This thoughtfully renovated 1938 Colonial home strikes a perfect balance between traditional charm and a relaxed, cottage-inspired feel. Heather Peterson Design focused on creating a more open, functional layout while softening the formality of the original design. Sweet moments captured by Scott Amundson, like the sunflower chandelier in the dining room and the charming kitchen banquette, reflect a casual yet timeless style, blending new and antique pieces to create a welcoming, personalized Minnesota home.
From the designer… Our clients came to us wanting to refresh their home in a way that honored its era while easing its formal feel. One of the first things we bought is the sunflower chandelier in the dining room. It is traditional and fanciful, yet sunflowers themselves are a happy, casual flower. We further dressed the piece down with neutral linen shades with a simple tonal trim. This was one of the pieces that set the tone for how we would incorporate more traditional items. We furnished the home with new pieces with traditional but stripped back forms, like the simple dining chairs and skirted couch, and layered in antique pieces with more detailing, though all were time-worn, giving them an informal charm.
The house also had a strong paint color in each room (yellow living room, blue dining room, burgundy sun room, terra cotta kitchen, red hall bath etc.) so they wanted to calm and unify the space. We actually kept a number of those colors in the scheme, but moved them to fabrics and rugs or smaller doses like the red island. We love the drama of the color palette in the primary bedroom.
The banquette in the kitchen is a favorite design moment, with the new arched window to the back hall and charming suspended back cushions. We also love the back hall bath, with its pedestal sink and beadboard that could be original, paired with Zak + Fox wallcovering and the most charming little antique mirror.
Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Heather Peterson Design · Photography: Scott Amundson · Architect: Rehkamp Larson Architects · Builder: Fred Nordahl
