Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Meet a Lakefront Home Designed for Work and Play
Creative couple adds Seussian flair to colorful, multipurpose home in Minnesota
Homeowners Kate and Rob host legendary parties, so a home suited for entertaining was at the top of their list. Kate, owner of a writing and marketing communications firm, also needed her home to serve as an office space for team gatherings and client functions. “We saw the possibilities and knew we could put ourselves into this home,” Kate says. Perhaps the most successful attribute of this house is that it is a true reflection of the homeowners who live there. “I have all the crazy ideas,” she says, “And Rob masterfully engineers them.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kate, Rob, college-bound sons, Jon and Jacob, and their Yorkshire terrier, Lucy.
Location: White Bear Lake, Minn.
Size: 3,200 square feet
Tour more inspiring homes
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kate, Rob, college-bound sons, Jon and Jacob, and their Yorkshire terrier, Lucy.
Location: White Bear Lake, Minn.
Size: 3,200 square feet
Tour more inspiring homes
Situated on a shady corner overlooking White Bear Lake, this 1940s home was originally a 1-story cottage later built into an envelope home. An envelope home is essentially a house within a house, a design that captures thermal energy from a south-facing solarium. It has since been built out and retrofitted with heat, evolving into an eclectic lake home with modern sensibilities.
The home offers sweeping views of White Bear Lake, one of the area's popular recreational lakes. The lake caters to sailing, boating and swimming in the summer, and ice fishing and hockey in the winter.
The tree swing was crafted and hung by a family friend (and tree trimmer). He created the ropes from soft, hand-friendly hardware store rope.
The tree swing was crafted and hung by a family friend (and tree trimmer). He created the ropes from soft, hand-friendly hardware store rope.
When you walk through the front door, you’ll have a clue to the mischief that awaits you. Notice the suspicious claw adorning the front of the closet door. Hang your coat and let the “Wild Rumpus” begin!
Painting: Dave Willits
Painting: Dave Willits
A curved sofa breaks up the rectangular living room and is comfortably positioned to soak in lake views. A brick wall and maple wood floors add warmth and depth to the room, while a beloved historic chest adds a touch of vintage. If you look back toward the stairwell, another hint of Seuss mischief, Thing 1 or Thing 2, awaits.
Sofa: Go Home, Minneapolis
Chest: White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Silent Auction
Sofa: Go Home, Minneapolis
Chest: White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Silent Auction
A landing in the staircase overlooks the light and airy kitchen. White cabinets and neutral oak wood floors allow vibrant splashes of color to be the main attraction.
Stools: Home Decorators
Pendants: Menards
Stools: Home Decorators
Pendants: Menards
The backsplash you see here is made of stainless steel squares purchased at an industrial goods store. They are fastened to the wall with velcro (yes, velcro!) allowing for easy interchangeability. The colorful Mosaic drawer panels are handmade out of inexpensive dishes.
Season-inspired displays set the mood in the kitchen. In the background, a colorful cascade of curtains calls attention to the artwork and beautifully dresses up the tall wall.
When guests or homeowners are seeking respite they head into the Cabana room, which offers a comfortable blend of warm and traditional décor. On the ceiling, craft fabric is bordered by woven placemats. According to Kate, she couldn’t stand to look at another white ceiling. "I love this house, but I would never have a popcorn ceiling on purpose."
Upstairs at the office, this cozy corner serves as a quiet reading nook. To create the space, a round compartment bed from IKEA was separated and covered with fabric and soft pillows. The stainless steel wall files hold ongoing projects and client files.
Lantern and chairs: Pier One Imports
Corner bed: Ikea
Lantern and chairs: Pier One Imports
Corner bed: Ikea
Can you guess who enjoys the reading nook the most? Meet Lucy, Kate and Rob's irresistible Yorkshire Terrier.
An upper-level porch just off the office provides a creative, light-filled space where Kate's team gathers weekly.
A catwalk looks down to the porch below. The plants are from the home's original owner. It's a lot of plants, Kate admits, but a sentimental way to pay tribute to the original owner who passed away shortly after selling the home.
Here's another view of the main-level porch. It's filled with plenty of natural light and cozy seating for guests. Note the lazy hanging chairs in back; they are one thing a lake home should never be without.
Furniture and hanging chairs: Pier 1 Imports
Furniture and hanging chairs: Pier 1 Imports
A clever alternative to curtains, clear CD/DVD pocket sleeves were used to create an eye-catching privacy screen on an interior window.
Originally, Kate had used her walk-in closet for office storage. Her wardrobe and collection of shoes and accessories had other things in mind, though. Now it's far more glamorous than just an organizational space for paper cutters. Note the creative jewelry holders: that's chicken wire mounted onto a frame.
Kate and Rob never let their guests leave without a party favor. These fun bouncy balls are the perfect souvenir from a cheerful, happy place that follows no rules.
More Minnesota Houzz Tours:
Modern Meets Traditional in Eclectic Loft
A Home Full of History and Surprise
Traditional Splendor in Minnesota
More Minnesota Houzz Tours:
Modern Meets Traditional in Eclectic Loft
A Home Full of History and Surprise
Traditional Splendor in Minnesota
Painting: by Dave Willits