THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION
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Living on Lake Time Lakeside cottage renovation by
Martha Dayton and Dan Hamann
marthadaytondesign.com 612.850.9493
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Photograph by Shelly Mosman
Home - Garden - Gifts
1 3 1 1 We s t 2 5 t h St r ee t
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I N S P I R I N G . S T Y L I S H . S O P H I S T I C AT E D .
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ROBERT SIDENBERG INTERIOR DESIGN
Katie Sidenberg
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A room that is the view.
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HE ALTHY SMILES FOR A LIFETIME 4289 Sheridan Ave S, Minneapolis
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THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION
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ON THE COVER DANA ALPETER INTERIORS PUBLISHER KAREN T. STOECKEL GRAPHIC DESIGN SHEBA CONCEPT & DESIGN, INC. ART DIRECTION KAREN T. STOECKEL MANAGING EDITOR ELLEN OLSON SOCIAL MEDIA JACOB PIERRE LOUIS III CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CARTER AVERBECK HOLLIE BLANCHARD ANDREW FLESHER JANE MAIORANO MADILYN JUSTINE ROWE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SPACECRAFTING JEFF JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSIE LOPEZ PRODUCTION
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Letter from the Editors
DESIGN YOUR DREAM BED
770 Lake St E, Wayzata MN | (952) 746-5826 www.highcrofthome.com 20
We’ve recently seen some glimpses of Spring and wow, are we ready! Blossoms, blooms, trees leafing out, and longer days – each of these things make us feel a little more optimistic about the days ahead. You’ll see a theme running through these pages: color, whimsy, exuberance, and beauty. We continue to be amazed at the body of work created by the talented designers, architects, builders and artists who live in this community. Our home features are diverse. Interior designer Dana Alpeter and her husband created their own version of the perfect empty nest. The simplicity of the design is stunning. Martha Dayton and Dan Hamann collaborated on the update of a 1930’s family home. The result is vibrant, fresh and timeless. Matthew Tyson restored important historical details in a home that needed a major makeover. trong contrasts of dark and light create a modern and fresh aesthetic. Katie Sidenberg is well known in the design community and we had a chance to speak with her about how she got her start in the business, working alongside her talented and beloved father, Robert Sidenberg. Brianne Rasmussen, founder of Timber & Tulip, took a big risk in leaving the security of corporate life, but her custom furniture business is thriving. Her designs showcase the character of the wood and are organic and modern. Our regular contributors are like us – looking forward to Spring! Color is everywhere. Carter Averbeck’s lineup features bright colors, patterns and florals and is bursting with fresh ideas for the home. Jen and Andréa also like color and whimsy for the home and for the wardrobe. They encourage us to buy local. Andrew Flesher keeps us grounded in good design and shares some thoughts on how window coverings can make a space feel finished. Our color story is in keeping with our theme. Yellow paint can add optimism and energy into a space. Bright, vibrant shades are best kept as accents, but the soft, buttery yellows can make a room feel cheerful and calm. Susan Thayer moves us to outdoor spaces with some beautiful examples of how lighting can add drama to the exterior of your home. Slade and Michelle Winchester seem to have boundless energy. Endless home improvements, new business ventures, four sons and a love for entertaining are a few of the things that fill their days. Although the Art Girls love to share new works with their clients, an important part of what they do is look at existing collections with a fresh eye and make suggestions about placement and framing. Great art can live anywhere. They share how they helped a client get settled into their new home and how choosing art was part of that journey. We look forward to the days ahead – getting back to a sense of normalcy. Time in nature always helps and we are fortunate to live in such a beautiful city. Enjoy these pages filled with good design and inspiration. We remain grateful for your readership. lake society magazine
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every City Lakes house has a story. (and bruce birkeland knows it.)
Over 1,000 homes sold. $1 Billion dollars in sales—including more luxury homes sold in the Minneapolis Lakes area than any other Realtor. For 30 years, Bruce Birkeland has been bringing home sellers and buyers together with endless enthusiasm, absolute integrity, and unmistakable success.
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Local Expertise in Fine Downtown Minneapolis and City Lakes Real Estate 612.327.5905 | betsylucasrealtor.com
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CONTENTS SPRING 2021
20 A LETTER FROM the editors 26 COLOR STORY
A cheerful yellow paint palette from Benjamin Moore ranges from a pale, soft buttercream to a bright, lemony yellow.
28 SHOWROOM
Leaving her corporate job was a brave move but Timber & Tulip founder, Brianne Rasmussen, has no regrets – her furniture business is thriving.
32 SUSTAINABLY CHIC
Carter Averbeck’s exuberant lineup of brightly colored mash-ups of prints, florals and blocky configurations suggest that better days are ahead.
34 HOME
A charming, circa-1930’s home is updated to give it a vibrant, fresh and timeless look.
42 ASK ANDREW
Andrew gives us a quick primer on window coverings and how they add another important layer to a room’s design.
44 THE TASTEMAKER DIARIES
Jen and Andréa look forward to Spring — color and whimsy are their watchwords for your home and your wardrobe.
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46 EXQUISITE SPACES
Susan Thayer curates a collection of lighting products can help you create ambiance in both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
48 HOME
Dana Alpeter and her husband created their own version of the perfect empty nest in this stunning 1902 City Lake cottage.
58 BY DESIGN
Katie Sidenberg learned the interior design business working side-by-side with her late father but her signature style is all her own.
60 ART GIRLS
The Art Girls assist a client as they move into their new home and purchase new works of art, as well as curate their existing collection.
64 HOME
A home built in 1905 gets an extensive makeover and is transformed into light, bright modern spaces with just the right amount of historical detail.
70 LIFESTYLE
Endless home improvements, new business ventures and entertaining family and friends energize Slade and Michelle Winchester. lake society magazine
restorhomesllc.com | 612.481.3067 | @restorhomes
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COLOR STORY A front door painted a bright, vibrant lemony yellow color from Benjamin Moore creates a welcoming and striking entrance. Softer paler shades make interior spaces feel cheerful and calm.
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TIMBER & TULIP Leaving her corporate job was a brave move but Timber & Tulip founder, Brianne Rasmussen, has no regrets – her furniture business is thriving. furniture by timber & tulip written by madilyn justine rowe photography by spacecrafting
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SHOWROOM
“I dedicated myself to bringing my ideas to life – simple as that.” –BRIANNE RASMUSSEN
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When Brianne Rasmussen, founder of Timber & Tulip, left her corporate job in June of 2016, she didn’t have an explicit plan about what she might do next. She’d always had a creative/artistic side, but she didn’t really get in touch with her design interests until her late 20’s. The trigger was purchasing her first place downtown in an industrial style building with cement pillars and 20’ ceilings. She loved the process of making it her own. “It was like a creative energy was unleashed, and I knew it was just the beginning,” said Brianne. “I finally came to the realization that my life in the corporate world was not a long term play.” Brianne had a lot of ideas, but no way of actually building them. She knew she needed to collaborate with artisans to transform her ideas from concept to creation. “I dedicated myself to bringing my ideas to life – simple as that,” she remarked. “With some very basic sketches/ideas in hand, I took to Craigslist and reached out to the first woodworker and welder I could find… and so it began.” Fast-forward a few years and Brianne is in charge of a new and exciting furniture business. She designs all of the pieces. After working with a loose confederation of craftspeople that helped her get her business off the ground, she developed a collaborative partnership with a fabricator in Hastings, MN. “The owner of the shop, Jason Skagen, is a true partner and a talented craftsman,” said Brianne. “Three woodworkers and one welder bring my designs to life.” Her background in accounting and finance has given her an advantage in running her business. “I don’t know how I would function without my ongoing love and appreciation for Excel spreadsheets,” she said. Her style is organic modern and she likes clean silhouettes that allow the character of the wood to be showcased. Her designs prioritize function in order to ensure that each piece meets its intended purpose, and most importantly, her client’s needs. She tends to favor walnut, as it has such a wide range of personalities depending on where it was grown and how it was milled. “It’s a versatile material that can complement a wide range of different design styles and existing material/color palettes,” said Brianne. All of the materials that Brianne and her subcontractors purchase and use are sustainably sourced. That means that the tree that is milled has either fallen down on its own accord, or that sustainable lumbering practices are in place where new seedlings are planted at a faster rate than trees are removed. These types of practices ensure that forest levels are maintained, if not expanded. All of Brianne’s furniture is currently made-to-order. She has a catalog of existing designs that are all available to order as-is or in a custom size. That same catalog can serve as an inspiration guide for a fully bespoke design. Timber & Tulip’s product scope includes all interior furnishings, with a focus on tables and various types of case goods. Lead times range from 8 – 12 weeks, depending on the time of year and pipeline of existing orders. Several of Brianne’s designs can be seen at the Rabbit Creek showroom in International Market Square, as they are exclusively representing Timber & Tulip to the interior design, architectural and building trades beginning in 2021. “This is a major step for my business and I am absolutely ecstatic about this partnership,” said Brianne. “Susan and her team are an absolute joy to work with, and I’m excited to see what this next year will bring.” timberandtulip.com • @timberandtulip • rabbitcreekmn.com
“YOUR HOME SHOULD TELL THE STORY OF WHO YOU ARE AND BE A COLLECTION OF WHAT YOU LOVE.”
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SUSTAINABLY
Chic
THE BLOOM OF EXUBERANCE IS IN OUR MIDST. From fashion to furnishings, the design industry is literally bursting with the energy of the sun; shining down on a depleted planet that has been through a year of strife. It’s time to bring joy back into the arena; it’s time for Spring to emerge. Brightly coloured mash-ups of prints, florals, and blocky configurations are showcased everywhere and there’s never been a time when all this tonal saturation was more needed. It seems happiness, or the pursuit of it, is on the rise. Are you going to partake? Here are some serious modes of style that go beyond trend and let the happiness shine through all year long. The Mahjong sofa by Roche Borbois has been an iconic item for decades with an ability to morph through time with designers like Kenzo giving a bright reinterpretation to this modular piece. Pair that Omforme’s luminous dichroic chandeliers, which are sure to mesmerize with their ever shifting colours as one moves around them. Need a pop of the eternally fresh? Try these luxury pillows with cheeky florals reminiscent of the mid century style yet updated for the sophisticated tastes of today. Those itching to get their green thumb moving will like these modern era planters by Bella Vista Canyon. Finally, the scent of fresh flowers is irresistible with these dried flower scented candles from Moon Line Co. Enjoy the happiness that lies within your grasp!
1. Mahjong Sofa by Roche Borbois rocheborbois.com 2. Dichroic Chandelier by Omforme omformedesign.com 3. Luxury Pillows by Omforme omformedesign.com 32
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Carter Averbeck is an interior designer specializing in stylish, sustainable design. For More Information: Info@omformedesign.com.
4. Island Concrete Planter by Bella Vista Canyon bellavistacanyon.com 5. Scented Dried Floral Candles by Moon Line Company etsy.com/shop/MoonLineCo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=772435064
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CLASSIC CHARM A charming, circa-1930’s home is updated to give it a vibrant, fresh and timeless look. as told to ellen olson, photos by spacecrafting, photos styled by paula bjerketvedt
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HOME
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“My clients have great taste, so it was easy to translate the relaxed, happy vibe of the family’s lake cottage to their city home.” – MARTHA DAYTON
project team: interior design: martha dayton design builder: hamann’s custom carpentry, inc. SPRING 2021
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“Martha took the time to really get to know how we live in our home and the feeling we wanted to create.” – CINDY MURPHY, HOMEOWNER
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During the summer of 2019, Martha Dayton and Dan Hamann and their respective teams completed an extensive remodel of a cottage on Lake Minnetonka. Their clients loved their newly updated cottage so much they asked Martha and Dan to bring the same fresh, joyful energy from the lake cottage to the interiors of their city home, located near Lake Harriet. At just 3,000 square feet, the charming, circa-1930’s home has a traditional layout and small, closed-off rooms, making it challenging for an active family with four kids in middle school, high school and college. “We were excited to refresh our home after 25 years of kids, friends, pets and gatherings,” said Cindy Murphy, homeowner. “We wanted to bring in as much sunlight as possible and create a calm, simplified space that flowed effortlessly, and was also very welcoming. Martha took the time to really get to know how we live in our home and the feeling we wanted to create. She stayed true to our home’s architecture and added personal touches that really fit our family.” “Our key design moves are great for any older homes,” said Martha. “Without altering the footprint, we breathed new life into the spaces by lightening the old yellowed oak floors, painting the cabinetry, trim and millwork, updating the finishes, adding new lighting and selecting comfortable, colorful furnishings.” The homeowners’ fondness for the classics was translated into a palette of blues and whites, touches of wicker, simple subway tile, honed marble and Irish linen. The kitchen features an apron-front farmhouse sink and expanses of white subway tile for a fresh, timeless look. Classic lighting is from Schoolhouse Electric. Wall coverings from Hygge & West, a local Minneapolis firm, bring fresh whimsical patterns and inspired color choices into the mix. White Dove OC-17 paint from Benjamin Moore was used throughout the home. “It’s a true white with warmth,” said Martha. “I love this color in both modern and traditional environments.” The home has a “lived in” feeling; but the bones of great design are the underpinnings of the space. Dan Hamann and his team were responsible for the “build” part of the project. “My clients and I love working with Dan,” said Martha. “He’s a great guy and he’s super-attentive, always going the extra mile to help our clients relax and enjoy the renovation process. Because he was an expert finish carpenter before starting his own custom construction firm, he brings an extra measure of craftsmanship to his work, which is really important with older homes.” “Martha has an authenticity and a vision that sets her apart,” remarked homeowner Cindy Murphy. “She cares deeply about her clients, the design process, the craftsmanship, and the final result. She not only designs gorgeous spaces, on time and on budget, but she makes the entire process enjoyable.” “Cindy and her husband, Jim, and all of their children are great fun,” said Martha. “Cindy has great taste, so it was easy to translate the relaxed, happy vibe of the family’s lake cottage to their city home, making it a bright, sunny place with a nook and cranny for every purpose.” The project was completed in November of 2019, so when the pandemic sent the Twin Cities into lockdown in the first few months of 2020, the newly renovated Lake Harriet home was a joyful place for the family to quarantine and stay safe. Cindy sums it up with this comment, “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the end result.” marthadaytondesign.com • hamannscustomcarpentryinc.com SPRING 2021
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ASK ANDREW
Andrew gives us a quick primer on window coverings and how they add another important layer to a room’s design. photography by spacecrafting
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Q.
We have just completed a remodel of our home and we were hoping to forego the expense of window coverings. But something is missing. What are our options? Window coverings are often overlooked as an important
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element of a room’s design. They can be expensive, so they often get relegated to the last line item of a budget. But, they can really finish a space and make it feel complete. Not only do they function as light and privacy control, they layer and add depth, dimension, and softness to a room. If done well, they can make a room sing. Functionally, window coverings provide a number of benefits. They control light and privacy and can help to set the mood in a room. They provide sound control in a “live” room filled with hard surfaces. They also provide UV protection and will help preserve your expensive fabrics, furniture and art. If you have a house with a lot of windows, at night they can look like big black holes. Window coverings will give you texture and warmth, especially in the long winter months. Window coverings come in many different forms: draperies, blinds, roller shades are just a few options you have to consider. Each of them comes in a number of different types of materials. If you choose fabric draperies, remember that they take a lot of fabric, so understand your yardage requirements and cost per yard before you get your heart set on one particular fabric. When they are pulled back, you want them to have enough visual weight to balance out the window. You may choose to line them, which adds to the expense of the lining as well as the labor. Many different pleat treatments are available, so they can be formal/traditional or very architectural/modern. For example, a ripple-fold pleat just serpentines back and forth and creates a beautiful shadow line. I love using wood blinds. They’re clean and have the look of shutters, but you don’t lose as much of your view with the frame that shutters require. Woven grass shades are wonderful way to let filtered light into a room and they help preserve your view, if you have one. They also bring texture into a room, if you are trying to achieve a more casual look in your space. You have a broad range of choices for sourcing window coverings. Many online resources allow you to enter your window dimensions and they will estimate the cost and send you swatches. You also have to consider hardware – rods, pulls, and covers for roller shades and installation. Make sure you have a good tape measure and a sturdy ladder if you decide to tackle it on your own. As always, a design professional can guide you through the process. They can be very helpful in making fabric choices and creating a cohesive look throughout the home and with their resources, they can make installation a breeze. If you have a design question that you’d like me to address, please send it to editor@lakesocietymagazine and I’ll do my best to answer it. A portfolio of my work is available on my website: andrewflesher.com. SPRING 2021 43
THE
TASTEMAKER Diaries
Interior designers Jen Ziemer and Andrea Dixon of award-winning Fiddlehead Design Group pull together their favorites for a muchanticipated Spring. Color and whimsy are the name of the game this season, both for your home and wardrobe! Don’t forget to shop local whenever possible!
Table Scaping juliamossdesigns.com
Bowl Me Over juliamossdesigns.com
Functional Art Link Outdoor Furniture aj-maison.com
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Sitting Pretty Link Outdoor Furniture aj-maison.com
Pattern Play Link Outdoor Furniture aj-maison.com lake society magazine
Glow Up riddleoil.com
Carry On grethenhouse.com Bucket List juliamossdesigns.com
Walk This Way grethenhouse.com Garden Party grethenhouse.com
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EXQUISITE SPACES Susan Thayer is the founder and owner of Rabbit Creek, an exceptionally curated showroom of the industry’s finest furnishings, lighting and accessories. Available at International Market Square, to the trade. rabbitcreekmn.com
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SHINE A LIGHT ON IT! Creating ambiance in your home through lighting is easily achievable if you have the right products. Bright overhead and task lighting for the kitchen, soft ambient lighting on a dimmer in the family room; creating mood and utility is something second nature to us on the inside- but what about the outside? As the sun goes down and the warmer months approach, lighting can deliver a wow factor on the exterior of your home and property. A properly lit property serves as a welcome beacon, delineates entertaining spaces and provides safety when traversing the terrain in the twilight hours. Check out these examples of these fixtures that are as gorgeous as they are functional.
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SIMPLE PERFEC Interior designer Dana Alpeter and her husband create the perfect empty nest in this stunning 1902 City Lake cottage. written by madilyn justine rowe, photography by jeff johnson
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project credits: interior design: dana alpeter interiors architect: murphy & co builder: anderson/reda landscape design: travis van liere studio landscape installation: landscape renovations 50
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“Simplicity lets the mind rest, and that is what home is to me.” –DANA ALPETER, DANA ALPETER INTERIORS SPRING 2021
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–DANA ALPETER, DANA ALPETER INTERIORS
“Powder room’s fresh approach to classic chinoiserie using Jim Thompson’s updated garden scene Ylang silk wall covering.”
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After becoming empty nesters, interior designer Dana Alpeter and her husband sold their family home and downsized to a beautiful loft in a historic building by the Guthrie. Despite loving the views over looking the city and the active city lifestyle they missed “having their feet on the ground.” So, they began their search around the city lakes for a smaller home that would support their empty nest life but would still be close to the city, it’s wonderful culture, and amenities. Needless to say, it was not an easy mission. Finally, after looking for three years, they found the perfect house: a 1902 City Lake cottage. It was the right size, close to their favorite lake and in total disrepair. Dana specializes in whole project design management and was excited about the potential of the project but also knew the obstacles. She understood it would be less expensive to tear the house down but appreciated how challenging it would be to build a new home in the midst of so many beautiful historic houses. Therefore, T. J. Majdecki, Associate AIA and Principal at Murphy & Co, was chosen as the project’s architect as an experienced traditionalist. Dana and her husband were intent on creating a home that would celebrate the original charm but in a way that pushed boundaries. “We wanted to create a very intentional push-pull relationship between traditional and modern aesthetics for a fresh, non-stagnant approach to our 1902 city lake cottage,” said Dana. The two-year project was a constant balancing act to define the relationship between traditional and modern. Additionally, Dana was also extremely focused on the integration between interior and exterior. “We live in a cold northern climate so when it is nice outside, I want to be outside,” she said. “But, even on the coldest, dreariest Minnesota day I still want to feel connected to the outdoors. Our 1902 cottage had almost no natural light, or outdoor access.” Ultimately, the goal of integrating the exterior with interior provided the opportunity to introduce the house’s most remarkable feature: modern steel windows and doors. These windows and doors not only provide the desired integration with the exterior but they also provide an important juxtaposition with the home’s original window design that was replicated and installed throughout. The exterior was carefully edited to maintain its original charm and footprint. The interior was completely gutted and all dividing walls were removed in order to create a modern, open living space that reads clean and modern, almost sparse. However, with Dana’s carefully chosen finishes and materials the result is warm, calm and inviting. The European kitchen and bathrooms exude function and beauty. A monochromatic driftwood palette extends from the interior to the exterior and is echoed in the home’s shake siding providing harmony throughout. Art and accessories are kept to a minimum, which allow elements like the subtle, but exquisite hand painted Gracie wall covering in the dining room, room to breathe. “I always believe ‘less is more’ which makes every detail and selection that much more important,” said Dana. The kitchen cabinetry is linear and white. Stunning Nero marble surrounds the large kitchen island and the countertop is matte stainless with a very minimalist Belgium cooktop. The modern kitchen shines beautifully with the light brought in by the magnificent steel windows. Sets of steel French doors lead you gracefully outside to a very private lounge area with fire pit and pool. It feels resort-like with a lush landscape of tall arborvitaes and boxwood. “Simplicity is a guiding principal of my work,” said Dana. “Simple is not easy, but when it is achieved, it lends an ease, a confidence to a space allowing calm and understanding. It lets the mind rest, and that is what home is to me.” danaalpeterinteriors.com • murphycodesign.com • andersonreda.com 56
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BY DESIGN
Katie Sidenberg learned the interior design business working side-by-side with her late father but her signature style is all her own. written by ellen olson, photography by spacecrafting
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Little did Katie Sidenberg know that when her father asked her to help him in his design studio that it would shape her career — and her life. It was 1973 and she had just moved back to Minneapolis from California, where she went to school. “I was trying to figure out my next move,” said Katie. “I had a job in women’s retail, but it wasn’t very fulfilling. I went to help my dad temporarily with his interior design business and well, I never left.” Katie was always artistic and creative, so she was a quick study. She learned a lot watching her father and his approach to design. “I was so lucky to learn this business from my father and to work by his side,” Katie remarked. “Not only was he a talanted designer and artist, but he was also was an excellent business man. That is a rare combination.” Katie’s firm still bears her father’s name, Robert Sidenberg Interior Design. Katie’s designs are exuberant and full of personality. She loves color. She loves comfort. She prefers informal to formal. She loves patterns and prints – things that give a room character and originality. “Colorful interiors are a wonderful antidote to living in Minnesota, where the winters can be long and dreary,” said Katie. “I like rooms that are cheerful and happy.” Her use of fabric and wall coverings can take a traditional room and make it feel modern and fresh. Katie, like the rest of us, has long relied on travel as a source of inspiration. “It really helps me to refresh and recharge my outlook on life,” said Katie. “By definition, you are forced out of your comfort zone and you see and do new and different things.” Katie and her husband have a home in Montana, where the open spaces, expansive skies and proximity to nature provide much needed rest and relaxation. She loves the West and enjoys Western and Native American Art. She works on design projects all over the US including Florida, California, Rhode Island and Georgia. Although most of Katie’s work is residential, her work at The Minikahda Club is well known. Over the last ten years, she has redesigned most of the public spaces at the club, including the living room, ballroom, sunroom, and most recently, the 1898 pub on the second floor of the club. “My goal throughout all of these projects was to keep the classic and elegant integrity of the club,” she stated. “It’s such a beautiful and iconic space.” The redesign of the dining room took a slightly different turn, as it is now a bit more casual. It’s still very elegant and the response from the club’s membership has been extremely positive. Katie feels fortunate that she has been able to navigate the pandemic and to keep working on a multitude of projects. She and her husband recently welcomed a Havanese puppy into their home and the second one is coming soon. Her dogs are a source of endless joy. Katie’s philosophy towards life and her work is this: “I love design. Your surroundings make such a difference in your life and your outlook every day. If I can make someone’s home functional, comfortable, beautiful, and happy, then I have done my job.” That attitude, along with her excellent taste, good design principles, and years of experience is just part of what makes Katie Sidenberg a tremendously successful interior design professional. robertsidenberg.com SPRING 2021 59
ART MOVES
The Art Girls assist their clients in their new home by purchasing new art and curating their existing collection. written by hollie blanchard photography by spacecrafting
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“Fun Fact: Great art can live anywhere – when it’s moved into a new or different space, it conjures up a new sense of excitement and joy.” – HOLLIE BLANCHARD, ART GIRLS MPLS 62
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Each time Kelly and I meet with a new client there is so much excitement as we anticipate where the art journey will lead us. We feel honored to be invited into their home to discuss their needs, desires and wishes. We get a face-to-face glimpse to the heart of their aesthetics that allows for a quick “read” on the pulse of what they love. When we met our clients, they had recently purchased a beautiful home on Christmas Lake. Each of them had children from previous relationships and they wanted this home to be a “blending” of their families, yet a haven for their new life together. We identified several locations for new pieces of art, but a key part of that first meeting was to hear stories behind the artwork they currently owned. They had several small pieces that were sentimental to each of them, so we decided to create a gallery wall. Elements in the gallery included a vintage map of Christmas Lake, gifts, thrift store finds, and artwork created by friends and family members. We reframed the pieces in simple white frames, which allowed the art to be the focal point while achieving a cohesive vibe. A couple of different frame styles were chosen for interest, and we used an assortment of matting material and filets to add tone and texture to each piece. When the wall was complete, we had assembled a beautiful narration pinpointing nostalgic moments, and our plan is to have it keep growing with new pieces. A gallery wall can spark a fun conversation with guests; each piece can be appreciated individually and as the story of “us.” Reframing the art made it feel new and fresh; and is an excellent way to revitalize family treasures and heirlooms. Our next task was to assist our clients in choosing new works of art for specific locations in their home. We created an online gallery of images to narrow down their choices. They both gravitated to work by Richard Merchán, one of the artists we represent. We brought pieces into their home, so they were able to experience and connect with the art viscerally. They chose “Vincent’s View,” an original painting of a vibrant iris field. Merchán’s inspiration came after visiting the Saint-Remy region in France where Vincent Van Gogh spent time in an asylum. Our clients originally chose the piece for a main living area, but we decided that we liked how it looked in the stairwell, where it’s in full view from the dining room. The living room of this home is a spectacular room with views of the lake. Our clients wanted a large-scale piece that spoke to both of them; ultimately, they decided to commission a work from Richard Merchán. They met with him personally to brainstorm ideas. It was rewarding for our clients to bring together their own ideas and perspectives into a single piece. “Troteando” brings a touch of fun and whimsy to their collection. At some point “Vincent’s View” may be moved to an amazing spot in their master suite. Fun Fact: Great art can live anywhere – when it’s moved into a new or different space, it conjures up a new sense of excitement and joy. Pieces can feel new and fresh; it’s almost like new life is breathed into them. It’s also a relatively inexpensive “makeover” for your home. Kelly and I can take a look at your collection with fresh eyes and make suggestions about placement, framing options, and the acquisition of new works. We are passionate about what we do and so grateful each time we embark on an “art journey” with a new client. Hollie Blanchard owns Art Girls Mpls, an art concierge service, with sister-in-law Kelly Netishen. • artgirlsmpls.com
remodeling & design DESIGN EXCELLENCE, DETAILED PROCESS MN License BC001428 SylvestreMN.com | 612-861-0188 SPRING 2021
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BLACK &WHITE A 1905 home gets an extensive makeover and is transformed into light, bright modern spaces with just the right amount of historical detail. written by ellen olson, photography by chelsie lopez production
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Matthew Tyson has always possessed a bit of entrepreneurial spirit. His company, Restor Homes, began as a painting business in 2004, while he was a student of architecture at Iowa State University. When the recession of 2008 hit, Matthew, like everyone else, had to scramble. He got his contractor’s license and started doing flips with other builders. “They liked my work, but I always took too long, so I ventured out on my own,” said Matthew. “I always loved design, even as a kid, and renovating homes was a way for me to showcase that passion.” When Matthew needed a change of pace, he went to work for Charles Cudd, a local custom builder, as a construction manager. “Understanding how to build a home from the ground up was an incredible experience,” said Matthew, “but eventually my desire to be involved in every aspect of a project sent me back out on my own.” As he looked for a property that he could renovate and flip, he found a house near Bde Maka Ska, built in 1905. Time had not been kind to the home, as it had been a rental property for years, and many elements of the original home had either been destroyed or removed. But Matthew could see it’s potential. The home is on a corner lot and is flooded with light. The home was set on 16” foundation walls, all poured concrete, something that was highly unusual for that time period. There were no interior foundation walls, so the house had sagged about 2 ½” in the middle. “The lathe and plaster were literally holding the house together,” joked Matthew. Major structural work was required along with a new furnace/AC/humidification system and new plumbing and electrical. New Anderson Windows were installed to complement the leaded glass panels that were original to the home. The original wood floors were salvaged and patched: oak on the main floor and birds eye maple and birch on the other levels. Although the home is around 3000 square feet, it “lives” bigger than the space. There are three floors above ground, along with a finished basement. It was Matthew’s dream to recreate some of the home’s history. “I wanted to create a super bright modern feel with a very traditional trim package,” said Matthew. “We replaced all of the doors, along with the baseboard trim and moldings, which were custom milled by Siwek Lumber & Millwork.” The coffered ceilings add a luxe period detail. The hutch in the dining room is the original; it was re-trimmed and enameled with a creamy white finish, to match the millwork in the rest of the home. In addition to doing all of the structural work and specifying all of the details of the custom millwork package, Matthew selected all of the finishes. The tile in each of the bathrooms features geometric patterns in black, white and grey. Traditional subway tile was used in the kitchen and finished with a dark grout to create a modern feel. The light fixtures throughout the home are simple black or brass with a strong mid-century vibe to complement the door and cabinet hardware. The project was finished in January of 2020. It was a bittersweet day for Matthew. “I put so much of myself into this house, it was tough to let it go,” he said. “You are not supposed to get attached to a house when you are going to flip it! But I’m so proud of the final result, it’s a essentially a new home with a lot of history.” Matthew now focuses his business as realtor and contractor on helping clients locate and renovate their dream home. He also loves helping clients transform their existing home into something perfect. restorhomesllc.com 66
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“I wanted to create a super bright modern feel with a very traditional trim package.” – MATTHEW TYSON, OWNER, RESTOR HOMES
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Endless home improvements, new business ventures, and entertaining friends and family energize Slade and Michelle Winchester. written by jane maiorano, photography by spacecrafting
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“This vantage point has a nice view of downtown Minneapolis.” – SLADE WINCHESTER
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The Winchester family lives in a classic Georgian home on Blaisdell Avenue South and though the facade is absolutely stunning, it’s what is found inside that is truly special! Slade and Michelle Winchester purchased the stately property in 2005 and their renovations have since been non-stop. Their boisterous family life is filled with elaborate entertaining for friends, and the high energy level of four sons who have grown up cooking fabulous foods and embracing the Minnesota outdoors alongside their parents. Oh, and in their spare time? Michelle is the founder and owner of Twin Spirits Distillery and M Coffee Shop in Northeast Minneapolis, and Slade is a niche manager in a large bank, a position that has him travelling to New York on a weekly basis. Slade explains their endless home improvements, “We bought someone else’s partially finished project. The previous owner was going to turn this into multiple condominiums with the carriage house containing two+ units. We rebuilt the front yard, raised and rebuilt the street-facing brick retaining walls, and planted trees for privacy on Blaisdell Avenue. We also re-landscaped the backyard with a patio, brick planters, and a parking pad with an electric gate facing the ally. The carriage house really should have been torn down as the foundation had crumbled, but for some reason Michelle and I thought it deserved to be restored! It is now a wonderful guesthouse with a kitchen, one and a half bathrooms, and parking for our fair-weather convertible! We have done extensive work on the three aboveground floors in the main house over the years. We built a room for a billiards table and a home theater in the basement. We recently updated the main house kitchen and second floor master bedroom and bathroom. On the third floor we did a major reconstruction, as the previous owner had only completed demolition and put in a large dormer. Here we added a full bathroom, laundry, walk-in closet, two bedrooms, living room, and an office. Leading upwards from this space is a roof deck with an herb garden. This vantage point has a nice view of downtown Minneapolis. Phew! I am exhausted re-living sixteen years of work on this house!” Slade and Michelle have restored this historic house with custodial care and fabulous flair! Michelle’s passion for distilled spirits started recently when she turned fifty years old. She remarks, “My youngest son was turning thirteen. I knew from his brothers that it was a milestone birthday in terms of independence. I thought: ‘Now I can do something just for me!’ I went to an American Distilling Institute conference and attended a breakout session of Women Distillers. There was a panel discussion of six female distillers, and none had any industry experience before they started their businesses; it convinced me I could do the same. I purchased the property at 2931 Central Avenue NE and it took a year to renovate the space into a distillery and cocktail room. I also bought the adjacent property, and we are currently connecting both buildings to create a larger cocktail room in the front space – I’m super excited about the plans we have.” Michelle and Slade and their young adult sons, Cody, Graham, Sebastian, and Zane, all agree their Whittier neighborhood is filled with much they love to frequent – eateries on Nicollet Avenue, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, and The Walker Art Center to name a few. Slade comments about what they enjoy most about their community, “The diversity: it is a melting pot of homeowners, renters, and offers the full spectrum of socio-economic scale.”
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