Home & Design | Falling in Love Again

After residing in their 1892 Minneapolis home for over two decades, designer Martha Dayton and her husband, Tom Nelson, considered moving to seek a change of scenery. However, they ultimately decided to renovate their existing 3,500-square-foot house, rediscovering its charm and falling in love with it anew. The initial impetus for the renovation was their small, dark, and cramped primary bedroom closet, which lacked adequate space and lighting. Given the limited expansion options within the house, the couple contemplated a move, but their attachment to the location and the house itself led them to pursue an extensive update instead. To address the closet issue, Martha enlisted architects Mark Larson and Anders Matney. Their design solution involved connecting the closet to the primary bedroom with pocket doors, installing an island with deep drawers, and replacing much of the perimeter cabinetry. The renovation also included the strategic relocation and reuse of existing built-ins, such as a vanity by St. Paul cabinetmaker Jon Frost, a piece that Martha uses daily and wished to preserve. A key challenge was integrating sufficient storage while retaining two original windows within the closet, which was creatively resolved by placing shelves in front of the windows. This initial closet overhaul became the catalyst for a series of broader renovations. Martha adopted a "well, if I'm going to do that, I might as well do this" approach, leading to a more comprehensive transformation of their home. Significant changes included a complete revamp of the laundry room and the replacement of an earlier family room addition. Both these spaces were redesigned to maximize natural light, and the former family room was converted into a casual dining area, creating a more seamless connection with the backyard living spaces. A deliberate effort was made to ensure that the updates blended seamlessly with the house's original character, making it difficult for first-time visitors to discern the renovations from the existing structure. Mark Larson noted that the house now gives the impression of always having been in its current state, rather than being a modified or added-on structure. Other updates focused on refreshing light fixtures, finishes, and furnishings, moving towards a more transitional and contemporary aesthetic while respecting the home's solid architectural foundation. One of the most impactful aspects of the renovation for Martha was the integration of art throughout the home. Approximately 80 percent of the art displayed is by Twin Cities artists, reflecting Martha's commitment to supporting local talent. She expressed pride in her team's efforts to champion local artists and sell their work, highlighting the abundance of artistic talent in the region. This focus on local art significantly contributed to her renewed affection for the house. Additional details of the home's refreshed spaces include the family room, painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove, featuring a sofa by A. Rudin, a rug from Tapis Decor, and a large photorealistic landscape painting by Teo Nguyen. The dining room saw minimal architectural changes, with corner built-ins by Maureen Rudd retained, but a new Yves flush mount light fixture from The Urban Electric Co. was installed. Martha emphasized that honoring the house's bones allows for changes in furniture, art, lighting, and wall coverings while maintaining a cohesive feel. The kitchen, previously redone by Dovetail Renovation, received a facelift, including painting the island blue, demonstrating how even small refreshes can rekindle appreciation for one's home. The living room features striped velvet midcentury modern chairs, a contemporary coffee table, and a diverse art collection ranging from David Rathman's sepia-toned painting to inexpensive works from local art events. A mirror from Made Goods in the refreshed stairway reflects the space, with styling by Paula Bjerketvedt enhancing the overall aesthetic. The primary closet's renovation, with its relocated vanity and shelves in front of windows, transformed it into an elegant and luxurious space. The sunroom combines a CB2 console table with photography by Alec Soth, illustrating Martha's approach to mixing price points in her designs. The home office received a fresh coat of paint, while the laundry room underwent a more significant "architecture of inches" transformation, including a new window and a tip-out hanging rack to maximize functionality and light. Beyond the home, Martha Dayton maintains a close friendship with Twin Cities artist Teo Nguyen, whose works are prominently featured in her home and office. She accompanied Nguyen on a trip to Vietnam in 2020, and their mutual admiration is evident. Nguyen credits Martha with encouraging him to showcase his art. His upcoming solo exhibition at Mia will feature monumental landscapes inspired by Vietnam War news photos, serving as a memorial to the countless Vietnamese lives lost during the conflict. The renovation project involved Martha Dayton Design for interior design, Rehkamp Larson Architects for architecture (Mark Larson, AIA, and Anders Matney, AIA), and Dovetail Renovation for construction. This extensive home renovation allowed Martha Dayton and Tom Nelson to fall in love with their house again, demonstrating that significant updates can reinvigorate a living space without sacrificing its inherent character. The project highlights the importance of thoughtful design, strategic space planning, and the integration of personal touches like local art to create a home that feels both refreshed and timeless. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalRedesign #MinneapolisHomes #ArtIntegration #SustainableDesign #ClosetRenovation #LaundryRoomUpgrade #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalRedesign #MinneapolisHomes #ArtIntegration #SustainableDesign #ClosetRenovation #LaundryRoomUpgrade