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Houzz Tour: Simple, Sophisticated Family Retreat
This Minnesota lakefront home's minimal color palette creates a soothing place to relax and refresh
Minneapolis couple Andrea and Brett Swan hoped to capture ultimate sophistication with simplicity in their serene cabin in Lake Mille Lacs, Minn. Andrea, owner of Swan Architecture, designed the award-winning cabin, named Swan Fish Camp.
“Our goal was to keep the design minimal,” Andrea says. “We lead such challenging, fast-paced lives, so much care and attention was placed in creating a sense of calm, a space that allows us to decompress and recharge."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Brett, Andrea and their daughter Emi Swan
Location: Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
Size: 1,950 square feet, 1 bedroom, 2 baths
“Our goal was to keep the design minimal,” Andrea says. “We lead such challenging, fast-paced lives, so much care and attention was placed in creating a sense of calm, a space that allows us to decompress and recharge."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Brett, Andrea and their daughter Emi Swan
Location: Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota
Size: 1,950 square feet, 1 bedroom, 2 baths
| The soothing color palette of the exterior resonates within. The main living spaces were stacked toward the lake with furniture strategically placed to support the great view. The intent was to keep the layout small, intimate and cozy. Pillows: Pottery Barn Leather sofas, sheepskin throws/rug: IKEA Cowhide chairs: Room & Board |
| The cabin's exterior was inspired by vernacular farmhouses, a popular design in the early 20th century. The blue color of the roofline was chosen as an extension of the sky. |
| A popular feature of homes in the area is a wrap-around porch. The sleek lines of the stainless steel cable railing system add a contemporary touch and allow for unobstructed views of the lake. |
Keeping the base palette neutral allows the accessories and art to be easily interchangeable. "Initially there was some concern that blue was too cool an accent color," Andrea says. "But adding in textures and layers from pillows, rugs and throws creates warmth and visual interest."
Arc lamp and artwork: Z Gallerie
Arc lamp and artwork: Z Gallerie
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Here, sleek and sophisticated cowhide chairs mix well with the budget-friendly black leather sofa and glass end tables.
Cowhide chairs: Room & Board
Leather sofas: Ikea
Coffee tables: Ikea
Pillows: Pottery Barn
Cowhide chairs: Room & Board
Leather sofas: Ikea
Coffee tables: Ikea
Pillows: Pottery Barn
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French doors open to the expansive wrap-around deck that looks over Mille Lacs Lake. Mille Lacs Lake is Minnesota's second-largest lake and spans more than 200 square miles.
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Mille Lacs is a popular fishing spot because it is the best walleye fishery in the state. Fishing is also one of Brett and daughter Emi's favorite pastimes.
Back inside, the couple opted for bamboo flooring for its simple beauty, resilience and environmentally friendly qualities.
Artwork: Z Gallerie
Artwork: Z Gallerie
The stainless steel cable rail system used here matches that of the exterior deck rail.
| The kitchen space is primarily white, which the homeowners say they find both calming and invigorating. Barstools: IKEA |
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The shimmering backsplash is made from recycled oyster shells. "We wanted the backsplash to have interest and this was the perfect material," Andrea says. "It brings a spiritual and celestial feel about the cabin. In a way, it's like bringing the sea to Minnesota."
Granite: Kashmir white
Granite: Kashmir white
Here, multi-colored rug tiles define the dining area and complement the free-standing fireplace. "We didn't want the fireplace to compete with the view, so we gave it a more secondary role," Andrea says. The fireplace is centrally located for efficient heating throughout the cabin. Lanterns flank each side of the chute for symmetry and balance.
Birch dining table/chairs: IKEA
Rug tiles: Flor Outlet
Birch dining table/chairs: IKEA
Rug tiles: Flor Outlet
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The cabin uses affordable traditional entry lanterns throughout the interior. "We discovered there is tremendous cost-savings in using exterior lighting throughout." Andrea says. "We purchased each fixture for less than $100."
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| Heading upstairs, the loft is the cabin's only dedicated zone for television watching. "We don't have cable or dish network up here," Andrea says, "but we love to cozy up and watch movies." A futon doubles as a seating area during the day and an automatic guest room at night. Futon and reclining chair: IKEA |
On a lower level, commercial grade rubber flooring makes a stylish functional choice for the mudroom and staircase. The circular patterned floor resembles a pebbly beach and is easy to care for and clean. Hooks line the wall, for beach towels, jackets, tote bags and the like.
Flooring: Armstrong
Flooring: Armstrong
| The name, "Swan Fish Camp," reminds Andrea and Brett daily of the cabin's purpose: a place to relax and have fun with fishing. "To us, Swan Fish Camp promotes a youthful escape, rekindling when we were kids, going to camp," Andrea says. "You don't hear of that too often any more (kids going to summer camp), and we wanted to re-create that feel of a getaway, and promote pure fishing fun for ourselves and our daughter." |
| As for the future of Swan Fish Camp, Andrea and Brett are uncertain. "Because I am an architect, we are open to keeping this cabin or possibly moving on to another cabin someday. If we do, we'd love to explore the possibilities of another design direction, an authentic Bavarian style chalet." Meanwhile, the family intends to enjoy Swan Fish Camp for what it is: a sophisticated and serene cabin retreat that invites one to simply be. More Houzz tours: A Home full of History and Surprise Meet a Lakefront Home Designed for Work and Play Traditional Splendor in Minnesota |
Comments
scarbowcow No bedrooms? No bathroom?
18 months ago · Like
karenburgess Great looking, but I WOULD like to see the bedroom and bathrooms - the description says one bedroom, 2 baths...
18 months ago · Like
ellie48 This house is simple and sophis. I especially like the open plan kitchen/living area. I love when clients and owners use cow hide chairs. That is real fashion. Thanks Sara for this post.
18 months ago · Like
hannahlogg Love the house, has so much potential as far as decorating
18 months ago · Like
gwen mckay I love the fun blue couches and cow print that really adds an eclectic feel to the family room. Gorgeous attention to detail!
18 months ago · Like
lorari I guess Kim didn't know Minnesota could look so good.
18 months ago · Like
hanisha love the kitchen
18 months ago · Like
kgschifino The site and view orientation for this elegant lakefront home couldn't be more stunning!
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 10, 2011.
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