MHDA Best in Show: Country Club Classic

This article details the Best in Show project at this year’s Midwest Home Design Awards, focusing on a playful yet classy renovation of a 1933 Edina colonial home. The homeowner, Sarah Schaffer, a Minnesota-native realtor, collaborated with architectural designer Susan Nackers Ludwig of LNA Design and interior designer Natalie Talley of Talley Jane Interiors to transform her 2,800-square-foot residence. Schaffer, leveraging her professional background and industry connections, served as both homeowner and general contractor, facilitating a unique and efficient design process. The renovation aimed to preserve the home’s original charm while introducing sophisticated and subtle details. The original flooring was meticulously refurbished, and 1-inch red oak was integrated before a natural stain was applied throughout. The kitchen, a focal point of the redesign, features a walnut island, porcelain marble backsplash, and a durable quartz countertop. These elements are complemented by gold accents, sleek paneling, and various shades of crisp white, creating a cohesive and luxurious space. Schaffer's vision, inspired by homes in South Carolina, incorporated vibrant pops of color to give the home a unique and custom feel. This is evident in the pastel pink wallpaper in the half bath, blue trim off the kitchen, and green baseboards in another bathroom, adding bold and feminine touches throughout the interior. The sophisticated style extends across the entire 4,100-square-foot abode, encompassing the mudroom, living room, and bathrooms. On the exterior, Nackers Ludwig adhered to neighborhood restrictions, maintaining the colonial structure while enhancing existing features such as the shutters, trim, and eaves. A significant change involved detaching the garage, which created more main floor space and improved access to the backyard. The home, now expanded to 4,100 square feet, is designed to support the Schaffers’ active lifestyle. The project reflects Schaffer's philosophy that "Home is where the heart is," emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming space for her family. The collaboration between the homeowner and the design team resulted in a renovation that harmoniously blends traditional design with personal touches, earning it the Best in Show recognition. #MidwestHomeDesignAwards #CountryClubClassic #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EdinaColonial #KitchenDesign #SarahSchaffer #LNADesign #TalleyJaneInteriors #MidwestHomeDesignAwards #CountryClubClassic #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EdinaColonial #KitchenDesign #SarahSchaffer #LNADesign #TalleyJaneInteriors