Photos by Rich Michell
Nestled deep in the woods on a lakeside lot, this classic cabin—with its dated wood finishes, log columns and railings, and a quintessential antler chandelier—was defined by numerous rustic cabin cliches. “It was dark—I would say ‘woodsy,’” explains Leanna Kemp-Kristoff, design associate of David Heide Design Studio, the design firm on the project. While the aesthetic admittedly evoked a certain nostalgia, its structure was beginning to impede on daily living for the clients—most notably, in the kitchen. “[The kitchen] had columns made of tree trunks that were structural to support a loft above, but they were right in the middle of the space,” she says. “You couldn’t even get around the island because there was a column punching the corner, making circulation difficult.”
So, after the first visit to the site, it was clear some architectural moves were in order. With goals of modernizing the kitchen and dining areas while still maintaining the integrity and charm of the Northwoods setting, the team worked to redefine both the layout and overall aesthetic. “[The owners] wanted the remodel to be [in their words] ‘a Viking with a college education,’” architect Chris Christofferson, AIA, recalls, laughing. “They wanted a Nordic theme but more refined.”
When crafting the plans, it was important to prioritize flow and connection to ensure the kitchen could accommodate both the homeowners and guests when entertaining. “We think through absolutely every detail of how the space is going to be used for two people or 20 to make sure the floor plan is optimal,” Kemp-Kristoff says. For instance, a door that connected the kitchen with the sunroom—originally located in the back corner of the kitchen—was repositioned to keep traffic flow out of the space while people are cooking. “You used to have to go through the kitchen, into the sunroom, and then outside, but now, the kitchen is uninterrupted and circulation is corrected,” Christofferson explains. The addition of picture windows above the sink helps maintain the connection to the sunroom and expand views to the woods outside.
Meanwhile, the white oak floor and ceiling allow for the darker cerused oak cabinetry and textured red Heritage Tile backsplash to come to the forefront. Similarly, the stainless-steel Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances “stand out as a way to say, ‘Yes, this is a kitchen. We’re not trying to hide these elements away,’” Kemp-Kristoff says.
In fact, much of the kitchen’s storage was left open for ease of use when guests are visiting. Case in point: the island’s open shelves. Christofferson says, “The idea is to keep the counter more open and usable. The things people bring, like extra loaves of bread, chips … those kinds of things can go on those open shelves to be stored.” These shelving units also contribute to the home’s repeated theme of horizontality, creating cohesion with the surrounding spaces.
But the true “wow” factor can be found in the adjacent dining space, complete with a large formal dining table and dormer with a window to usher in an abundance of natural light. Despite its grand appearance, it remains remarkably comfortable. And now, whether hosting gatherings for friends and family or simply sitting at the table to savor sweet sips of morning coffee, the owners can bask under the gorgeous glow of a custom Southern Lights fixture as they take in the picturesque views of the forest and lake outside. It’s safe to say the antlers will not be missed.
