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European taste influences a log lodge

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

 

Photos Courtesy of Scott
Amundson Photography

Kitchen and master bath remodel, northern Minnesota

Nor-Son and this home on the Whitefish Chain have a history: About 10 years after current owners Tim and Jane Hanson purchased the retreat, they opted to add a sunroom and more windows and called Nor-Son for the job. Nor-Son lead carpenter Phil Kordiak and his team constructed new log gables with soaring trapezoidal windows out of the great room ceiling.

That was 1997; 10 years later, the Hansons were ready for a new kitchen and a larger master bath in their home-away-from-home. They were inspired by what they had seen while visiting the historic fur-trading post at Grand Portage—the contrast of fine European finishes and furnishings framed by rustic Northwoods character.

“We thought, ‘Wow, there’s a different way to do it,’ ” Tim Hanson recalls. “We wanted a more exquisite and refined finish that we felt would compliment the logs.”

The elegant spaces were accomplished through two small additions and by reconfiguring existing space. The new kitchen cozies up to its English atmosphere with Crystal® antique white cabinetry in a butterscotch glaze, granite countertops, red birch flooring, and custom tile backsplash. A new bay window addition reflects the gables in the great room. A few rustic touches remain, such as the light fixtures made by Montana artisan Roc Corbett.

“It was a decent kitchen before, but nothing like it is today,” says Paul Maki, AIA, senior project architect for Nor-Son.

The new master bath steps up the elegance another notch. It’s easy to forget that you’re in a log home when you enter this space. Highlights include cherry cabinetry and casework, marble flooring and a marble shower, and backlit onyx countertops. Subtle details in light hues and arched lines serve to tie the spaces together. “When you walk through the house, you can see how details from other parts of the home come together in the bathroom,” says project manager Jeremy Bjorge.

“We’re just tickled pink,” Hanson says. “We love it a lot; it exceeded our expectations.”

NOR-SON, Inc.
218-828-1722
nor-son.com

 

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