Christopher Strom Transforms Lake of the Isles Tudor

Robert and Angela Yates embarked on a significant home renovation in 2021, transforming their 5,000-square-foot Lake Norman residence, originally built in 1998 in a Tuscan style. After 23 years, the soon-to-be empty nesters sought to update their home, moving away from its Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic characterized by scrolled ironwork, red and bronze walls, white columns, and dark-stained cabinets. They engaged Kathryn Lilly Interiors, with designers Leah Kleynen and Samantha Loxton, to reconfigure the layout and brighten the interior. The design team presented three options, and the Yateses chose the most extensive, a complete overhaul of the floor plan. The renovation, which began in summer 2021 and lasted a year, was executed with general contractor Jack Schneider of Jack of All Trades. Key changes included replacing the cherry-stained floors with engineered white oak, removing a wall between the kitchen and living room to enhance natural light, and painting the main and upper levels a crisp white. The fireplace surround was replaced with a cast stone version, and a Frame TV was installed to blend with the decor when not in use. The kitchen underwent a major transformation. The old kitchen was converted into a butler’s pantry, and the new kitchen expanded into the former dining area. An adjacent sitting room became a breakfast nook. To accommodate new countertops and a 48-inch range, floor-to-ceiling windows were replaced with smaller ones, and a ceiling-suspended hood was chosen to preserve lake views. White shiplap was installed on the walls. The formal dining room was reimagined as a casual cocktail lounge. The foyer received an updated staircase and custom wainscoting, and the original front door and arched transom window were replaced with a black wrought-iron door to allow more light and maintain the architectural curve. Robert Yates's former office space was repurposed to expand the primary bathroom. The designers created custom wardrobes for Angela, featuring roll-out shelves and full-length mirrors. Natural-wood vanities with quartz countertops, matching those in the kitchen, were installed, alongside porcelain floor tiles and white walls to maintain a bright ambiance. Patterned wallpaper from Serena & Lily was added to the water closet. The primary bedroom's footprint remained the same, but the walls were brightened, and a queen-sized bed was upgraded to a king-sized bed from Charleston Forge. Kleynen and Loxton incorporated an accent wall with Stout wallpaper and a chandelier from Made Goods, featuring twisted plaster bars resembling painted branches. The renovation also extended to the exterior, where the red brick was painted a bright white. The round columns framing the front door were squared off, and the gutters and garage door were painted black to complement the shutters, completing the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The Yateses donated or sold most of their old furniture, embracing a new style with leather, linen, and wood tones. They resided in their basement throughout the renovation, which concluded in September 2022. The completed home exceeded their expectations, offering a refreshed lakefront retreat that their sons now frequently enjoy. #LakeNorman #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KathrynLillyInteriors #ModernFarmhouse #KitchenRedesign #BathroomExpansion #ExteriorUpdate #LakefrontHome

Studio Thomas, led by principal designer Kristen Thomas, undertook the renovation of a historic Tudor-style property in one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods. Built in 1912 by Jacques Benedict, the home featured intricate Gothic details, diamond-pane windows, and dentil molding. The design brief focused on creating a modern, liveable space that respected the home's original architecture while incorporating the owners' European heritage and curated lifestyle. The project successfully balanced contemporary design with the building's traditional elements, resulting in an elevated yet functional family home that reflects both its inhabitants and its rich history. The kitchen, identified by Kristen as her favorite room, served as the starting point and set the tone for the entire design. It was transformed into a luxurious yet practical space, wrapped in Panzano marble for countertops, backsplash, and the oven hood, blending minimalism with timeless grandeur. The marble's rich greens, deep blues, and creamy undertones dictated the home's overall color palette. This area had previously been renovated in a sterile, ultra-modern style that disconnected it from the rest of the house. Studio Thomas's intervention aimed to bridge this gap by reintroducing materials and details that honored the home's heritage, such as live-finish plumbing fixtures and classic cabinetry, while still accommodating modern living. A charming breakfast nook within the kitchen features a custom oval table designed for family gatherings, emphasizing intimacy over grand scale. The intentional use of varied textures and a carefully selected neutral palette, including dark wood floors, cream plaster walls, and Benjamin Moore's Baby Fawn for trim, ensured warmth and depth throughout the property. Antique brass fixtures were incorporated to provide an aged aesthetic that would gracefully evolve over time. The entryway showcases a blend of eclectic and curated elements, featuring checkerboard flooring that runs throughout the property, complemented by modern furnishings and a minimal color scheme. The original architectural framework, such as the custom-forged stair railing, was enhanced with contemporary touches. A cozy snug room deviates from traditional designs, offering a mix of formality and comfort through a dark color palette, rich fabrics, and metallic accents. A vintage brown leather armchair provides a lived-in quality, while a leafy houseplant adds freshness against the deep tones. The home bar, though compact, exudes grandeur with metallic accents, tarnished mirror walls, a marble countertop, and deep gray cabinets. Sculptural pieces, like an organic-shaped stool, introduce contemporary coolness. The living room exemplifies the seamless integration of the building's original infrastructure with Studio Thomas's interior design. The original ceiling molding was painted a rich green to highlight its beauty, and a custom curved sofa was commissioned to soften the rectangular space and improve balance. Layering warmth and softness was achieved through hand-plastered walls, which contribute to an old-world richness, and full French-pleated drapery that adds both luxury and relaxation, appealing to the European sensibilities of the clients. The dining area, framed by Gothic-style windows, blends historic and modern elements, featuring black-clad window frames in areas without original leaded glass and modern lighting. The thoughtful mixing of traditional dining furniture and Chinoiserie ceramics with a boucle sofa and a low-slung coffee table creates impressive harmony. Even small details, such as a simple wooden stool and rustic bowl in a hallway, were carefully curated to allow the original features to stand out. The master bedroom employs deep, earthy forest green tones for built-in cabinetry and the back wall, fostering a sense of warmth and coziness, enhanced by gold accents and balanced with neutral linen bedding. The walk-in closet maintains a minimal yet timeless elegance, with gold accents and a statement chandelier, ensuring both sophistication and practicality for daily living. The master bathroom, quiet and minimal, features Taj Mahal stone counters, plastered walls, and live-finish plumbing fixtures, with personalized details like shadowboxed vintage children's clothing and original artisan sketches that tell the family's story, embodying an effortless, beautiful, and purposeful design. Kristen Thomas describes the home as a thoughtful blend of old-world charm and contemporary design, rooted in tradition but with a fresh, edited sensibility, seamlessly integrating contemporary styles for modern life with traditional elements that honor the home's original features. This approach creates a design that is both authentic and timeless. This project exemplifies how modern design can integrate respectfully with historic architecture, creating a home that is both beautiful and deeply personal. Kristen Thomas's approach emphasizes meticulous curation, from the grand architectural details to the smallest decorative elements, ensuring that every space within the Denver home tells a story and serves its inhabitants' needs. The result is a home that feels both luxurious and lived-in, bridging centuries of design with grace and intentionality. The harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements is consistently applied across all rooms, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the property. Each design choice, from the kitchen's Panzano marble to the master bedroom's deep green, is meticulously considered to contribute to the home's unique character and a sense of enduring elegance. #TudorStyleHome #HistoricRenovation #LuxuryInteriors #TransitionalDesign #ModernEuropeanStyle #KitchenDesign #MarbleKitchen #NeutralDecor #ArchitecturalPreservation

Jerry and Susan Kaminski embarked on a two-decade-long renovation of their 1960s rambler near Lake Minnetonka, transforming it into a shingle-style home that balances classic design with modern living. Their journey began nearly 30 years ago when they met Tom Ellison, founder of TEA2 Architects, at the Minneapolis Home + Garden Show. The initial 1960s rambler was characterized by its dim lighting, disjointed layout, and untapped potential. Rather than opting for demolition, the Kaminskis envisioned a series of strategic renovations, starting with a finished lower level, followed by a reconfigured first-floor primary suite, and the addition of a detached pool house. The most significant phase involved a comprehensive overhaul of the entire main house. The remodel was a collaborative effort, with TEA2 Architects, led by Principal Dan Nepp and Senior Project Manager Petra Schwartze, overseeing the architectural aspects. Harris Weldon Interiors managed the interior design, while Topo, and later Anderson Reda, handled the landscaping. John Kraemer & Sons executed the main-house construction, with Anderson Reda joining in the final phase for the outdoor kitchen and additional landscape elements. This extensive collaboration resulted in a shingle-style home that is almost unrecognizable from its original form. A new second level was added, accommodating an owner’s suite and a sunlit sitting area. Thoughtful architectural interventions were implemented to create a more cohesive flow between the front and back of the house. John Kraemer, president of John Kraemer & Sons, highlighted the project as an example of successful renovation over demolition, emphasizing how working with the existing structure allowed for a completely new aesthetic and functional layout. The interior design, heavily influenced by Susan Kaminski's inspiration binders, achieves a balance between traditional elegance and contemporary elements. Interior designer Sue Weldon described the style as "casual classic"—timeless, layered, refined, and never predictable. Key design features include a custom stairwell in the living room, relocated and redesigned to be sculptural and elegant, serving as a focal point. TEA2 expanded a bay in the living room to improve natural light and connectivity to the outdoors, transforming a previously claustrophobic space. The architectural approach embraced a "relaxed, yet inventive" and "playful, but with form" aesthetic, incorporating cedar shakes, integrated stone, and subtly set dormers to create a rich and authentic shingle-style character. A copper ridge was added for both aesthetic and practical reasons, resisting moss and mold. Scott Ritter of Topo embraced this architectural style in his landscape design, creating an English garden concept with layered outdoor rooms. The outdoor spaces feature raised terraces, site walls, pavers, and grouped crab trees, transforming the backyard into an area for both entertainment and relaxation. The pool area, anchored by a kitchen pavilion and pool house, was designed to function as a garden feature with an inviting ambiance, utilizing turf and paving as design elements rather than mere functional surfaces. The breakfast room, adjacent to the kitchen, has a conservatory-like feel with abundant natural light, featuring classic wire work on elliptical windows and a vintage fireplace. The kitchen's focal point is a custom soft blue La Cornue range, recessed into millwork, accompanied by a custom hood, side cabinetry, and marble backsplash with integrated shelving and an extended countertop. Despite the long 25-year renovation period, the Kaminskis view their project as an ongoing hobby and passion, illustrating that the journey of home transformation is a continuous process. #HomeRenovation #ShingleStyleArchitecture #LakeMinnetonka #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #TEA2Architects #JohnKraemerSons #HarrisWeldonInteriors #TopoLLC #AndersonReda

This article details the extensive renovation of a 10,000-square-foot home on Lake Minnetonka’s Crystal Bay, transforming it from a convoluted, awkwardly styled residence into a serene, nature-inspired family home. The homeowners, Karyn and Bill Whitely, initially purchased the property in 2001 due to its size, accommodating their large family despite its shortcomings in design and lake views. The house's original style was a peculiar mix of "fake farmhouse" and "overgrown Victorian," with a fragmented layout and an absence of direct lake views. After their children began to move out, the couple contemplated a new custom build in St. Paul, envisioning a modern, organic design by Charlie Simmons of Charlie & Co. Design. However, family sentiment against moving and a challenging real estate market led them to reconsider. Karyn approached Simmons with the unconventional idea of integrating the new design plans into their existing home. Initially skeptical due to the stark contrast between the existing structure and the desired modern aesthetic, Simmons, along with project manager Douglas Tang, eventually embraced the challenge. The renovation focused on simplification, serenity, and a seamless connection to the natural surroundings. The team, including custom home builder Kareem Reda of Anderson Reda, first identified essential structural elements to retain, then proceeded to remove nonessential architectural features like cosmetic walls, partitions, and superfluous doors to create an open, flowing layout. Karyn's vision for the layout was a "river-like" flow, eliminating the previous maze-like navigation. A significant structural brick wall on the main level was cleverly repurposed as a backdrop for art in the new formal entry. The reconfigured main level now features an open kitchen and dining area, separated from the entry by a blackened steel and glass partition. The kitchen, with its dual islands and natural stone backsplash, and the dining room are strategically aligned on an axis leading to the living room, which boasts large, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize outdoor views. The exterior underwent a similar transformation, shedding unnecessary elements. The roof was replaced, and the old siding was swapped for weathered gray-brown cedar siding, integrated vertically with alternating board widths to create a tree bark-like texture. Karyn’s inspiration for the exterior was to make the house appear as if it "sprung up out of the earth, blending right into nature. The interiors, with landscaping by Topo, LLC, continued the nature-inspired theme, utilizing neutral colors and organic materials. Suzanne Kickhaefer, senior interior designer at MartinPatrick3, emphasized complementing the spectacular lake and tree views rather than competing with them. Karyn prioritized authentic materials, avoiding anything "fake, fussy, or ostentatious." While Benjamin Moore Super White dominated the wall colors, subtle pops of navy, gold, and pumpkin were introduced for character. Exposed wooden beams, ash woodwork, fumed French oak flooring, and carved solid-cedar stools contributed to the natural elegance. Unique elements like a slab behind the range resembling a seascape and oversized solid walnut pulls on kitchen cabinets added warmth without sacrificing minimalism. The design extends upstairs via a floating steel-and-wood staircase to the primary suite, which includes a white-painted brick wall and a cement bathtub echoing the kitchen's design. A meditation room features an A-frame wall with a shou sugi ban charred-wood finish, a beloved detail for the owners. Practical additions like an elevator were incorporated for aging-in-place convenience. The renovation ultimately allowed the family to stay in their cherished location while achieving their dream home, reflecting their collective identity and vision. #HomeRenovation #LakeMinnetonka #NatureInspiredDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #OrganicMaterials #LuxuryHome #FamilyHome

Wikiosco, a stunning Tudor Revival-style mansion on Lake George, New York, is currently on the market for $12.9 million. This historic residence, which means “home on beautiful waters” in Algonquin, was originally constructed in 1895 for Royal C. Peabody, the founder of Brooklyn Con Edison. The design was conceived by the Brooklyn-based architecture firm Ludlow and Peabody, with Royal's son, Charles S. Peabody, serving as one of the architects. The property's price point is notable, particularly when compared to the cost of a 25-foot-wide brownstone in Brooklyn, suggesting it could be an attractive luxury retreat for a New Yorker seeking a grand escape. Wikiosco is situated on what is known as Millionaire’s Row along Lake George’s western shore and is one of the few remaining intact 20th-century mansions in the area. The estate spans 6.27 acres, featuring meticulously maintained perennial gardens and expansive lawns that gently slope towards the lakefront. The property boasts 545 feet of private lake frontage, complete with a dock offering four slips and two illuminated boathouses, catering to a waterfront lifestyle. The mansion's exterior showcases classic Tudor Revival characteristics, including a facade of stucco and rough-cut granite, detailed half-timber framing, and distinctive gable dormers. Access to the estate is through a gated entrance, leading up a winding, landscaped driveway to a porte-cochère and an elegant entrance portico. Inside, the expansive 20,000-square-foot home comprises seven bedrooms and twelve bathrooms. Architectural details of historical significance are preserved throughout, such as original carved oak doors, decorative carved built-ins, robust oak beams, intricate stained glass windows, elegant crown moldings, and refined wainscoting. A large, circular screened veranda provides an ideal setting for entertaining, offering unparalleled views of the surroundings and featuring a dedicated entertainment bar. An outdoor terrace further complements the entertaining spaces. Beyond the main residence, Wikiosco offers a suite of luxury amenities. These include a 4,000-bottle wine cellar, a spacious 12-car garage, and a heated outdoor swimming pool. For recreation and fitness, the estate features a tennis court and a Nautilus exercise room equipped with a steamer, sauna, and locker rooms. An elevator provides convenient access throughout the multi-story home. Additionally, the property includes a two-bedroom guest cottage, offering comfortable accommodations for visitors. Wikiosco is recognized for its historical significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its cultural and architectural importance. The property was initially listed eight months prior to this article's publication but is anticipated to garner increased interest with the onset of summer. #TudorRevival #LakeGeorge #HistoricMansion #LuxuryRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #WaterfrontProperty #NewYorkRealEstate #RoyalCPeabody #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces

The article details the renovation of a San Diego kitchen, focusing on a unique statement island designed by Gabriel Sepulveda-Villarini of Jackson Design and Remodeling. The homeowners waited 16 years for this renovation, replacing a 'spec' kitchen that did not suit their lifestyle. The remodel included the kitchen, an adjacent family room, and a beverage bar. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the island, which features a multiple waterfall design of Taj Mahal quartzite. This design evolved from an initial two waterfalls to four, made possible by the clients' budget and their minimal need for extensive seating, allowing for a more elaborate aesthetic. The island is highly functional, with distinct areas for different activities. Seating on two sides allows the husband to join his wife while she cooks or for them to share coffee from the built-in Miele coffee station. The island also includes a prep sink with Brizo faucets, a Miele dishwasher, and specialized storage for kitchen items. Additional storage and a pull-out trash can are integrated into the Caramel Apple-colored quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry from R.D. Henry & Co., which also features matching waterfall edges. Consistency in design elements was a key objective, extending the quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry into the family room to create a 20-foot long built-in shelving unit and TV surround. This wood also panels the Miele refrigerator and freezer, maintaining a cohesive look across the interconnected spaces. The kitchen's perimeter hosts a suite of Miele cooking appliances, including convection, speed, and steam ovens, and a warming drawer. The homeowner particularly appreciates the steam oven, having adopted it as her primary cooking method. Sepulveda-Villarini prioritized balance over strict symmetry in arranging the appliances and cabinetry, integrating floating shelves for visual interest. The Taj Mahal quartzite from the island is repeated on the perimeter countertops, chosen for its neutral yet rich aesthetic and distinctive veining. The previous kitchen was dark, so the renovation aimed to brighten the space while maintaining warmth. This was achieved through the use of Sherwin Williams' Drift of Mist paint for custom wall cabinets, illuminated by LED lights, and Sonoma Tile Maker’s Market Collection ceramic tile in Ashbury Pebble for the backsplash. The herringbone pattern of the tile, with a light-colored grout, extends around the window and behind the floating shelves, adding subtle texture and varying shades of color. Finishing touches include Kichler Edmar pendants above the island, chosen for their frosted half-globe design and open tops that direct light upwards, illuminating the ceiling without harsh glare. The pendants' polished nickel finish complements the Brizo plumbing fixtures and Berger Hardware cabinetry pulls and knobs, adding sophistication and warmth. The remodel also addressed a functional issue by creating an official beverage bar between the kitchen and dining room. This replaced a makeshift bar cart and trash can, enhancing the flow and aesthetics of the home. The beverage bar features a Taj Mahal quartzite countertop, custom white painted wall cabinets with glass doors and LED lighting, and a Miele beverage refrigerator. A smoke glass mirrored backsplash reflects wine glasses stored on a rack, creating depth and a glamorous feel, avoiding the traditional metallic look of a standard mirror. The overall project successfully transformed a dated kitchen into a functional, aesthetically pleasing space that supports the homeowners' new daily routines and traditions. #KitchenDesign #StatementIsland #HomeRenovation #LuxuryKitchens #InteriorDesign #QuartziteCountertops #CustomCabinetry #ApplianceIntegration #ProjectCaseStudy

When clients purchased a 1956 Saugatuck, Michigan, home situated on Kalamazoo Lake, they were faced with a house that presented a jumble of inconsistent design elements. The architectural style leaned mid-century modern, retaining original details like a butter-yellow washing machine, yet the designers, Liz Hoekzema and Jaci Schipper of KLH Custom Homes, aimed to avoid creating a mere "period piece." Simultaneously, the lakefront location prompted considerations of a more classic cottage aesthetic, characterized by elements such as white shiplap and seagrass rugs. The design team embarked on a renovation that sought to seamlessly blend the home's historical roots with a fresh, contemporary perspective, drawing inspiration from its lakeside setting. Key original features like a central brick fireplace column and stained glass windows were preserved and reinterpreted. To subtly reflect the water, zellige tiles were incorporated in the kitchen and bathroom, mimicking the shimmering surface of the lake, while wavy furniture echoed its gentle ripples. A breezeblock partition and banquette on the lower level were installed to evoke the 1956 architecture, making it appear as if they were inherent to the original design. The layout was reconfigured to accommodate the clients' lifestyle, featuring two distinct kitchen areas. The main level kitchen was designed as a family-friendly space, while a smaller kitchenette on the lower level offers a private retreat for the homeowners. In the main kitchen, a unique attached island and dining table transition from soapstone to wood, providing lake views at counter height. The table's base incorporates a soft, wavy form, further referencing the water. The pantry door features a distinct natural brass push and kick plate, chosen for its resemblance to the sun rising over the lake. Practical solutions were also implemented, such as a tucked-away paper towel holder to maintain a clutter-free countertop. The original stained glass windows, initially a chaotic mix of colors and shapes, were reimagined into a brand-new transom window leading to the office, drawing inspiration from the existing elements. The principal suite, previously dark due to small windows, was transformed with clerestory architecture extending from the bathroom to the closet, maximizing natural light. A design challenge involved the construction of a breezeblock bench integrated into the wall, requiring careful planning for support and code compliance. A meaningful, yet subtle, design detail lies in the sconces of the principal bathroom, which playfully mimic the old, awkward triangular jut-out windows that were removed during the exterior renovation. The bathroom layout itself was rethought to create separate vanity spaces for the couple, with a makeup vanity for the wife and an extended mirror to amplify light. In the small powder room located under the stairs, the angled ceiling was embraced, and storage was maximized with cubbies. A soft, butter-yellow wallpaper and a mirror with a wave motif contribute to a sunny, water-inspired ambiance. For the children's room with twin beds, the designers aimed for a collected, cottage-like feel rather than a overtly new aesthetic. A shift in the ceiling was highlighted by using two different shades of mint green paint, contributing to the room's character. The exterior underwent significant restoration, with existing brick and stone base preserved where possible. The upper level features new LP siding, all painted a uniform color. On the lakeside, a thermally modified deck was installed for low maintenance, and the balcony railing was chosen to resemble a boat railing, offering clean lines and unobstructed views of the lake. #LakeHouseDesign #MidCenturyModern #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WaterInspiredDesign #SaugatuckMichigan #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #CustomHomes

Szczepaniak Astridge has completed a rooftop extension for Leaf House, a terraced property in south London owned by architectural photographer Edmund Sumner and writer Yuki Sumner. The loft extension serves as a peaceful master bedroom retreat, featuring a distinctive wooden bath positioned strategically against a large window, offering views across the London skyline. The design ethos prioritizes simplicity and calm, moving away from conventional loft conversions that often maximize storage or create compartmentalized spaces. Edmund Sumner, having photographed numerous attic extensions, sought to avoid the common issues of inadequate insulation and cluttered layouts, aiming instead for an open and serene environment. The inclusion of the timber bath with a view was inspired by his experiences in Japan. The loft space is characterized by its open-plan layout, with the staircase leading directly into the bedroom and no dividing walls between the bathing area and the sleeping quarters. A tall headboard for the bed defines a section of the room, leaving the remaining space intentionally open. Edmund Sumner highlights the uniqueness of this approach, emphasizing the deliberate use of empty space, which he attributes to architect Simon Astridge's understanding of 'ma,' the Japanese concept of interstitial space. This design choice stands in contrast to typical attic conversions that tend to partition the area into smaller, enclosed sections. The material palette for the loft extension reflects a commitment to Japanese interior design principles and sustainability. The roof and walls are covered in clay, and timber is used for the structure, complemented by good insulation. Yuki Sumner notes the incorporation of Japanese influences, such as the concept of transitioning from darkness to light, realized through a tunnel-like entry, and the waxed teak bath. These material selections and design philosophies were aimed at creating a tactile and environmentally conscious living space. Beyond the master bedroom, the loft conversion was part of a larger renovation of the terrace's upper floors. The project aimed to create additional bedrooms for the Sumners' children, thereby freeing up space for both Edmund and Yuki to work from home. This expansion resulted in a five-bedroom house, significantly enhancing their ability to work productively from their residence. The children's bedrooms were finished with materials similar to the master suite, featuring half-clay walls extending to the ceiling and half-cork walls that continue onto the floor. The cork provides a functional surface for pinboards, and all rooms are furnished with birch plywood. Edmund and Yuki Sumner, both with extensive experience covering architecture, gained considerable insight into the profession through this personal project. Edmund Sumner remarked that the 20-week process taught him more about the industry than his 20 years of professional work, offering a unique perspective from the client's side. The project was executed by Szczepaniak Astridge, with Webb Yates as the engineer and Q Projects as the contractor. Key collaborators included Luke Chipfix Furniture, Clayworks Plasters, Guy Valentine for clay application, William Garvey for the bath, and Wo and we collection for lighting. Photography for the project was provided by Edmund Sumner. #ResidentialExtensions #LondonHouses #LoftConversion #JapaneseDesignInfluence #SustainableMaterials #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalPhotography #SzczepaniakAstridge #EdmundSumner

Oho Interiors undertook a significant renovation of a 100-year-old home near Lake Minnetonka, with the primary objective of enhancing its connection to the surrounding lake views. The new owners, a young family with two daughters, sought a "forever home" that reflected the lake's essence both visually and spiritually. Previously residing next door, they desired improved sightlines of the water, making this property an ideal choice for their vision. The redesign aimed to restore the home's character, which had been lost through numerous prior renovations, by integrating a moody Scandinavian aesthetic. This approach avoided literal coastal decor, instead focusing on a serene yet grounded interior that drew inspiration from the nearby water. Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, articulated the vision as creating a cozy space with moody colors and clean lines, reinterpreted for a Midwestern sensibility. The chosen palette included earthy neutrals, stormy blues, and inky charcoals, complemented by warm woods and various tactile finishes. Emphasis was placed on maximizing natural light to highlight the outdoor connection and balance the rich color scheme. Key structural changes were implemented to achieve this, including reorienting the layout, enlarging windows, and widening inter-room openings. A major transformation involved the kitchen, which was originally a closed-off and disconnected space. The renovation opened it up, rotated the island, and expanded the windows, bringing in more natural light and framing the lake views effectively. The kitchen cabinetry, enameled in Benjamin Moore's Stone Hearth, featured custom beaded detailing, adding a subtle craftsmanship to a classic profile. Brass hardware accented the doors and slab-front drawers, contributing to a timeless yet current aesthetic. A bold design choice was the use of Ijen Blue quartzite for the kitchen countertops. This striking material, with its swirling blue and grey patterns, subtly echoed the waves of Lake Minnetonka, reflecting a willingness to take design risks. The integration of polished nickel faucets with warm brass lighting fixtures further demonstrated Oho Interiors' ability to blend daring choices with timeless elegance. The range hood, designed with an architectural shape but finished in plaster, provided a soft, organic balance to the cabinetry and stone. The lake's influence extended beyond layout to inform the entire home's mood and color scheme, ensuring seamless transitions between open spaces. Subtle tonal changes maintained visual interest without abrupt contrasts. Light played a crucial role, softening colors in some areas and intensifying depth in others, such as a moody green living room. Even practical spaces, like the pantry, received thoughtful attention, featuring custom doors with star cutouts that added a playful, yet refined, element. A custom-built desk and coloring nook for the daughter exemplified the design team's commitment to creating practical, magical spaces that would evolve with the family, integrating curved details and colors like Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue No. 22 to ensure a timeless, integrated feel. This comprehensive approach resulted in a home deeply connected to its environment while accommodating modern family life. #InteriorDesign #ScandinavianStyle #LakeMinnetonkaHome #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #ColorPalette #NaturalLight #CustomCabinetry #QuartziteCountertops