Photos by Spacecrafting
Interior design has the remarkable ability to make similar spaces appear drastically different—using varying colors, materials, and styles to craft unique personalities within individual homes. Two identical condo units in Minneapolis’ condominium complex Eleven on the River are the perfect representation of this concept in action: Despite sharing nearly the same floor plan, the homeowners’ styles certainly differed. “[Both units] are on the same stack, so they were pretty much the same,” says Gabby Laboy, senior designer at O’Hara Interiors. As the sole designer on each project, Laboy embraced the challenge of ensuring the “cookie-cutter” condos could reflect each client’s individual style.
The first project took place in 2021 for a Minnesota-local couple who were looking to downsize. “Their previous home was more midcentury, so they wanted [the design] to be very elegant,” Laboy explains. While they were open to suggestions, they also wanted to ensure the design matched the building’s preexisting aesthetic. “They used the term ‘gothic,’ but in a way where they wanted to use more burgundy, darker tones for accents.”
To break away from the unit’s all-white canvas, Laboy introduced a predominately blue palette, blending a variety of materials and textures to infuse the space with character. The Kelly Wearstler blue wallpaper adorning the entry is a prime example, with its dimensional graffiti pattern setting a dramatic tone for the rest of the space. Laboy says, “It really gets you in the mood of staying away from the white and incorporating a little bit of color. I think blue is good at playing along with a lot of other colors, so for the most part, everything was leaning toward that.” Other blue accents came in the form of custom Vanguard counter stools, a swivel chair from Highland House, and a bone-inlay console, which is complemented by burgundy velvet ottoman stools. “What I like about those stools is that they are great accents,” she continues. “They’re a different color, but they can easily be moved around to add some additional seating in the living space. They really balance everything out.”
A year later, Laboy returned to Eleven on the River, but this time, to work with a couple who split their time among three residences in Minnesota and Texas. Unlike the transitional style of the previous project, these homeowners sought something much more modern. As renters, they were somewhat limited in what they could do in the unit, but that did not hinder their dedication to making it feel like home.
In contrast to the all-white look of the previous home Laboy worked on, this unit boasted a warmer feel with wood-tone cabinetry and dark wood flooring throughout. “For the most part, they wanted to keep things very modern and neutral [while adding] color through art and accessories,” Laboy explains. The balance of moody, contemporary elements is best illustrated in the main living space, which boasts a neutral gray sofa, black-patterned Jaipur rug, and Regina Andrew leather accent chair. Nearby, the dining space makes a bold statement with a striking black marble Dovetail dining table and decorative chandelier from Arteriors. “I love how that space turned out,” she says. “Everything was pretty light with the windows, but the darker selections made it feel warmer.”
Now that each home is complete, it’s hard to believe they once looked nearly the same. Small yet mighty, they both serve as a vivid reminder that although interior design is often defined by luxury brands or trending styles, the true success of a home’s design lies in its ability to resonate with the individuality of those who live within them.
