City View: Minneapolis Design Style
Forget 'fly-over state.' Twin City residents have sophisticated design tastes, embrace the outdoors and create retreats at home
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
If there's one thing residents of the Twin Cities do not do, it's hibernate! Minnesotans across the board agree that the biggest misconception about their region is that they don't get to spend a lot of time outdoors. "People from other states seem to think that the weather here is cold all the time and that people stay indoors. In fact, the weather in the summer is wonderful, and we have one of the highest rates of outdoor living in the country," says landscape architect Meg Arnosti of Windsor Companies. Also, like residents of most states in between the coasts, they want to make it clear to those who have a skewed view of the United States that Minneapolis and St. Paul are sophisticated and full of culture and fabulous style. Behind traditional facades are fresh and updated interiors that blur the lines between indoors and out.
There is a rich variety of architectural styles all around Minneapolis, from classic Tudors to cutting-edge contemporary. We've asked design professionals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region to weigh in and show us what makes a design distinctly Minneapolis, trends on the rise here and the biggest misconceptions about Minneapolis style.
There is a rich variety of architectural styles all around Minneapolis, from classic Tudors to cutting-edge contemporary. We've asked design professionals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region to weigh in and show us what makes a design distinctly Minneapolis, trends on the rise here and the biggest misconceptions about Minneapolis style.
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The extensive park system and natural resources around the area inspire active lifestyles. "Perhaps the most striking way this shows up in design is the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Laid out by Horace Cleveland, noted landscape architect, it is a system of parks and parkways developed at the turn of the century that focus on natural features, including numerous lakes in Minneapolis and along Minnehaha Creek," says Arnosti. "The abundant amount of park land within the Twin Cities and the connections between the parks and lakes make it possible to bike, run, walk, boat and ski for miles while remaining in the city."
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| Minnesotans continue this tradition of outdoor life with their properties. "Wood, water and fire are distinctly Minneapolis/St. Paul looks. The inspiration comes from our north woods area, including the Boundary Waters wilderness and the Lake District, where so many people have cabins," says Arnosti. "People are building pergolas and decks, often in combination with fire pits or fireplaces and babbling brooks and other water features." Tour a wonderful Minnesota lakeside cabin |
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Residents are bringing the relaxing lake-cabin feeling to their own landscapes. "People love the idea of coming home to their own cozy outdoor spaces, rather than having to escape to the lake," says Arnosti.
Screened-in porches are very popular, not only for enjoying the fresh air and expanding outdoor living to three seasons, but also for avoiding mosquitos. "Another popular and wonderful way to extend your indoor space in Minnesota is with decks or terraces, often with pergolas overhead and abundant flowers in containers," Arnosti says.
Screened-in porches are very popular, not only for enjoying the fresh air and expanding outdoor living to three seasons, but also for avoiding mosquitos. "Another popular and wonderful way to extend your indoor space in Minnesota is with decks or terraces, often with pergolas overhead and abundant flowers in containers," Arnosti says.
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While there is a wide variety of architectural styles around the area, architect Charlie Simmons notes that "the architectural forms are simple and understated, with clean lines, most likely derived from the Scandinavian roots of many who settled here originally. The color palettes tend to be fairly light, with punches of accent."
He adds, "The exteriors of the homes are trending historical in form (cottage, shingle or Tudor styles) but have simple and clean interiors, which creates an interesting juxtaposition."
He adds, "The exteriors of the homes are trending historical in form (cottage, shingle or Tudor styles) but have simple and clean interiors, which creates an interesting juxtaposition."
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Homeowners in the region extend the time they can spend in the fresh air with outdoor fireplaces, and make views a priority for those days when they're stuck inside. "Bringing the outdoors into the home and blurring the line between exterior and interior space is something that almost all homeowners talk about," says architect Tom Flint of Stonewood. "Each warm and sunny day is precious, and homeowners want to be able to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible while still having the conveniences of a home — outdoor rooms with kitchens, bars and game tables."
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"Minneapolis/St. Paul doesn’t really have a distinctive style of home — I don’t think that is a bad thing," says Flint. "We see homeowners come in with a range of style preferences and home ideas."
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| Interior designer Renée Hallberg RLH Studio agrees. "Everybody loves a sunporch, but in Minneapolis we need our porch to function in the dead of winter while still maintaining the screen-porch feel. Large windows, cozy rugs and a lot of color warm our cold days." |
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| Refined has noticed a rise in popularity of giving traditional cottage style a contemporary edge. Airy, open spaces are comfortable yet sophisticated. |
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| White paint, modern appliances and light fixtures, and metal accents and furniture update the cottage look. |
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| "Clients are opting out of having a formal living room in exchange for an open kitchen plan exposed to the living area," says Rosemary Merrill, president of Casa Verde Design. This means one must consider the view of the kitchen from the living area when designing. "Cabinetry design is taking on a furniture look, and the appliances are integrated into the cabinetry, creating a more customized appearance," she says. |
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| Merrill also notes that many people are ditching the suburbs for an urban lifestyle: "People are moving in from the suburbs, either opting for smaller, updated homes in the city or choosing to live in the downtown area in loft-style condos." |
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| No matter what the weather, Minnesotans don't let it keep them from getting out and enjoying friends and family. "We are all about family gatherings and community, whether it be outdoor dining for a family get-together or long tables of good friends laughing and telling stories. We design spaces that are warm, comfortable and inviting for entertaining," says Lucy Penfield of Lucy Interior Designs. |
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As for misconceptions, Penfield wants to set the record straight for those who use the term "fly-over states." "People living on either coast think it all happens on the coast and that the Midwest is sleepy and frumpy! We are fabulous design pace setters. You can see it in our memorable restaurants, the fashion on the street and our world-renowned museums. We are happening, and so is our award-wining design!"
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| Interior designer Karen Soojian concurs. "It’s a common misconception about design in Minneapolis/St. Paul that we tend to be too conservative — think 50 shades of beige. The design work in this region is often groundbreaking. Midwest designers are risk takers and innovators." |
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Dana Swindler, of Walsh Design Group, wards off even more specific stereotypes about Minneapolis design. "A misconception about Minneapolis is that our houses are all decorated in brown and red paisley. This typical Minnesota color palette has become much more exciting, with pops of color and rich textures."
More:
Kitchen of the Week: Modern Minnesota Walk-Up
Houzz Tour: 1929 Mansion Revival in Minnesota
More:
Kitchen of the Week: Modern Minnesota Walk-Up
Houzz Tour: 1929 Mansion Revival in Minnesota
Comments
Architectural Antiques Architectural Antiques loves Minneapolis and its design styles!! Great article to read!
11 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi It's great to see ideabooks about design in other states, and this one is terrific! I love the white rooms.
11 months ago · Like
trasgorshek We just came back from visiting Minneapolis and the architecture is absolutely stunning! Some of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen are downtown with gorgeous homes surrounding the lakes around uptown. It truly is a beautiful city, one that is focused on its arts. We had a wonderful time!
10 months ago · Like
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Conservatory Craftsmen Our home town! Minnesota has the best home builders in the nation. Such extreme conditions make the codes very intense and the builders deliver perfection! 
10 months ago · Like
arkakakalinasxaertdeaswd Modern 
10 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 12, 2012.
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