A Minneapolis Home That Captures Timeless Charm and Modern Comfort

How can you create a new house that feels like it has a rich history? This was the challenge faced by interior designer Victoria Sass while designing a classic American white brick residence for a family of five in a serene neighborhood near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family recognized the site's potential in 2019, appreciating its peaceful waterside location, and obtained permission to replace the dilapidated house with a more sympathetic design.

'It's much harder than it seems,' Victoria admits. 'New constructions often come off as overly polished. We asked architecture firm Murphy & Co to add some character, making the house feel older. Older homes can be a bit quirky; sometimes, the layout doesn't follow a logical flow; a small room may be tucked away from a larger area; shapes can be irregular. We knew we had to adjust our approach because if it was too straightforward, it wouldn't feel aged.'

However, this house does not simply mimic other historic homes in the area. Instead, it exudes a unique, lived-in ambiance that defies easy categorization, which is precisely what the owners desired. Victoria describes the home as 'relaxed, unpretentious, and far from grandiose.' It features wooden balconies, expansive windows, screened porches, a quintessential American front porch, and a garden dock that leads directly to Minnehaha Creek.

A classic color scheme of off-whites, rusts, and caramels sets a grounding tone throughout the three stories, with the main living spaces situated on the middle level.

Nevertheless, the home also boasts an array of unexpected design choices, from flame-stitch armchairs in the living room to the artistic Moon light fixture in the entryway – which functions as both a light and a piece of art. This blend emerged from the home's evolving design process, which took unexpected turns from the initial concept to the final outcome.

The family had engaged Prospect Refuge to design their home just as the pandemic hit. 'The wife expressed her admiration for the casual yet polished aesthetic of a white button-down shirt,' Victoria recalls. 'That comment stuck with me, and we drafted plans for a house that embodied that sensibility. I understood they desired something understated, rather than the decorative equivalent of an extravagant gown.'

Later, the family relocated to Barcelona, and the project was temporarily halted. 'Upon their return to resume the project, they aimed to infuse some color and joie de vivre,' Victoria explains. 'Their time in Spain had shifted their perspective; the family's energy had transformed. I realized we had to add some flair to that shirt if we wanted to create a home that genuinely reflected their passions.'

This meant revisiting the design, focusing on furnishings, textiles, hardware, and lighting to introduce unexpected elements. In the living room, a mosaic table made from corn husks showcases the work of a Spanish artist the family discovered during their travels.

One of the powder rooms showcases a vanity adorned with beautifully mismatched tiles, inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics ('Each tile feels like a work of art; I could easily lose myself in them,' says Victoria), while the dining room is enhanced by unique wall art created by Ginny Sims, whose visual story includes subtle references to the family's journey.

The snug room features a chimney breast adorned with hand-fired tiles – perhaps an unconscious nod, Victoria suggests, to a sense of Scandinavian coziness inspired by her husband's Danish background. The design emphasizes texture in a way that feels almost three-dimensional, whether through large photographic prints, custom-designed wall sculptures, or the tactile marbleized wallpaper that adds movement to the smaller study, where a warm oak desk spans two walls.

'There are numerous decorative inspirations, but a unified color scheme and a keen eye for balance keep everything harmonious,' the designer explains. 'Everything has a rhythm. If you amplify one aspect, you need to tone down another. For instance, sculptural designs shine when given adequate space.'

The final result is a home that seamlessly combines traditional elements with experimental touches; bold silhouettes with flowing shapes. Overall, it culminates in a space that Victoria describes as 'perfectly imperfect' – perhaps the ultimate representation of a new house artfully made to feel timeless.