LAKE SOCIETY MAGAZINE - WINTER 2022 by Lake Society Magazine

THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION

WINTER 2022

M I N N E A P OL I S C IT Y L AK ES WINTER 2022

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restorhomesllc.com | 612.481.3067 | @restorhomes WINTER 2022

The Proper Balance 4

Susan E. Brown Interior Design 2395 University Ave W, Suite 318 Saint Paul, MN 55114 651 330 8707 | susanebrown.com

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Every home has a story. WINTER 2022

Ready to collect art? Your art concierge curating pieces with only you in mind.

PALM SPRINGS, Richard Merchán, 48 x36 inches.

artgirlsmpls.com

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“If you can dream it, you can do it.” –Enzo Ferrari

www.nobleinteriorsinc.com 612.904.0933 WINTER 2022

Local Expertise in Fine Downtown Minneapolis and City Lakes Real Estate 612.327.5905 | betsylucasrealtor.com

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OLD

763.760.0761 123 FARRINGTON STREET ST. PAUL, MN 55102 ANDREWFLESHER.COM WINTER 2022

healthy smiles for a lifetime

4289 Sheridan Ave S, Minneapolis // lindenhillsdentistry.com // 612.922.6164 lake society magazine

DAVID HEIDE DESIGN STUDIO

ARCHITECTURE

INTERIOR DESIGN

RESTORATION

Innovative, respectful & contemporary solutions for your home, old or new. DHDSTUDIO.COM

| info@DHDSTUDIO.COM | 612.337.5060 WINTER 2022

nvrsurfaces.com (612) 200-0326 12

TILE AND COUNTERTOPS

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photo by Spacecrafting

Serious about style. Fanatic about function. Fiddlehead DesignGroup.com WINTER 2022

Bod l &Brt hg i

Laurie Kottke F IN E JEW ELER S

lauriekottkefinejewelers.com (612) 825-9898

Ruby and Diamond Pendant with Chain Rubies 0.57ctw, Diamonds 0.26ctw, 14k Rose Gold | Natural Yellow and White Diamond Ring Oval Natural Yellow Diamond 1.82ct, Accent Diamonds 1.23ctw, 14k White Gold | Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring Oval Blue Sapphire 2.04ct, Accent Diamonds 1.88ctw, 18k White Gold | Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Rubies 7.64ctw, Diamonds 2.07ctw, 18k White Gold | Scroll Diamond Band Diamonds 0.64ctw, 18k Yellow Gold | Blue Sapphire and Diamond Band Blue Sapphires 1.91ctw, Diamonds 0.43ctw, 18k White Gold

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WINTER 2022

A R C H I T E C T U R A L

P H O T O G R A P H Y

V I D E O

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612-338-2020 vujovich.com MN License: BC006077

Transformative Home Remodeling

WINTER 2022

Letter from the Editor

380 2nd St., Excelsior, MN 55331 952.473.4440 thesittingroomstudio.com 18

The grey and gloomy days of winter keep most of us inside, dreaming of a beach vacation or exotic destination. We start to crave pops of color and scour Instagram, Pinterest, and coffee table books for sources of inspiration for our next project. Our local designers’ portfolios are full of terrific ideas: they will inspire and delight. Our cover story features a cozy Northwoods cabin with interiors designed by Fiddlehead. Jen and Andréa have long been a part of the LSM family, and it’s fun to see one of their full-scale projects. It looks like the perfect place to hole up during a winter storm. The Boxwood Cottage in Linden Hills is a highly soughtafter destination on Airbnb. It could be perfect for a short staycation if your own four walls are closing in. Anne Shaeffer and Joe Wahl are working on a second destination in the neighborhood that promises to be just as popular. The cherry red accents that Jim Noble used in the transformation of a dated condo captured our imagination. They add vitality to the space, which was designed to honor the memory of his dear friend and client, John Nasseff. Lowry Hill resident Craig Wilson is the subject of our Lifestyle feature. He has dedicated his life to doing good works in the community. His sustainability-consulting firm and his thoughtful approach to the built environment are evident throughout the city of Minneapolis. For our Chefs feature, we visited Chef Ann Ahmed at her demonstration kitchen and retail space at her latest restaurant, Khâluna, on 40th and Lyndale. The space is gorgeous and on-trend, with its blush pink cabinets and Calacutta Gold Marble countertops. Her twins, Maxwell and Emma, were busy making cookies and decorating cupcakes while we chatted. Carter has put words to our wintertime affliction: Cabin Fever. His antidote is to focus on making our homes more hygge, and he’s got some ideas on how to accomplish that. Jen and Andréa have curated another lovely collection that embodies texture, beauty, and cozy. Their taste is exquisite. A reader asked for Andrew’s advice on replacing mismatched upper kitchen cabinets with shelving. He is a big fan of open shelving and has used it in many projects over the years, including in his own home. Part of Art Girls Hollie Blanchard’s mission is to discover and represent new talent. Gena Cohen is a young artist who has a lot to say. Her work is thoughtful and explosive. The response from the public has been enthusiastic. We enjoy putting together each and every issue and sharing the work of artisans, designers, and professionals in our community. May these pages capture your imagination and give you a brief respite from the demands of daily life – and our frigid winter weather. Thank you for your continued readership and support. lake society magazine

Fine Jewelry

Watches

50th & France

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Diamonds

Highland Park

Jewelry & Watch Repair

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RFMoeller.com

WINTER 2022

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WINTER 2022

WINTER 2022 THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION

WINTER 2022

M I N N E A P OL I S C IT Y L AK ES WINTER 2022

ON THE COVER BIRCH BAY INTERIOR DESIGN BY FIDDLEHEAD DESIGN GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN GILMORE 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 PATTY BURLEY ANDRÉA DIXON ANDREW FLESHER NANCY MONROE ANDREW J. RAMIREZ JEN ZIEMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS LIZ BANFIELD PATTY BURLEY SUSAN GILMORE SETH HANNULA LAUREN HERREID LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY SPACECRAFTING

770 Lake St E, Wayzata MN | (952) 746-5826 www.highcrofthome.com 22

Lakesocietymagazine.com Lakesocietymagazine@gmail.com @lsm_magazine lake society magazine

R E A L E S TAT E + I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

CityDwellingsMN.com | SpencerDesignAssociates.com

WINTER 2022

WINTER 2022 24

photo by liz banfield lake society magazine

CONTENTS 18 A LETTER FROM

the editors

26 SUSTAINABLY CHIC

Carter shares his antidote for dealing with winter’s dreaded cabin fever; making your home more hygge.

28 CHEF’S KITCHEN

Award-winning Chef Ann Ahmed uses the stylish demonstration kitchen at her latest restaurant, Khâluna, to entertain and experiment with her Southeast Asian dishes.

34 HOME

The transformation of a dated and dark condo by Jim Noble gave the space new energy, full of light and possibility.

44 ASK ANDREW

Andrew walks one of our readers through the considerations for replacing upper kitchen cabinets with open shelving.

46 HOME

Unexpected touches keep the rustic and Northwood inspired décor in this stunning lakeside vacation retreat fresh and interesting.

52 THE TASTEMAKER DIARIES

During this winter season, Jen and Andréa of Fiddlehead Design surround themselves with texture, beauty, and everything cozy.

54 HOME

A quaint and charming Linden Hills cottage was completely remodeled before opening as a highly desirable destination on Airbnb.

62 LIFESTYLE

Craig Wilson is a passionate problem solver with the heart and desire to make Minneapolis a better place for all.

66 SPOTLIGHT

Abstract expressionist artist Gena Cohen has burst onto the local art scene with work that is exuberant and explosive. WINTER 2022

SUSTAINABLY

Chic

1. Eco Friendly Home Spa Kit bit.ly/3FFHJA1

It is for the love of windows that I gaze upon the dead of winter, yet the frozen tundra shows no signs of the restlessness these four walls bring.

I’VE SUCCUMBED TO A MALADY: CABIN FEVER. The annual MN tradition of dealing with cabin fever is here. That itch to get out of self-regulated “house arrest” and enjoy the rest of the world…if it wasn’t so dang frigid outside! Yet there are plenty of things to do while you while away what’s left of the arctic season to keep the spirits up. Simply keep working on the hygge factor of your home. These sustainable-centric companies have a mission of creating eco-friendly products that are simultaneously practical and luxury-oriented.

2. Organic linens by Coyuchi coyuchi.com

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3. Sustainable Planters kunstbaron.de/en/sustainable-designplanter-with-filigrane-decor

4. Antique Copper Lantern chairish.com/ product/753301/copperand-verdigris-five-lightopen-lantern

5. Abstract Art Omformedesign.com

Carter Averbeck is an interior designer specializing in stylish, sustainable design. For More Information: Info@omformedesign.com.

6. Belt Chair by Omforme

WINTER 2022

CHEF’S KITCHEN Award-winning Chef Ann Ahmed uses the stylish demonstration kitchen at her latest restaurant, Khâluna, to entertain and experiment with her Southeast Asian dishes. written by nancy monroe, photography by spacecrafting

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WINTER 2022

CHEF’S KITCHEN

Khâluna’s market has a separate entrance from the restaurant and houses a demonstration kitchen, a food pantry with ingredients used in menu items and a beautifully curated gift section with products from women artisans from Ann Ahmed’s native country, Laos. When the large wooden table is cleared, it’s the intimate setting for private dinner parties and cooking classes. lake society magazine

Sometimes a chef ’s home kitchen is where the art is, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the kitchen has to be in the chef ’s actual home. Award-winning Chef Ann Ahmed has her choice of four kitchens, including the one that’s actually in her home. Her latest restaurant Khâluna, which transformed the old Harriet’s Inn on Lyndale and 40th into a tropical oasis, sports a robust marketplace with a stylish demonstration kitchen. It’s here where Ahmed is at home to experiment with her Southeast Asian dishes and entertain. The kitchens in her restaurants — Lat 14 and Lemon Grass Thai are the other two — are always busy prepping for that evening’s service. Her home kitchen is reserved for her family — a special request from her husband and business partner, Tariq. “I love entertaining,” Ahmed enthuses. Her husband, however, doesn’t share that sentiment. “He’s quieter.” When she embarks on recipe development, she invites friends and guests from her restaurants to hang out in the kitchen and give feedback. It’s a practice her husband and 7-year-old twins aren’t totally on board with. The compromise is for her to utilize the demo kitchen at Khâluna to teach cooking classes and invite people in to sample new menu items over meandering conversations and cups of tea or glasses of wine. Ahmed says the demo kitchen is similar to her home kitchen, except her husband would never have gone for the blush pink cabinets she’s paired with Calacatta Gold Marble countertops. She admits they were chosen for their beauty more than their practicality. Her refrigerator and six-burner stove are smaller than her home setup, but because she has a commercial kitchen just a few steps away, she can get away with not having a large refrigerator/freezer or even a dishwasher. The market kitchen is also an excellent place to bring the twins, Maxwell and Emma, after school. “We bring them around all the time,” she says. “Not because we need a 7-yearold’s help, but because we need to be here.” So one could say, this is the twins’ home kitchen as well. On the day of the photo shoot, they were kept busy decorating cookies and cupcakes, a treat much more to their liking than cooking something with vegetables and spices. “They’re picky eaters,” Ahmed explains, which is why she shared the recipe for vegan sugar cookies instead of one of her Thai or Lao dishes. Ahmed was born in Laos, but from age 2 to 4, she spent time in a Thai refugee camp before coming to Minnesota. She grew up cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen and her mother’s restaurant. Owning restaurants is a tough business, both physically and financially, even before Covid. Ahmed says her mother always discouraged her from opening her own restaurant. And yet, she was the one who found the location for Ahmed’s first restaurant, Lemon Grass. Ahmed was attending school in San Diego at the time, and she bought it sight unseen over the phone. Food provides that conduit to our past and our heritage, even if we live thousands of miles away. It’s a tangible — and life-affirming — way to show love. No matter whether it’s decorating a heart-shaped sugar cookie with a child or eating a dish with a name you can’t pronounce, food can inspire us to expand our boundaries. WINTER 2022 31 Khâluna.com

PERFECT CUT-OUT VEGAN SUGAR COOKIES

Twins Maxwell and Emma, 7, decorate Valentine cookies and cupcakes with the help of their mom, Ann Ahmed, in the family’s “home” kitchen located inside the market at Khâluna in the Lake Harriet area of Minneapolis. Their own creativity was boosted by the expert samples from Ahmed’s event coordinator.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¾ c. Miyoko’s Creamery vegan butter • ¾ c. granulated sugar • 2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 c. all-purpose flour, plus ½ c. all-purpose flour (set aside) • ½ teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light, creamy and smooth. Add in the almond milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. At this stage, the mixture may appear to be separated, but fret not, this tends to happen when mixing oil and liquid. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Combine the dry ingredients with the creamed ingredients, mixing until combined. If the dough seems too wet, add in the additional ½ cup of flour. The dough should be firm, but not dry. 4. Divide the dough into two balls.

5. On a flat surface and on a sheet of parchment paper, place one of the dough balls and flatten with the palm of your hand. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the top of the dough. With your rolling pin, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thick and then transfer the dough and parchment paper sandwich to a sheet tray. Repeat with the second ball of dough. Then, place the sheet tray with dough in the freezer to harden for approximately 30 minutes.

6. Once the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350° and line baking trays with parchment paper.

7. Remove the dough from the freezer, take off the top sheet of parchment, and cut the dough into your desired shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. Place on parchment lined baking trays, leaving a half-inch spacing between each cookie. 8. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

9. Repeat step 5 until all the dough has been used. Since additional flour is not used in the rolling process, the dough is infinitely re-rollable.

10. Yield is 2 dozen.

Recipe by Payton Kampschoer, Khâluna’s event coordinator.

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www.fazhomes.com WINTER 2022

Cherry CONDO

THE

The transformation of a dated and dark condo by Jim Noble gave the space new energy, full of light and possibility. written by ellen olson, photography by landmark photography

lake society magazine

WINTER 2022

“Our first priority was to

retain John’s spirit and honor his legacy.” –JIM NOBLE

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HOME

WINTER 2022

HOME

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After Helene Houle’s husband, John Nasseff, passed away, she decided that it was time to update the condominium where he had lived since 1983. They were the first tenants in the building, and John tended to like things just the way they were. Dark walnut wood paneling had been installed throughout the unit. Although it was beautiful, it created a very dark and dated feeling. Helene enlisted the help of her friend, interior designer, Jim Noble, owner of Noble Interiors, to tackle the project. “Our first priority was to retain John’s spirit and to honor his legacy,” said Jim. “He was a kind and generous man, and he did so many good works in the community. We thought carefully about what elements we could retain, without impeding our goal to create a lighter, brighter, more hospitable space.” John absolutely loved his home, which features spectacular views. He always used to marvel; “I can see my whole life from here.” The design project began with the “bones” of the condo. “I felt strongly that the paneled walls should be painted, but to be honest, Helene resisted at first,” said Jim. “I showed her what was possible, and she came around. We enlisted the skills of decorative painter Anne Elias-Cartwright to create a layered, three shades of white finish with silvered trim. It has a beautiful patina that looks as if it has always been there.” The tones were pulled from the marble fireplace façade. The carpet was removed, and beautiful French Burgundian wood floors were installed in a Versailles pattern. The heavy carved doors at the entrance are from Mexico. John and Helene found them while on vacation shortly after purchasing the condo. They make a grand statement, and they gleam after a thorough cleaning and polish. The foyer has not changed, except for the addition of a custom wool rug emblazoned with John’s monogram and trimmed in the Cedars of Lebanon pattern, a nod to John’s heritage and culture. The motif is found elsewhere in the home, most notably above the fireplace mantle. Cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) are known throughout ancient art and literature as symbols of power, longevity, and majesty. It is a fitting tribute to a great man. The color red was chosen as the accent color throughout the space. It is found in a painting of John gifted to him by his son on the band of the headdress, as well in oil portraits of John and Helene, painted by Merry Decoursey. The red leather chairs in the living room are from the Saint Paul Club, which John once owned. The silvered chairs were brown until Anne added a silvered finish, and the upholstery was updated. The kitchen required a complete demolition. It was rather small, and on the other side was a bathroom that featured a large Jacuzzi. Jim, Helene, and the contractor decided that adding four feet from the bath to the kitchen would create a more dramatic and functional entertaining space. Custom cabinets were installed and painted linen white. Another bay was added to the windows to allow light to stream into the room. The red kitchen island was Helene’s idea. Several hours were spent to create the exact color match of the enameled base to the red Cambria top. The Lucite bar stools were a “must,” although they are more contemporary than other furnishings. “I didn’t want anything to obstruct the view of the kitchen island or the magnificent views beyond,” said Jim. “They are perfect for the space.” The project brought new energy to the condo while using all of the pieces that Helene treasures so much. The home respects the memory of a man well-loved. It is a fitting location to continue the philanthropy that defined much of his life. nobleinteriorsinc.com WINTER 2022

HOME

“I can see

my whole life from here”

–JOHN NASSEFF

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HOME

project credits: interior design: noble interiors llc construction: quality cut design | remodel WINTER 2022 41 decorative painting: elias-cartwright inc.

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WINTER 2022

ASK ANDREW

Andrew walks one of our readers through the considerations for replacing upper kitchen cabinets with open shelving.

lake society magazine

I’m remodeling an older home. The upper kitchen cabinets are mismatched and ugly, and simply must be removed. Would shelving be a good option?

I’ve long been a fan of open shelving in kitchens. To be honest, I’ve been using this strategy in my own homes for many, many years. I love the ease that open shelving provides. Everything is within reach and accessible. You don’t have to open a door to get things out or put things away. It’s easy to find things. It’s a very functional and cost-effective solution, but it’s also an aesthetically pleasing choice. You can create a strong and highly personal statement in your kitchen with open shelving. You can use it as an opportunity to create a 3-dimensional still life or vignette to showcase your dishes and glassware. Art, small potted plants, and vases add interest. You can hang plates or small artwork between the shelves. It’s best if your dishes match or are color coordinated. You have to be thoughtful about materials and design. Open shelving will require that you carefully edit and curate your display so that it doesn’t look disheveled and messy. Don’t crowd things too much — think of it as a still life that you are creating. Open shelving can break up the expanse of a wall and create a lot more visual interest in the room. Using shelves will also make your kitchen seem bigger because you see another 12 inches of space that is normally hidden behind doors. Typically, I like to keep open shelving to one wall. That makes it special and interesting. Shelves work in most styles of architecture. It’s all about the materials you use and how you style it. Materials for shelving can be wood, glass, stainless steel, or black/colored steel for a more industrial look. You must use sturdy materials that will support the weight of the dishes and glassware and the brackets must be attached to the studs. It’s worthwhile to enlist in the help of a contractor or builder to make sure that your installation is sturdy and safe. Another consideration for your project is the choice of material that is behind your shelves. It doesn’t just have to be boring painted drywall. You can use tile, marble, aged mirrors, paneling, or even a mural. The materials can create a more formal or casual look. Make sure to use whatever is in keeping with the overall architecture in your home. The only real downside to open shelving is that you have to take everything down and dust or wipe down the shelves once in a while. As you can tell, I’m enthusiastic about your choice to install shelving in your kitchen! It’s an economical, practical, and functional solution — and it can be a wonderful expression of your personality and lifestyle. Have fun! 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. WINTER 2022

BIRCH BAY

Unexpected touches keep the rustic and Northwood inspired décor in this stunning lakeside vacation retreat fresh and interesting. written by ellen olson, photography by susan gilmore

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WINTER 2022

HOME

“The repeated juxtaposition of

rustic and modern

creates a more collected feel to the spaces.” –ANDRÉA DIXON

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The lakes in Northern Minnesota offer a respite for many Minneapolis area families, including a couple of empty nesters from Wayzata. When they decided that they had outgrown their lakeside abode, they began a search for another property. But, they wanted to stay on the same lake, where so many family memories had been created, so ultimately, they decided to tear down their existing cabin and rebuild on the site. They engaged with Land’s End Development for the construction and Fiddlehead Design Group for the interior design. Jen Ziemer and Andréa Dixon, co-founders of Fiddlehead Design Group, had worked with these clients previously. The goal was to create a rustic, traditional North Woods feel, with a touch of the unexpected. “The design inspiration was the lake itself,” said Jen. “It’s such a beautiful site.” The palette is found in nature and the materials selected for the project were based on this philosophy. “Nothing is too precious,” added Jen. The home gets a lot of use by different groups of people, so low maintenance finishes and furnishings were an imperative. “Our clients love to get away by themselves, but they also love when the cabin is filled with their kids, friends and significant others,” said Andréa. “Choosing materials that would withstand a little wear and tear eliminates the need for a lot of rules. We also knew that our design needed to include some ‘overflow’ spaces when the house was full. There are two bunk rooms on the property!” The new home is roughly 3500 square feet with a large, detached garage with an additional bunkroom for overflow. Three bedrooms, three half baths, a bunkroom, along with a spacious kitchen, dining area, and porch are found in the main house. “The screen porch is actually the largest ‘room’ in this home,” said Jen. “It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fire and the best views of the lake. Our clients spend most of their time in this space.” Land’s End is known for their craftsmanship, and the quality of their work is on full display in the porch, which features massive beams and exquisite stonework on the fireplace. The ceilings are 14’ high. The kitchen and dining room are one large space. Everyone gathers at the kitchen island and the adjacent dining table provides extra seating. “The kitchen feels very natural and rustic, with interesting cabinet details and texture,” said Andréa. “We contrasted this with the unexpected brass ‘antler’ pendants, which are more modern than anything else. The stools at the island are more industrial and once again, bring in another design element in finish and style.” The sink is a stainless farmhouse style, which was chosen for overall durability and function. The dining room chandelier is rustic, but modern. “This juxtaposition is something we repeat over and over to create a more collected feel to the spaces,” Andréa continued. “It keeps things from being too literal. Bold textiles on the host chairs and vintage table linens are another example of this.” The floors throughout the cabin are reclaimed and sourced locally. Countertops are natural granite. The finishes in the powder bath are whimsical, and another nod to nature. The wallpaper is by Cole and Sons. The bunkrooms have a vintage, eclectic feel, like a bunkroom in a lodge. The attention to detail, as well as the signature play of pattern, color, and texture is evident throughout. These are the hallmarks of Fiddlehead’s designs. “We had so much fun with this project,” said Jen. “It’s a different genre from our typical engagements, and our clients wanted their vacation home to be very different from their home in Wayzata. Although working at a distance was a little bit challenging, we had excellent communication with the builder and the team on site and we are all extremely pleased with the outcome.” fiddleheaddesigngroup.com • @fiddleheaddesigngroup WINTER 2022

HOME

“The design inspiration was

the lake itself.” 50

–JEN ZIEMER

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project credits: · construction: land’s end development · interior design: fiddlehead design group WINTER 2022

THE

TASTEMAKER Diaries

Interior designers Jen Ziemer and Andrea Dixon of award-winning Fiddlehead Design Group share how they are treating themselves and finding joy during this bleak mid-winter.

“She wasn’t scared of the fire. She was the fire.” –unknown

“I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit.” –Michael Kors

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“Forget the rules. Wear it YOUR way.” –unknown

”Fragrance is the first layer of dressing.” –Donna Karan

“Conformity is the only real fashion crime.” –Simon Doonan “Being happy never goes out of style.” –Lilly Pulitzer

“Candy is nature’s way of making up for Mondays.” –Rebecca Gober

WINTER 2022

THE BOXWOOD COTTAGE

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A quaint and charming Linden Hills cottage was completely remodeled before opening as a highly desirable destination on Airbnb. written by patty burley, photography by lauren herreid, patty burley, and seth hannula

WINTER 2022

HOME

project credits: · construction: mitch smith construction · interior design: anne shaeffer (homeowner) 56

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“When we first visited the cottage, we were

captivated by its charm, but we could also see that it had great potential.” –ANNE SHAEFFER

WINTER 2022

HOME “Our goal was to create a

warm, cozy respite for our guests.” –ANNE SHAEFFER

lake society magazine

WINTER 2022

HOME

When Anne Shaeffer and Joe Wahl purchased a sweet little cottage in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Southwest Minneapolis in the fall of 2019, they knew that this would be the ideal renovation project that they had been looking for in their neighborhood. Before long, they were convinced that it would make a perfect Airbnb. “When we first visited the cottage, we were captivated by its charm, but we could also see that it had great potential,” said Anne. “Its proximity to the Minneapolis city lakes, as well as the restaurants and quaint shops in Linden Hills, spurred us on. We loved the rickety picket fence that wrapped around the corner lot, and rebuilding it was at the top of our initial project list.” The abundance of boxwood bushes on the property inspired a friend to suggest the perfect name: Boxwood Cottage. “Our vision came together quickly,” said Anne, “but we wanted to do a top-to-bottom renovation, inside and out.” The 20-year-old exterior paint job needed immediate attention. Anne and Joe chose a rich charcoal exterior color and a crisp white for the trim and the picket fence. The exterior paint color is Subway by Hirshfields, while the trim and fence are Cloud White by Benjamin Moore, also available at Hirshfields. Every inch of the interior was upgraded, except for the staircase that the previous owner, an architect, had designed and built. The kitchen underwent the most significant renovation, which included the removal of the wall to the dining room, creating an easy flow. The open shelving and abundant windows keep the room light and bright. Throw pillows and area rugs soften the main living areas and give the cottage a cozy, inviting feel. Anne chose a fresh, neutral design aesthetic for the cottage, creating a sense of serenity and calm throughout. “I wanted to create a warm, pleasant Airbnb experience for our guests by keeping the décor very neutral and using comfortable furniture and lots of texture,” she said. Boxwood Cottage is just two blocks from the charming boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants of Linden Hills and a short walk to both Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. It’s easy to connect to year-round walking/biking paths and plenty of frozen lakes for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For guests who prefer a relaxing staycation experience, Boxwood Cottage has all the amenities and comforts of home: the brand-new, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, living room with HDTV, two large second-floor bedrooms (one queen, two twins), dedicated office space, WiFi, two renovated baths (one full, one ½), lower-level laundry, two screened porches, a private patio, and a one-car garage. The outdoor spaces and porches are a big draw in the warmer months. The cottage has been perfect for couples looking for a memorable getaway with the convenience of top-rated restaurants just blocks away, for small families from out-of-town needing accommodations for a family event, and even for grandparents who needed a local landing spot for an extended stay while helping with a new grandchild. “All of our guests have our assurance that they will have a ‘turn-key’ stay in a beautifully renovated, spotless home-away-from-home,” remarked Anne. “Our guest reviews have been outstanding and have helped us achieve ‘Superhost’ status, which is a key standard in the Airbnb industry.” Bookings have been strong and steady since they welcomed their first guests in 2020, and they are currently renovating another Linden Hills home that will be offered as an Airbnb mid-year. Anne and Joe have created a beautiful getaway regardless of the season. The Boxwood Cottage and the surrounding neighborhood and attractions are definitely the best of what Minneapolis has to offer. Instagram: @boxwoodcottagempls For more info: airbnb.com/rooms/45098635 lake society magazine

HOME

WINTER 2022

GOOD

lake society magazine

DEEDS

Craig Wilson is a passionate problem solver with the heart and desire to make Minneapolis a better place for all. written by andrew j. ramirez, photography by spacecrafting

WINTER 2022

LIFESTYLE

lake society magazine

Just southwest of downtown Minneapolis lies an enclave of homes that comprise the Lowry Hill neighborhood. The area is defined by its well-maintained, century-old, architecturally significant homes originally built by titans of business and community leaders of the era. Thomas Lowry Park anchors the neighborhood to the north, with its whimsical brick walkways and seven cascading pools. In the summer, an emerald necklace of trees and foliage encompasses the community. Mature tree-lined streets form tunnels of lush and shady vegetation that are retreats from Minnesota’s sweltering summer days. Today, its residents are a collection of fascinating people who live storied lives. Artists live next door to authors, on the same street as entrepreneurs and socialites. On one corner, tucked behind a wrought iron fence, proudly stands a Victorian home. Craig Wilson and his partner live here. “I’ve lived all over the world, and there is not a neighborhood anywhere like Lowry Hill,” explained Craig. Craig’s childhood was split between Hawaii and Colorado. He later moved to Minnesota and graduated from Edina High School. He is from a family of educators, entrepreneurs, and do-gooders. A fascinating academic journey began at the University of Minnesota, where he majored in comparative literature. He studied, worked, and traveled abroad for seven years throughout Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia during and after college. It was on those continents that, for the first time, Craig experienced wide-scale environmental degradation and pollution. This inspired him to move back to Minneapolis and study Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. Mr. Wilson owns a sustainability-consulting firm called Green Your Bottom Line. “Thoughtful design can be a catalyst for change that makes communities healthy, prosperous, and sustainable, all while saving money,” explained Craig. The projects he works on reduce environmental impacts for buildings, make landscapes more resilient, improve natural water quality, and deliver renewable energy. Over the years, his thoughtful approach to sustainability and the built environment has been applied to some of Minneapolis’ most state-of-the-art projects, including the green roof on the Target Center, the renovation of the Pillsbury A Mill Artist Lofts, and the recently redesigned plaza at the Minneapolis Convention Center. When Craig is not working professionally on sustainability, he is a community organizer. Mr. Wilson knows through experience that it takes stakeholder collaboration for large-scale community projects to be successful. “Right now, Minneapolis is at the epicenter of the world for innovative social change,” remarked Craig. He played an instrumental role in the Avivo Village tiny house shelter project, located in Minneapolis’ North loop, envisioned as an alternative to encampments. Craig, a visual and spatial thinker, worked with a team to develop the ingenious idea to convert a warehouse in the North Loop neighborhood to a new type of homeless shelter. He later became its project manager. One hundred tiny homes were built onsite, which allows residents to have their own spaces where they can safely and securely distance themselves from other residents and work on underlying issues affecting their lives. Presently, Craig is consulting with the White Earth Nation to develop an Elders Village for seniors experiencing homelessness, along with a workforce development center that will train Tribal members to manufacture sustainable, affordable homes made of locally sourced materials in an effort to create a circular economy for the Tribe. In his free time, he is leading an effort to raise tens of thousands of dollars for track equipment for North High School. “When I see an injustice in the world, I want to be part of the solution,” Craig Wilson wholeheartedly declared. From the intersection of sustainability and social innovation, he continues to build diverse coalitions to solve some of our most vexing challenges. greenyourbottomline.com WINTER 2022

OPEN HEART written by ellen olson, photography by spacecrafting

lake society magazine

Gena Cohen has a lot to say. The young abstract expressionism artist has burst onto the local scene with a fresh voice and a point of view that is vibrant and exuberant. She is represented by Hollie Blanchard, co-founder of Art Girls Mpls, and is just on the cusp of reaching commercial success. “I feel so fortunate to be able to represent Gena,” said Hollie. “She is such a poised and thoughtful person, wise beyond her years. As an artist, she’s simply spectacular. Her work is explosive and she pours every emotion into the canvas. There is a depth and meaning to each piece that she creates.” Since she was a young girl, Gena has loved art. She was always encouraged by her parents to create and explore different mediums. Her father used to draw with her. As a child, she lived in Paris for half a decade, which further expanded her love of the arts. She was able to travel throughout Europe with her parents and she was lucky enough to experience other cultures. Gena received a Bachelor of Individualized Studies from the University of Minnesota. Her studies focused on Art, Holistic Health, and Spiritual Studies. After graduation, she attended the Milan Art Institute in Statham, Georgia. “I was drawn to this school because of their focus on helping artists discover their voice,” said Gena. “My instructors made the art-creating process fun, while focusing on traditional techniques. But, Elli Milan, a co-owner of the school, had success as a full-time professional artist, and her insights about the art world and suggestions about routes an artist might pursue, gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a career in the arts.” Gena describes her artistic process as a “storm passing through me.” Her paintings are imbued with themes and experiences from her own life. The physical process of her work begins with layering thick molding pastes onto the canvas – “the paintings’ bones.” Then she collages elements like fabric, mirror, and copper. “When these elements interact with light, they are pure alchemy,” commented Gena. “As I create, I often have visions go through my head that are deeply touching to me and they are imbued into the painting. I believe that a piece of the artist is always left in their work.” One of her deepest inspirations is the great Mississippi River, only a few blocks away from her studio. “The way that the sunlight moves through the river water is an element that I try to incorporate into my work as much as possible.” Locals were given a glimpse of her work at an event on November 16th at Central NE, a local restaurant that offers excellent food in a relaxed setting. “The response to her work was so positive,” said Hollie. “My clients love her work.” She has encouraged Gena to include a narrative with some of her works. It provides an intimate view into her process and allows the viewer to experience her work at a completely different level.” The next opportunity to view Gena’s work publically will be at the Evereve Flagship store in Edina. Hollie will be curating art as the retail space is transformed into a gallery for an evening of original art and shopping. From April – June 2022, her work will be displayed at the Ambiente Gallerie, located in Northeast Minneapolis. The opening reception on April 15 is open to the public. In the meantime, you can request a consultation through the Art Girls website if you have an interest in Gena’s work. Aliveness and passion are evident in Ms. Cohen’s work, along with beauty and some heartache. Art is her heart and soul. “I paint so as to put my finger on the pulse of the beauty of life,” said Gena. artgirlsmpls.com WINTER 2022

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