THE PROBLEM Our client adores their traditional layout and their traditional design style. But there were a few things that could be improved including flow and functionality in the kitchen - not to mention the cabinets, counters and appliances that had seen better days. The family room was used heavily for movie viewing, but it did not have a great set-up for the TV and was seriously lacking in the audio department. Their garage entry had become the primary way into the home for the homeowners, however it did not offer the welcoming feeling they wanted to have after a long day. THE SOLUTION To create better flow, we shifted the entry from the mud hall down a bit which gave us the space to add another run of cabinetry and relocate the fridge. We closed up the former dining room wall and converted it into a new office space as both homeowners work from home. Due to the shift in the entry from the mud hall, we also were able to then center the island to where it should be in the room creating some much needed balance. Because we were not creating an open floor plan and removing walls and such, there was more budget for high ticket finishes. One of which was a 11’ custom walnut countertop for the island which became the anchoring design element for the kitchen along with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances.

What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

This home had a very small bathroom for the combined use of their teenagers and guests. The space was a tight 5'x7'. By adding just 2 feet by taking the space from the closet in an adjoining room, we were able to make this bathroom more functional and feel much more spacious. The show-stopper is the glass and metal mosaic wall tile above the vanity. The chevron tile in the shower niche complements the wall tile nicely, while having plenty of style on its own. To tie everything together, we continued the same tile from the shower all around the room to create a wainscot. The weathered-look hexagon floor tile is stylish yet subtle. We chose to use a heavily frosted door to keep the room feeling lighter and more spacious. Often when you have a lot of elements that can totally stand on their own, it can overwhelm a space. However, in this case everything complements the other. The style is fun and stylish for the every-day use of teenagers and young adults, while still being sophisticated enough for use by guests.

These homeowners came to us through a recommendation from a client who was extremely happy with the work we did for them in the past. This project was in the inner city and the homeowners tore down their old house and built their new home in its place. Keeping with the charm of the original home, the main goal for the home was to make it look like a brand new 100 year old home. We were brought on to work on the entire home with the exception of the kitchen (entry, family room, ceiling work, office/ den, living room, fireplace, window trims, 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms). In addition to our custom woodworking, these homeowners leaned heavily on our design suggestions. From an execution standpoint, this home was extremely detailed, and getting the balance from room to room and throughout the entire home was crucial for achieving the correct look. In addition, the methods and materials used 100 years ago have since had drastic improvements, making the lifetime and quality of the finished product substantially better, but also adding a higher degree of difficulty to accomplish accurate looking details. The end result of this project was a work of art. A home that thad the appearance of a 100 year old home, with modern materials and methods to ensure quality and longevity. Everything from their dramatic entry and staircase to their floor-to-ceiling hand-finished den showcases a skill set and eye for detail essential to accomplishing the lofty goals of this home.

What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

Designed by Gina McMurtrey This bedroom was beige and bland. Beige walls, beige carpet, beige bedding. The room needed some life, yet be a space where this busy single mother and Urgent Care physician could get some much needed rest and relaxation. A deep, grey-purple on the walls set the stage, and fabrics in variants of heathered purple, plum, pinks and roses was chosen for the bedding. Bright, mustard yellow added some excitement to the muted tones. The custom bedding creates an environment of luxury as well as extreme comfort. The two swivel chairs were updated with heathered purple velvet seat cushions piped in mustard yellow. The carpet was replaced with wood-look luxury vinyl plank—a must for families with kids and dogs. Because the client works many nights, being able to sleep during the day is a must. The ho-hum white blinds were replaced with floor to ceiling blackout drapery in embroidered linen on contemporary traverse rods. Her existing furniture, large and heavy and dark-stained, was painted white with a grey stain and distressed heavily. This gave the furniture new life as shabby chic! Additional lighting, updated fixtures, and carefully curated accessories round out this vibrant yet soothing space.

Thassos White Marble Waterjet Mosaic and Floor Tiles Thassos white marble has become prominent in modern interior revamping. It’s unique on the surface and pleasing to the eye in whichever area it carpets. Thasos also has quite a number of advantages to it which make it the ideal option when installing or replacing floor tiles in your home or office. Its white hue gives it a contemporary look which is fits in any kind of floor renovation arrangement. For quite some time now Thassos white marble waterjet mosaic tile has been used to accentuate other tile colors, especially the Carrara range, or can also be used as the main tile which then gets tweaks from glass mosaics or vinyl. The white color may also vary with some tiles have a creamy white look while others will have a snowy white surface. What is consistent in all Thassos stone tiles is the spotless look when shipped from their origin, Thassos Island in Greece. With technology advancing, today we can add a little bit of texture on Thassos marble or just give it a bit of polishing to give it a smooth look. The polishing style can be honed or thoroughly polished; when honed the stone surface gets mild polishing so it doesn’t reflect light on any floor it is used. On the other hand, heavily polished Thassos white marble has a slick shimmery look which makes it perfect for areas you want light illuminated. This makes the stone marble perfect for bathroom floor tiles where a bit of water accentuates the shine. Being in the range of natural stone, Thassos white marble also comes with the same advantages we find in all stone tiles. The surface is non porous which means water cannot seep through no matter how much splashing is made on the floor. Stone tiles are quite tough in nature as well which makes them. Marble is resistant to corrosive material like harsh chemical cleaners, bleaches or acidic drinks like Soda. This makes them ideal for use as kitchen floor tiles or industrial flooring. So the next time you are thinking of remodeling, Thassos white marble can be the best decision you make. Yes the tile is not expensive comparing to others; in fact the entire range of stone marble doesn’t come cheap. But if we look on the brighter side, Thassos floor tiles is a onetime investment that will last for years. Moreover, Thassos marble is exquisite and it brings up the value of any houses it is used in; even an old looking shack! http://AllMarbletiles.com

Custom home builder Blake Swanson of Swanson Homes needed the design of a contemporary rambler, dubbed “Solara” (part of a new development in the west suburbs of Minneapolis), to be flexible, especially because there was no owner in place at the time of the build. Swanson partnered with architect Charlie Stinson of Modern Oasis Architecture + Design to design and build a home with a transitional style that could fit the needs of a wide range of homeowners. Core to Stinson’s final design are expansive windows that capture lots of light and frame the view of the heavily forested lot. A mix of products from the Marvin Ultimate collection and new Marvin Vivid collection windows were used throughout the home. “We felt that the Vivid product line was a perfect fit for this home because of their slimmer profiles,” said Swanson. “We really want to be looking through the windows here and not necessarily at the windows.”

Custom home builder Blake Swanson of Swanson Homes needed the design of a contemporary rambler, dubbed “Solara” (part of a new development in the west suburbs of Minneapolis), to be flexible, especially because there was no owner in place at the time of the build. Swanson partnered with architect Charlie Stinson of Modern Oasis Architecture + Design to design and build a home with a transitional style that could fit the needs of a wide range of homeowners. Core to Stinson’s final design are expansive windows that capture lots of light and frame the view of the heavily forested lot. A mix of products from the Marvin Ultimate collection and new Marvin Vivid collection windows were used throughout the home. “We felt that the Vivid product line was a perfect fit for this home because of their slimmer profiles,” said Swanson. “We really want to be looking through the windows here and not necessarily at the windows.”

This standout custom-fabricated media console seamlessly integrates the warmth of a modern electric fireplace with the rugged, heavy-duty aesthetic of industrial metalwork. Built upon a robust dark steel skeleton frame, the piece is finished with a stunning solid wood countertop and matching solid wood side panels, providing a rich, organic contrast to the dark metal. Designed as the ultimate living room centerpiece, the unit features an expansive, open horizontal shelving bay across the top—ideal for housing a soundbar, media players, or gaming consoles. The focal point is the built-in electric fireplace insert, flanked by two highly functional storage cabinets. These side compartments are secured by custom cabinet doors featuring industrial expanded metal mesh inserts heavily encased in welded steel frames. This mesh design not only adds raw visual texture but also allows for excellent airflow and remote control functionality for any housed electronics.

What Is Modern Style? Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather. Modern style is: - Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes. - Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look. - Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern. Modern style is not: - Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form. - Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted. - Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

This bathroom started as a dark and heavily dated space with aging finishes and years of moisture damage. The original tub/shower surround, popcorn ceiling, worn yellow flooring, and bulky wood vanity made the room feel small, tired, and neglected. Patchwork surfaces, mismatched elements, and mold growth on the ceiling highlighted the homeowner’s need for a complete transformation—both cosmetically and structurally. The space was reimagined into a Modern Transitional retreat that feels bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed. The new layout and materials completely elevated the room: Large-format charcoal tiles create a sleek, modern backdrop in the shower. A deep gray vanity with brass hardware adds warmth and sophistication. The patterned floor tile introduces a bold, graphic element that brings the design to life. A round black-framed mirror and updated lighting deliver softness and balance. Fresh paint, a new quartz top, upgraded fixtures, and concealed storage create functional improvement and visual calm. The result is a bathroom that blends modern textures with timeless finishes—turning a previously outdated room into an inviting, stylish retreat.

THE PROBLEM Our client adores their traditional layout and their traditional design style. But there were a few things that could be improved including flow and functionality in the kitchen - not to mention the cabinets, counters and appliances that had seen better days. The family room was used heavily for movie viewing, but it did not have a great set-up for the TV and was seriously lacking in the audio department. Their garage entry had become the primary way into the home for the homeowners, however it did not offer the welcoming feeling they wanted to have after a long day. THE SOLUTION To create better flow, we shifted the entry from the mud hall down a bit which gave us the space to add another run of cabinetry and relocate the fridge. We closed up the former dining room wall and converted it into a new office space as both homeowners work from home. Due to the shift in the entry from the mud hall, we also were able to then center the island to where it should be in the room creating some much needed balance. Because we were not creating an open floor plan and removing walls and such, there was more budget for high ticket finishes. One of which was a 11’ custom walnut countertop for the island which became the anchoring design element for the kitchen along with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances.

Custom home builder Blake Swanson of Swanson Homes needed the design of a contemporary rambler, dubbed “Solara” (part of a new development in the west suburbs of Minneapolis), to be flexible, especially because there was no owner in place at the time of the build. Swanson partnered with architect Charlie Stinson of Modern Oasis Architecture + Design to design and build a home with a transitional style that could fit the needs of a wide range of homeowners. Core to Stinson’s final design are expansive windows that capture lots of light and frame the view of the heavily forested lot. A mix of products from the Marvin Ultimate collection and new Marvin Vivid collection windows were used throughout the home. “We felt that the Vivid product line was a perfect fit for this home because of their slimmer profiles,” said Swanson. “We really want to be looking through the windows here and not necessarily at the windows.”

These homeowners came to us through a recommendation from a client who was extremely happy with the work we did for them in the past. This project was in the inner city and the homeowners tore down their old house and built their new home in its place. Keeping with the charm of the original home, the main goal for the home was to make it look like a brand new 100 year old home. We were brought on to work on the entire home with the exception of the kitchen (entry, family room, ceiling work, office/ den, living room, fireplace, window trims, 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms). In addition to our custom woodworking, these homeowners leaned heavily on our design suggestions. From an execution standpoint, this home was extremely detailed, and getting the balance from room to room and throughout the entire home was crucial for achieving the correct look. In addition, the methods and materials used 100 years ago have since had drastic improvements, making the lifetime and quality of the finished product substantially better, but also adding a higher degree of difficulty to accomplish accurate looking details. The end result of this project was a work of art. A home that thad the appearance of a 100 year old home, with modern materials and methods to ensure quality and longevity. Everything from their dramatic entry and staircase to their floor-to-ceiling hand-finished den showcases a skill set and eye for detail essential to accomplishing the lofty goals of this home.

Custom home builder Blake Swanson of Swanson Homes needed the design of a contemporary rambler, dubbed “Solara” (part of a new development in the west suburbs of Minneapolis), to be flexible, especially because there was no owner in place at the time of the build. Swanson partnered with architect Charlie Stinson of Modern Oasis Architecture + Design to design and build a home with a transitional style that could fit the needs of a wide range of homeowners. Core to Stinson’s final design are expansive windows that capture lots of light and frame the view of the heavily forested lot. A mix of products from the Marvin Ultimate collection and new Marvin Vivid collection windows were used throughout the home. “We felt that the Vivid product line was a perfect fit for this home because of their slimmer profiles,” said Swanson. “We really want to be looking through the windows here and not necessarily at the windows.”

THE PROBLEM Our client adores their traditional layout and their traditional design style. But there were a few things that could be improved including flow and functionality in the kitchen - not to mention the cabinets, counters and appliances that had seen better days. The family room was used heavily for movie viewing, but it did not have a great set-up for the TV and was seriously lacking in the audio department. Their garage entry had become the primary way into the home for the homeowners, however it did not offer the welcoming feeling they wanted to have after a long day. THE SOLUTION To create better flow, we shifted the entry from the mud hall down a bit which gave us the space to add another run of cabinetry and relocate the fridge. We closed up the former dining room wall and converted it into a new office space as both homeowners work from home. Due to the shift in the entry from the mud hall, we also were able to then center the island to where it should be in the room creating some much needed balance. Because we were not creating an open floor plan and removing walls and such, there was more budget for high ticket finishes. One of which was a 11’ custom walnut countertop for the island which became the anchoring design element for the kitchen along with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances.

THE PROBLEM Our client adores their traditional layout and their traditional design style. But there were a few things that could be improved including flow and functionality in the kitchen - not to mention the cabinets, counters and appliances that had seen better days. The family room was used heavily for movie viewing, but it did not have a great set-up for the TV and was seriously lacking in the audio department. Their garage entry had become the primary way into the home for the homeowners, however it did not offer the welcoming feeling they wanted to have after a long day. THE SOLUTION To create better flow, we shifted the entry from the mud hall down a bit which gave us the space to add another run of cabinetry and relocate the fridge. We closed up the former dining room wall and converted it into a new office space as both homeowners work from home. Due to the shift in the entry from the mud hall, we also were able to then center the island to where it should be in the room creating some much needed balance. Because we were not creating an open floor plan and removing walls and such, there was more budget for high ticket finishes. One of which was a 11’ custom walnut countertop for the island which became the anchoring design element for the kitchen along with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances.