Since 1992, Midwest Home has celebrated the art of home design, shining a spotlight on the region’s most inspiring spaces and the visionaries behind them. In this retrospective roundup, our editors reflect on 20 of the most memorable features from the past 20 years—showcasing timeless trends, creative changes, and the homeowners and designers who made them so remarkable. Join us as we revisit the standout spaces and striking stories that have shaped Midwest Home’s legacy and continue to spark stylish, sophisticated living across the region.
1. An Integrated Life
A North Shore home merges family and nature
As Originally Seen In: October/November 2004
Photo by Alex Steinberg
John and Jonalie Barton had always been attracted to the cool weather, fragrant woods, and crashing waves of the North Shore. So, when they found a 2.5-acre lot on Big Bay Point, they knew immediately it was the perfect place to build. Designed by their son, Scott, who graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and had been working with Sienna Architecture in Portland, Oregon, the home was intentionally crafted as an extension of the natural surroundings. Greg Breining writes, “The integration of a family—with the skills of one generation serving another—was the project’s most harmonious result.”
2. Journey’s End
An ancient form enchants modern gardeners
As Originally Seen In: April 2005
Photo by John Abernathy
In a departure from today’s seasonal stories published in Midwest Home, this labyrinth-focused feature highlighted artists’, architects’, and labyrinth designers’ takes on the ancient art across various Minnesota locales—from a 5-acre Stillwater property and Northfield respite with a sheltering tree at its center to a Deephaven destination and St. Paul backyard with a labyrinth that aligns with an oversized chessboard. “Unlike a maze, which has an objective to confuse with multiple routes, the labyrinth offers a single circular path leading to the center,” writes Susan Davis Price. “There are no choices, no puzzles to solve.”
3. Preservation Passion
Why buy new when you can use architectural artifacts instead?
As Originally Seen In: September 2006
Photo courtesy of Rivertown Inn
Many of today’s interior design trends center on vintage and antique items, but it seems Ed Hawksford beat the craze by about 18 years. With a passion for preserving architectural artifacts, Hawksford began working with clients of similar interests to give historic items new life. Jeff and Julie Anderson, owners of the Rivertown Inn in Stillwater, were among his “regulars” who would decorate the space with all kinds of antique treasures. One of Jeff’s own finds (approved by Hawksford, of course) is an old altarpiece he found when visiting Portland, Oregon. The section of the altar now covers one wall of the inn’s dining room. “That sense of serendipity—or fate—is part of the draw for many collectors,” Andrea Grazzini Walstrom writes.
4. Christmas on Crocus Hill
European inspiration comes home for the holidays
As Originally Seen In: December 2007
Photo by John Abernathy
In 2007, homeowners Tim Ricker (who doubles as an interior designer still today!) and David Lepak elegantly transformed their 1926 Crocus Hill home into a holiday haven. After lugging up more than 20 boxes from their basement the Friday after Thanksgiving for a three-day decorating marathon, their treasured Christmas mementos found their new home for the season. Lavish ornaments, antlers and pheasant feathers, garlands and wreaths, mixed greens, and Frazier fir trees combine to create an aesthetic Ricker calls his “European hunting lodge,” which is based on rich gold tones, earthy browns, and shiny silvers with touches of taxidermy here and there.
5. The Art of Being Robyne Robinson
A now-former Fox 9 newscaster revels in the comforts of her treasure-filled sanctuary
As Originally Seen In: February 2008
Photo by Maki Strunc
“Stepping into the Minneapolis townhouse of Fox 9’s news anchor Robyne Robinson is like entering a work of art in progress,” writes Wendy Lubovich. Since being featured in 2008, Robinson has left the world of network TV to pursue her passion for the arts. But lucky for us, this condo still holds strong in terms of its eclectic, yet timeless appeal. When looking at the colorful collection of pieces displayed in every corner—including a Salvador Dalí watercolor, Robert Rauschenberg photo-transfer collage, and Al Wadzinski fish sculpture—it makes perfect sense why Robinson traded her news profession for a career full of creativity.
6. House of Style
Vintage glam meets rock ’n’ roll in this Minnetonka rambler
As Originally Seen In: February/March 2009
Rocking everything from Asian flair to art deco influences, this glamorously eccentric 3,000-square-foot rambler on a heavily wooded lot in Minnetonka pretends to be a basic, brick-clad residence from the exterior. The interior, though, presents a vibe reminiscent of a chic downtown penthouse. “She’s the glamour girl with a passion for fashion,” writes Wendy Lubovich. “He’s the guitar guy with a penchant for rock ’n’ roll. Together, Stephanie and Cory Lake have created a home that blends their personalities perfectly—hip, sophisticated, and a bit edgy. … The home takes on the panache of a little black dress.” This is perhaps best demonstrated in the dressing area—the epitome of sensual glam with a seafoam green table and portrait of Stephanie’s grandmother.
7. Barn Raising
A Minneapolis family’s vacation home on Lake Superior gives new life to old barns
As Originally Seen In: November/December 2010
Photo by Troy Thies
Perched on a bluff of Lake Superior, Tom and Nicole Wolfe’s vacation cabin pays homage to the past. The 4,250-square-foot structure—inspired by the family’s love of the old barns they would see when driving through Iowa—is constructed from reclaimed materials, including lumber from six barns, a pioneer-era log house, and a Wyoming snow fence. Designed by TimeWorn, a firm that specializes in giving old timber new life, the home boasts an authentic barn feel with modern comforts. “The finished house is stunning, both for its sweeping view of Superior and for the surprising incongruence of a barn in the Wisconsin Northwoods,” writes Greg Breining.
8. The Eclectic Collector
A world traveler goes all out to celebrate the season in her North Loop loft
As Originally Seen In: November/December 2011
Drawn to the rough edges and creative appeal of the North Loop area, homeowner, collector, and real estate broker Shannon Reilly purchased a combined two-unit loft in 1995 to craft her own custom home. Objets d’art from her global adventures adorn the space, creating a worldly wonderland reminiscent of a rustic Italian villa that brims with international and, come December, holiday flair. Principal Richard Anderson of now-closed Cherub Designs, who had helped curate Reilly’s festive looks for a decade, describes the style as “bohemian opulence.” Classic Christmas touches—fresh pine boughs, white lights, gold and maroon ribbons, and traditional ornaments—blend seamlessly with the luxe-boho vibe of her eclectic treasures.
9. Style Touchdown
The Edina home of an NFL player-turned-television host continues to resonate among Midwest Home readers
As Originally Seen In: April/May 2012
Photo by Susan Gilmore
Abby and Ben Leber first met at Kansas State University, where Ben was a breakout linebacker for the Wildcats. His finesse on the field led him to the NFL, and after a four-year stint with the San Diego Chargers, he joined the Minnesota Vikings (from which he has since retired). After building their first house in northeast Edina, the couple found a rare double lot nearby where they decided to create a custom sanctuary for their growing family. The project, which remains popular on our website to this day, was a collaboration among DFP Planning & Design (previously known as Nelson Residential Design), Great Neighborhood Homes, O’Hara Interiors, and Abby herself. Unlike the first house, “this new house is all about pushing boundaries and getting a little girly,” writes Alyssa Ford. And while this style goes against Ben’s more masculine taste, Abby assures “he’s man enough for it.”
10. Structure & Style
When the pristine forms of modern architecture meet the sculptural silhouettes of fall fashions, the results are sublime
As Originally Seen In: September/October 2013
Photo by Tim Nehotte
In a unique departure from Midwest Home’s current scope of coverage, this visually striking 10-page fashion story merges the world of home design with haute couture. In the article, two models—styled by Barbara Schmidt of studiobstyle inc.—pose in luxury name brands in and around a stunningly modern Lake Minnetonka home by PKA Architecture (previously known as Peterssen Keller Architects). From edgy John Galliano lace-up boots to a nearly $5,000 intricately beaded wool coat by Etro, the clothing is perhaps only outshined by the home’s crisp architectural lines and cutting-edge construction.
11. Superior Tradition
An elegant home lends sophisticated presence to the Bayfield shore
As Originally Seen In: November/December 2014
Photo courtesy of TEA2 Architects/Hannah Stonehouse
Overlooking Lake Superior just south of Bayfield, Wisconsin, Marilyn and Bill Van Sant’s 9,330-square-foot home displays a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship. “With the expert guidance of TEA2 architects Dan Nepp and Tom Van De Weghe, the Van Sants shaped an elegant home that showcases the artwork, books, and antiques they’ve collected over three decades,” Linda Mack writes. The exterior, complete with gabled roofs with copper-flashed hips and cedar-shingled eyebrow dormers, is described by Nepp as having an “Arts & Crafts sensibility.” Meanwhile, the interior is a true reflection of the homeowners’ personalities—showcasing their passion for craft, heritage, and the lakeside landscape.
12. Lakefront Loft
Rehkamp Larson Architects, John Kraemer & Sons, and Brooke Voss Design create a sleek loft-inspired home on the lake
As Originally Seen In: June/July 2015
Photo by Andrea Rugg
With a distinctive design that brings modern family life to the lake, this 6,000-square-foot Lake Minnetonka home beautifully blends the home-owners’ desire for a “farmhouse-Scandinavian-cottage-y feel with a modern, loft-like urban aesthetic,” as the couple shared with author Camille Lefevre nearly 10 years ago. Bold pops of bright chartreuse, blue, and red accentuate the home’s interior, while durable details like reclaimed maple floors make it both stylish and strong. Family-focused features include a flexible lower level with a playroom, music studio, and gathering space, as well as a cozy kids’ play loft on the second floor—complete with a TV area, reading nook, and ample room for Lego-building adventures.
13. Midcentury Time Capsule
A couple find a simpler life in an impeccably designed and preserved St. Paul home
As Originally Seen In: April/May 2016
Photo by Corey Gaffer
In 1953, Whitney Boardman—an engineer by training and builder by trade—crafted a midcentury home overlooking the Mississippi River valley in St. Paul. Lovingly preserved by its second owners, Michael Birdsall and Roger Haase, the house boasts a mix of modern and traditional elements that effortlessly complements the structure’s midcentury charm. “The house has stunning sun-filled spaces and views, an open floor plan, and exceptional attention to detail for a home of the era,” Bonnie Blodgett writes. And with the addition of Birdsall and Haase’s personal touches, it feels “like a luxuriously appointed gallery of modern art.”
14. Modern Mediterranean
Detail Homes brings a slice of the Mediterranean to the Mississippi River shoreline in St. Paul with a home that offers the latest in amenities
As Originally Seen In: August 2017
Photo by Spacecrafting
“If passersby can’t tell whether the white stucco house with the red-clay-tile roof at Mississippi River Boulevard and Jefferson in St. Paul is old or new, that’s fine with builder Chris Van Klei of Detail Homes,” Carmen Peota writes of this five-bed, five-bath abode designed in conjunction with Charlie & Co. Design. A largely black-and-white color palette is punctuated by old world details, a mix of traditional and contemporary materials, and dramatic interior selections that make for a memorable Mediterranean-style residence. Our favorite element? We can’t decide between the 270-degree views of the surrounding trees and river through black-frame windows in the primary bedroom and drama of the airy, modern living room.
15. Artful Function
Light, shadow, and color play in this Afton home
As Originally Seen In: April/May 2018
Photo by Paul Crosby
When searching for their ideal location to settle down, Chuck and Jill Koosmann immediately fell in love with the views of the St. Croix River from a wooded property in Afton. They always knew they wanted to eventually tear down and rebuild, so after 18 years, they brought in Salmela Architect and Streeter Custom Builder (previously known as Streeter & Associates) to craft a sleek, Nordic-inspired home that blends into the forest surroundings. While the exterior is quiet and straightforward, the inside embraces color through accent walls and accessories. Linda Mack writes, “The attention given to the play of light, shadow, space, and color makes art of every inch.”
16. Modern Grandeur
A striking stone exterior, glass and steel accents, and unique design elements make Huntington Manor a feast for the eyes
As Originally Seen In: September/October 2019
Photo by Spacecrafting
Designed as a passion project by architect James McNeal of James McNeal Architecture & Design (JMAD) and third-generation stone mason Luke Busker of Luke Busker Masonry, this 7,774-square-foot fortress known as the modern-day castle in Orono was designed in a regal Richardsonian Romanesque style. A unique steampunk-inspired twist is translated through custom elements like a steel door operated by a pulley and a hand crank that opens to reveal a high-tech television. Other impressive features within the castle include two spiral staircases (one of which doubles as a three-story vertical atrium with built-in irrigation), a custom bar, and a series of three fireplaces inspired by the hit HBO show “Game of Thrones.”
17. Legacy on the Lake
After more than a century of being in the family, a plot of land along the shores of Lake Superior finally receives a family home to match its beauty
As Originally Seen In: July/August 2020
Photo by Corey Gaffer
Leigh Olson’s family has cherished their 160-acre property on Lake Superior for generations, ever since her grandfather purchased the land over a century ago. With a desire to craft a larger modern space for their family, Leigh and her husband, Cory, recruited Julie Snow of Snow Kreilich Architects to design a home that would honor the land’s rugged beauty. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a cantilevered design, the house integrates seamlessly into the forested shoreline. Inside, “a neutral color palette allows nature views to take precedence,” Camille LeFevre writes. So, it’s safe to say the Olson family’s legacy will live on with the contemporary lakeside home, as future generations continue to come and explore the rocky coastline.
18. Bold Business
Vibrant yet refined, distinct yet cohesive, Persian yet Swedish—the rooms of this family-focused home tell one couple’s story of love and triumph
As Originally Seen In: January/February 2021
Photo by Spacecrafting
Seeking a home that balanced convenience and style, the owners of this 7,327-square-foot residence in the Twin Cities’ west suburbs turned to City Homes, Alexander Design Group, and The Sitting Room. The design reflects the couple’s heritages: He’s Persian, drawn to jewel tones and glamour, while she’s Swedish, preferring clean lines and cozy white finishes. Standout spaces include a yoga studio, gym, family room, wine cellar, bar, and an outdoor entertainment area with a pool. The lavish owners’ suite features a two-story primary closet filled with luxury items and a floor-to-ceiling sneaker collection—blending both function and opulence throughout.
19. An Impeccable Process
A Western-style house is eloquently transformed into a European-inspired countryside manse
As Originally Seen In: May/June 2022
Photo by Spacecrafting
For Bruce Kading, principal of Bruce Kading Interior Design, hand-sketching is a crucial part of the design process “during which he painstakingly depicts every design detail to scale with the historically accurate, worldly style for which he’s nationally applauded,” writes Katelyn Bloomquist. Tasked with transforming a Western-style home into a European-inspired mansion, Kading led a talented team of artisans—including builder Lee Cornelius, expert local woodcarver Erik Wyckoff, and decorative painter Jennifer Raskob Kranz—who worked to achieve the clients’ vision. From the hand-carved wood details to the intricately aged ceiling beams, every inch of the estate reflects old world elegance.
20. From Downsize to Upgrade
An outdated St. Paul condo receives a modern facelift, transforming it into an organic haven in the sky
As Originally Seen In: May/June 2023
With their three oldest children settled and their youngest off to college, Clint and Diane Blaiser decided it was time for a change—moving to a 2,875-square-foot condo with sweeping views of St. Paul. Designed by Interior Impressions, the space features a neutral palette of caramels and creams, blending elegance with sophistication. Highlights include a 13-foot waterfall island of black-stained oak and Cambria quartz, Phillip Jeffries woven wallpaper, and porcelain wall panels that mimic Borghese marble. Anna Bjorlin writes, “With clean lines, contemporary style, and just the right number of cozy textures, this casual, yet sophisticated setup became the city-dwelling entertainer’s dream.”
