the design of the original balusters on the other side of the stairs to create a new screen to fit the pattern. Not only had the original mantel been removed, the entire room had been painted white. After stripping away a portion of the paint, the original outline of the surround could be seen. Using materials matching those found elsewhere in the residence, the fireplace was restored to its original scale and splendor, making it a welcoming focal point once again. Other design elements, though perhaps more subtle, further the timeless aesthetic of this home, including antique and restored light fixtures, decorative stencil, and thoughtfully selected furnishings that all became the finishing touches. Hidden Details
Design Challenge: In order to please both the man and the lady of the household (he wanted a TV in the living room, she preferred a piece of art), the design team knew they needed to find a way to hide the television and make it invisible with a piece of art. Yet, given the location of the living room windows, the only viable place would be above the fireplace mantel, which would need to be reconfigured to accommodate both the TV and the art. Professional Solution: The designers commissioned a local artist whose work appealed to both homeowners to paint a diptych on two panels to function as cabinet doors to the television. The painting was done in acrylic for a durable, touchable finish. A new mantel was also designed to surround the new gas firebox. The mantel had to be designed in a way to allow the television to be placed as low as possible. An eight-inch-deep recess was created above the mantel in which the plasma TV wall bracket was mounted. And since the painting could not have hardware on it, touch latches were installed on the artwork frame/cabinet doors. See more Design Is In The Details award-winners. A Cook’s Kitchen
Design Challenge: The narrow center hallway in this 1930s colonial led to small, compartmentalized spaces, including the kitchen, back hall, and powder room. The awkward doorways, a dysfunctional layout, inefficient countertop space, and inadequate storage made cooking and organizing difficult and the small space lacked adequate dining and gathering space for a family of four. Missing entirely was a much-needed mudroom and desk area. Professional Solution: To bring in more light, a wall separating the kitchen and dining nook was removed and one window was enlarged. The dining room door was relocated to achieve more fluidity. To further open the space and bring in light, the back entry closet was eliminated and the doorway into the kitchen was widened. This allowed the kitchen to open up beyond its borders. To reference the home’s roots, cream enameled cabinets, soapstone and Carrera marble countertops, hardwood floors, and vintage lighting were brought in. To create the mudroom, French doors to an adjacent sunroom were removed, freeing up an entire wall for tall storage cabinets, a built-in bench, drawers, hoots, cubbies, and a desk. The resulting space is light and airy, making it user-friendly for multiple cooks and two young children. Grand Galley on the Prairie
Design Challenge: Working within the confines of log construction, the designers needed to refine the existing floor plan to function better for the homeowners’ cooking and entertaining needs as well as to add more appropriate lighting. The cabinets needed to be designed to showcase the log construction, while simultaneously reflecting the homeowners’ innate contemporary style. The overall attitude needed to be energizing with simple textures and vivid color to juxtapose the complexity of the log structure. Professional Solution: The designers increased storage and function and created symmetry by extending the length of the range wall. A second ceiling beam was added, and the hood over the sink was mirrored to add symmetry. The addition of a pantry and wine cooler extended the kitchen’s overall footprint and the appliances were rearranged to improve workflow. New cabinetry provides a smooth and sleek counterpoint to the wood backdrop, adding a block of color to the mostly wood surfaces. The ruby red color of the countertops and granite was chosen to accent the homeowners’ existing collection of Asian accents, and the teal backsplash and lower cabinetry adds a cool counterpoint to the rich, warm tones. See more Residential Kitchen award-winners. Maritime Living
Design Challenge: The designer’s family is the client for this dramatic new construction that celebrates life on the water, entertaining, and family time. Therefore, the living room needed to be designed to accommodate all of the energy of family and friends. The home, inspired by the lifestyles of Nantucket and the New Jersey Shore, was built in a cottage style. The goal was to bend a nautical theme with wonderful textures from the surrounding environment while enhancing the views of Lake Minnetonka. Professional Solution: A nautical theme is woven throughout the home. Indigo blue is the predominant color, while red and khaki accents are seen in the furnishings and accessories. The space is designed to stand the test of time and the demands of an active family. The focal point of the living room is external, with floor to ceiling windows that frame the lake view. It was important that the design did not compete with the backdrop of the lake, but rather complement it during all four seasons. The commanding height of the ceiling gives the room the appearance of being larger than it measures, but the wall covering, furnishings, and arches soften the scale, keeping it intimate and cozy. The fireplace, knotty walnut wide-plank flooring and authentic turn-of-the-century Persian prayer rug add drama and color to the space. A brindle hair-on-hide chair adds whimsy and humor and gives a nod to the Midwest. See more Residential Single Room award-winners. Urban Entertainment
Design Challenge: The unfinished lower level needed to include spaces for a bar, watching television, playing billiards and card/board games, exercising, and a bathroom. The client wanted a space that would showcase a collection of art and reflect his love of wood and modern design. Professional Solution: The concept for this thirtysomething’s bachelor pad was to create a sophisticated entertainment space by using chunky proportions and heavy textures, incorporating an abundance of wood, and developing a menswear-inspired color palette. The designers created a space plan with separate activity areas for media and games, but kept the areas all visually connected to allow an open traffic flow. The designers added custom wood light fixtures that appear to float just below the ceiling to further define the areas and offer rich architectural interest. A custom built-in angled bench was designed to conceal media equipment and provides extra seating for larger groups. The cabinet doors have wide stiles and rails and the countertops have a thick-edge profile. Red and white oaks are combined to add a rich backdrop for art. See more Residential Multiple Rooms award-winners. Brilliant Bath
Design Challenge: Create a large master bath in a 1960s ranch home that includes a full tub, a large shower, and two distinct vanity areas. Zen Escape
Design Challenge: To create a serene and contemporary environment that would combine both a master bath and a powder room. The bathroom also needed to complement the existing log architecture. Professional Solution: To create visual balance while contrasting and complementing the existing log architecture, the designer chose furnishings and hardware with a plain, smooth finish. The three largest pieces—the tub deck, vanity, and cabinet—are made airier by a doorless shower and a cantilevered countertop overhang. The vanity’s translucent blue glaze allows the wood grain of the cabinets to show through. See more Residential Bathroom award-winners. Cutting-Edge Condo
Design Challenge: The forty-second floor of this downtown condo features walls of windows on two sides. The magnificent views deserve status as the unrivaled major focal point. The homeowner enjoys cooking and entertaining small groups and wanted a chef’s kitchen completely open to the public space—and views—yet separate enough so guests would not interfere with his cooking. Professional Solution: The walls of the existing kitchen were removed to achieve an open space. Constructing a platform to position the kitchen a step above the other areas made space for the plumbing slope required to move the sink to the island, which also allowed the kitchen to be oriented toward the view and guests. The desired style was achieved with a simple geometry of strong angels contrasted with curves and dark rich colors that contrasted with the light and bright features. Flat slab cabinet doors of wineberry-stained cherry wood are accented by stainless steel uppers with inset glass and the taupe glass backsplash tiles. Silver Galaxy granite countertops add visual texture. Merbau wood flooring and dark taupe wall paint are appropriate as background, saving bright color for the custom woven rugs and pillows that complement the existing wall art. See more Residential Renovation Under 3,500 Square Feet award-winners. Luxe Library
Design Challenge: The challenge was to restore the living room/library of a historic Summit Avenue home to the grandeur of its nineteenth-century Victorian roots. The design team was asked to preserve/restore the original woodwork, fireplace, and floors and create a space that would allow the new owners to entertain in style. Professional Solution: The design was inspired by the ornate detail and opulent color found in James McNeill Whistler’s Harmony in Blue and Gold. The team created a room that serves as the heart and centerpiece of the home that is comfortable and authentic to the era. The original lead glass in the entry offered inspiration and was incorporated into the room’s design. The pattern was photographed, measured, and a custom stencil created. The pattern was duplicated on the ceiling and wall under the crown molding. The motif, recreated to scale, was carried above the custom chandelier, which is reflected in the custom hand-carved pier mirror over the fireplace, creating a vista and illusion of two chandeliers. The team paired two chairs, one “his,” the other “hers.” They chose the zebra-printed hair-on-hide Ralph Lauren Spencer chair for its uniqueness and a Louis XV replica finished in gold gilt. The Hancock & Moore George III wing chair was hand rubbed from black to khaki and hand tufted. Since only one-quarter of the original bookcase existed prior to the restoration, the bookcase was recreated using existing parts from the original, which had been disassembled and stored in the attic, and new millwork was added to complete the restoration. See more Showcase House award-winners. City Cottage
Design Challenge: The kitchen in this home was an awkward narrow passageway with cabinets and appliances along one wall and an entry door opening into the refrigerator. The laundry room was a closet with the washer and dryer tucked behind bifold doors. There was no obvious main entry to the home. Visitors coming to the home were unable to discern which door was the entry. The clients wanted a well-functioning kitchen large enough to be the hub for entertaining, with access to a patio for grilling and socializing during the summer. They also wanted an efficient laundry room that included some space for their two large dogs. Professional Solution: Build an addition that included a new kitchen, new laundry room, and new main entry to the home, which is filled with history and character. The new addition looks as though it has always been part of this upscale country cottage. The interior finishes; painted, distressed, glazed cabinets; warm butter cream paint colors; antiqued, multiwidth-plank cherry wood and earthy, stone tile floors give the space a cozy, Old World aesthetic. Details such as the bead board accents, seeded glass panels, and stone fireplace are consistent with the time and place of this retreat. The ceiling in the kitchen is high and open, with rustic beams to add drama and space without building beyond the proportion of the original home. New high-end appliances and lighting are consistent with the lifestyle of a modern family. See more Residential Addition Under 3,500 Square Feet award-winners. MORE
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This year, Shirley Bolduc, ASID, was awarded Designer of Distinction for her more than ten years of service to the chapter, including serving as chapter president. She runs a successful design business, has earned awards for several of her kitchen projects, and cochaired the successful ASID Kitchen Tour of private residences in the Twin Cities.
© 2009 MSP Communications, Inc. All rights reserved