Twin Cities Top Design

Cutting-Edge Condo

First Place: Residential Renovation Under 3,500 Square Feet See more. Designers: Lynn Monson, ASID, and Sandy Monson, ASID Firm: Monson Interior Design Mpls., 612-338-0665

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

First Place: Showcase House See more. Designers: Randy Nelson, ASID, Jennifer Sheffert, Allied ASID, and Nancy Woodhouse, Allied ASID Firm: Gabbert’s Design Studio & Fine Furnishings

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.

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