May 2009

May 29, 2009

Hot Trend: Wood in Surprising Ways

Traditionally, designers have had structural relationship with wood, using it to backbone homes, or frame sturdy pieces of furniture. But of late, modern designers are pushing wood in new directions, creating objects that are light-infused, delicate, even girly:

NUT PENDANT LAMP by Design Within Reach
With its loops of cherry veneer, this striking and surprising pendant lamp takes wood to a new, chic level, $310; through Read more »

Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 28, 2009

Accessories Sale at the Sitting Room

Yesterday, I snapped a few shots of a lovely little boutique and interior design showroom—Sitting Room, across the street from Lakewinds Natural Foods in Minnetonka, on Minnetonka Boulevard. Lo and behold, they're having a 15 percent off sale on accessories this month and next, and they have some pieces of furniture from last season marked down significantly. (One dramatic upholstered lounger I saw had started out at more $2,200, and was marked down close to $400.) I was happy to see some pillows from Read more »

Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 27, 2009

Mio for Target On Clearance Soon

A little bird (also known as the Target marketing department), has clued me into the fact that its limited edition Mio for Target collection is going on clearance any day now at target.com. Designed by eco-friendly designers, entrepreneurs, and brothers Isaac and Jaime Salm, the collection includes sustainable outdoor... Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 27, 2009

A Glimpse Inside Interior Motive

Hudson, Wisconsin interior designer and former Ethan Allen project manager Kari Schardin opened a fresh, unexpected retail space/boutique in mid-March called Interior Motive. Right on Stillwater's main strip, the 1,700-square-foot space feels much cleaner and contemporary than many of Stillwater's other boutiques and shops, which its collection of lamps, accessories, accent tables, and artwork from the likes of Zodax, Leftbank Art, Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 26, 2009

Five Pretty Things from the Northern Woods Show

The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild puts on a rousing competition and show each spring featuring the work of Minnesota-based woodworkers and furniture-makers. Here are my faves from this year's show:

Tim Gorman's amazing "Serpentine" chair made with cherry and strung with nylon.

Jesse Theis' elegant black walnut... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 22, 2009

Sneak Peek: Jim & Betty Jordan's Practice Putting Green

Last summer, Jim and Betty Jordan of Hudson, Wisconsin, hired one of our favorite firms, Windsor Companies out of St. Paul, to install this artificial turf practice putting green, with a little golf chipping area next to it. They only got to use it for a few months before the snows came, but Jim says he plans to use it everyday this summer. The photos remind of an article we ran last year on homeowners who really get creative and have fun with their outdoor spaces, including a built-in Scrabble board, a mini golf course, and a first-rate... Read more »

Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 21, 2009

Sneak Peek: Hugo, Minnesota Bungalow Beauty

Just looking at this house makes me happy. It's the adorable, 4,100-square-foot abode of Josh and Rachel Berger, the founders and masterminds behind the heavenly scented Daub & Bauble line of soaps, lotions, and cleaners, which Josh says they were inspired to create when they were planning this very house. "We wanted every inch, including the products used in the home, to be as beautiful as the surroundings," he says. The Dutch Colonial architectural design was done by Senn & Youngdahl out of Stillwater, but the interior... Read more »

Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 20, 2009

Sneak Peek: Lucas and Jenney's Green Bungalow

Sustainably minded architect Lucas Alm, principal of Alm Design Studio, and his graphic designer/art director wife, Jenney Stevens, did an amazing job on their 1920s bungalow remodel in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul, and I just had to share it. They bought their 1,200-square-foot house in summer 2005, supping it up with high-tech, high R-value insulation, high efficiency windows, an energy... Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 20, 2009

Hot Listing: Edina Manse Designed by Charles Stinson

Commissioned and lovingly cared for by a local arts patron, this 9,086-square-foot home at 4877 Rolling Green Parkway in Edina was one of architect Charles Stinson's first major residential projects back in 1992, and is featured on the cover of his retrospective Charles R. Stinson Architects: Composition in Nature. Now that... Read more »

Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 19, 2009

High & Low: Butterfly Chandeliers

I've seen few things as stunning as the "Niagara" chandelier by Bodo Sperlein with dozens of porcelain butterflies suspended on glowing optic fibers. The trouble is the price: $45,000. Fortunately, Pottery Barn Kids has this butterfly chandelier made of sturdy paper for $79, that I wouldn't hesitate to hang in a nook, or even over the breakfast table.... Read more »

Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0)