“On any given night in Minnesota, there are approximately 250 veterans experiencing homelessness,” says Sofie Humphries, executive director of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “Our collective mission is to change that statistic and see veteran homelessness in Minnesota reach functional zero.” As part of this mission, the organization has started its “Housing for Heroes” initiative, which is consistently contributing to the overall goal of providing housing for 60-plus veterans and their families experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness. Humphries continues, “Every ‘Housing for Heroes’ project brings us closer to making this goal a reality.”
For each of these projects, Housing First partners with Twin Cities homebuilder Lennar and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). The newest project in the program—a three-bedroom, single-family new-build home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in North Minneapolis—marks significant progress in the creation of a “Veteran Village,” being the 12th home in the program thus far.
On Thursday, April 18, Housing First is hosting a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking of this project, as well as two other supportive homes in North Minneapolis. Owned by MACV, each of these homes provides veterans with stability and supportive services to transition into independent living. Jon Lovald, COO at MACV, says, “As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we continue to strive toward our vision of ensuring that every veteran in Minnesota has access to services to avoid homelessness and achieve sustainable housing.” In total, these three homes will offer 10 additional beds for veterans in need.
Hear from representatives of Housing First, Lennar, MACV, and more at the event: April 18, 1 p.m., 4230 Irving Ave. N, Minneapolis.
Bria Hammel, creative director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou, recently revealed her latest collaboration: the Riviera outdoor furniture collection with HC Luxury Outdoor. Drawing inspiration from the leisurely charm of European coastal landscapes, this feminine, sophisticated collection brings an effortless elegance to functional furnishings. Featuring a carefully curated selection of 11 silhouettes, the Riviera collection is now available for early access shopping on both Brooke & Lou and HC Luxury Outdoor platforms.
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Bria Hammel x HC Luxury Outdoor
Photos courtesy of Bria Hammel Interiors
But, of course, this is not the only thing Hammel has cooking up. In fact, this spring, she is introducing two additional exclusive collaborations—each of which highlights her signature style. If you had the chance to visit High Point Market—a twice-a-year home furnishing event in North Carolina—earlier this month, you might have had the chance to witness the debuts of these new collaborations in real time.
Cooper Classics x Bria Hammel (photos by Spacecrafting)
In partnership with Cooper Classics, a wholesale brand renowned for its bold mirrors and clocks, Hammel presents the Cooper Classics x Bria Hammel collection, which includes five unique mirror styles in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. “Each piece is named after a special city or place I’ve traveled to that I left inspired,” Hammel says. “You’ll find that every mirror reflects not only the exceptional craftsmanship that Cooper Classics is known for but also features a unique design detail that makes these pieces feel like an heirloom you can have in your home for decades.” Select pieces from the collection will be available to shop on the Brooke & Lou site starting April 18.
Bria Hammel for CR Laine: Mood Board & Fabric Selections
Photo courtesy of Bria Hammel Interiors
Hammel’s touch is also evident in an upcoming collection with CR Laine, a handcrafted upholstery brand known for bench-crafted furnishings. Hammel expresses her excitement for this collaboration, stating, “Being a fan and customer of CR Laine for years, this partnership came together so organically, and I’m extremely excited to unveil the incredible pieces we designed together.” This collection is a celebration of cherished traditions and new beginnings, featuring 13 silhouettes spanning beds, sofas, ottomans, chairs, and banquettes. Customers can shop the collection online starting May 2.
Cozy couches, elegant drapery, and a striking palette of neutral selections create a harmonious blend of comfort and contemporary style in the home’s great room.
Many of us throw around the words “dream home,” a phrase that often evokes visions of our ideal at-home oasis. Entrepreneur Jenna Kutcher pondered the idea of her own personal dream home for years, longing for a space where she could not only work but also do the things that brought her joy without ever having to leave. After a decade of living in Wisconsin, she knew she truly belonged back home in the woods of Minnesota—a place she could be close to family, work from home, and raise her two daughters alongside her husband, Drew.
“At the age of 23, I took a leap of faith and decided to leave my corporate gig to become an entrepreneur full-time,” Kutcher says. With a $300 Craigslist camera and a yearning for more freedom in her work life, she embarked on her journey as a wedding photographer, which in turn sparked a path to success as a New York Times bestselling author, marketing podcaster, educator, and influencer with 1 million-plus Instagram followers. She says, “I’m so fortunate to do what I love from the place I love: my home. Most days you can find me snuggled up on our couch or chaise overlooking the woods right in our own backyard while I work from my laptop or record a new podcast from my office.”
Family-centric design elements, including high-performance upholstery and fabrics, allow Jenna and Drew to prioritize their children in the beautiful, yet attainable rooms of their Minnesota abode.
But the question is, how did she get there? When the world slowed down in 2020, she packed up her family and headed to their lake house—a small log home that overlooks Lake Superior. “After spending a year up there in the woods, heading back to suburbia just didn’t feel quite right anymore,” she recalls. With a newfound appreciation for privacy, space, and land, Jenna and Drew decided to build.
After finding the perfect lot, complete with beautiful topography and a grand maple tree at the center, Jenna had no hesitation when choosing the builder for the job. Kirsten Erickson, principal designer and founder of Alma Homes, was a close friend of Jenna’s since high school. “I reached out to her when we bought the land (which happened to be less than a mile from where Erickson grew up) and asked if they would consider doing a build up North,” Jenna says. “To my delight, she said yes!”
Working alongside her husband, Ethan Kindseth, COO, Erickson took the lead on the home’s design. Referencing numerous Pinterest boards teeming with inspiration, Erickson crafted the blueprints and plans to satisfy each of Jenna’s specialized requests, including a mudroom, separate but connected office, sauna and cold plunge, and gym. The main living space, however, was the first matter of business to tackle. “We always start with the living spaces [because] it’s where, as a family, they will all interact,” Kindseth explains. “Once that’s established, everything else naturally connects.”
Lindye Galloway’s furniture collection—featuring stylish Demi and Alice Dining Chairs along with an exclusive, made-to-order Jenna Dining Table—adds sophistication to the bright gathering space while ensuring ample seating for hosting guests and family dinners.
There, floor-to-ceiling windows effortlessly frame the yard’s beloved maple, which was one of the key views Jenna wanted to maintain. She says, “Every day, we watch that tree change with the seasons, and it grounds me.” With its effortless connection to the surrounding nature, the room has since become the family’s treasured home base.
California-based interior designer Lindye Galloway styles open shelves in her signature style—earthy, elevated, and organic—which comes to the forefront of entrepreneur Jenna Kutcher’s family home.
With the help of Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio based in Orange County, California, the two-story space, complete with a grand fireplace, acts as the dramatic heart of the home. Drawing inspiration from high-end, warm spas, Jenna sought after an attainable, modern look that not only provided a gorgeous reprieve from life but also felt lived in. Galloway explains, “We had to figure out how to use the spaces in a way that gave them maximum seating, as well as kid-friendly elements for her little babies.” The large and durable Bella Coffee Table, perfect for gathering and playing games or simply kicking up their feet at the end of a long day, is from Galloway’s own furniture collection and anchors the space. Surrounding the table are two comfortable sofas, which satisfy Drew’s only nonnegotiable request: “All the furniture is [made of] high-performance fabrics that have a linen appeal and look but are going to withstand red wine or anything the kids might wander on with,” Galloway says.
The challenge came from maintaining warmth and coziness amid the breathtaking height of the room. “We’re always looking at the ceiling and dramatic height, which is lovely,” she continues, “but how do we also make it feel like we’re bringing the ceiling down enough to make it feel cozy?” The solution was drapery, adding an extra layer to the space while pulling down the ceiling in a way that makes the living area feel comfortable and homey.
Every interior design decision was inspired by the home’s surroundings, and continuity was a major factor so that the aesthetics in the kitchen, dining, and living spaces seamlessly transitioned to one another. By using leathers and mixing dark and light woods, the main level emanates an infused softness throughout. Galloway says, “It’s a mix of those materials that spoke to the exterior, but in a way that was really clean and properly collected.”
While the main living spaces were prioritized for the family, Jenna also dreamed of her own escape—a real home office that was connected to the house, yet private enough for her to conduct her business as a work-from-home entrepreneur. “Hilariously enough, I built my entire business for over a decade without having a dedicated office to work in,” she says, laughing. “The way we laid out our home allowed us to have our office and gym spaces attached through our garage, but [they’re] not accessible from the [main] home to both help with sound and to keep those spaces separate from our living quarters.”
The kitchen’s aesthetic complements the softness found throughout the main level.
The primary suite upstairs boasts a more elevated feel.
The theme of privacy is also exemplified throughout the abode. Upstairs, Jenna and Drew have their primary suite, while the kids have their own rooms and shared bathroom. Galloway says, “I feel like [the primary bedroom] was a slight pivot from downstairs because it was more sophisticated and very calming.” In the basement, a bunk room and dedicated “kid zone” make for a personalized play space for the girls, complete with built-ins for their favorite books, games, and more. “If I was a little kid, that would just be so much fun!” Kindseth exclaims.
“We basically designed our home to be able to do all the things we love without ever leaving it,” Jenna explains. “From my office to our home gym, the sauna and cold plunge to the playroom, we’re able to work, play, and live a beautiful life—all within these walls.”
Knight Construction Design Inc. was founded in 1993 and has over 40 years of combined construction, design and remodeling experience. From kitchen and bathroom remodeling to exterior home renovation, the Knight Construction Design Team treats every renovation project as if it was their own home. Whether it be a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room that needs renovation, Knight Construction is only satisfied when the project is completed and the customer is happy.
Where does the food we consume come from? What role do we play in caring for Mother Earth? How can we be good relatives to the land, water, and our communities? Author Teresa Peterson, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota tribe and a resident of the Upper Sioux Community, explores these questions in her newest book, “Perennial Ceremony,” available for preorder and set to release in June 2024. More than just a story about gardening, this intricate collection of prose, poetry, and recipes offers readers a glimpse into Peterson’s personal journey of reconciliation between her Christian faith and Dakota spirituality.
“I grew up on a hog farm, and our family had a garden,” Peterson says. “I learned a lot during that time… cooking, harvesting, and preserving vegetables, fruits, [and] even chickens. We worked hard, and while I didn’t always like it, the impact must have stuck with me when I became a mother.” With a desire to share these experiences with her sons, she moved her family to the country, where she has cultivated her own garden for two decades.
Peterson’s venture into writing began with her children’s book, “Grasshopper Girl,” which was inspired by her mother’s Dakota stories. She explains, “I never intended to write a book or become a writer.” In fact, she wasn’t even much of a reader until well into adulthood. But after the book’s publication with Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, a Native children’s press, she embarked on writing “Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers,” which she co-authored with her uncle, Walter LaBatte Jr. “It took me at least 20 years to do that project because it was more of a healing journey,” she says. “I was accepted into a Native Women Writer’s cohort, led by author Diane Wilson in June 2020, and was part of this group for two years. Having this support helped me complete [this book].”
Since then, Peterson has leaned into her own personal spiritual journey. “I would find myself questioning my cultural identity,” she says. “Particularly, I was curious about the role of ceremony across these sectors based on my own experiences.” Seeking solace from these questions, she turned to her garden and the nearby walking trails. “It got me thinking about all the aspects that go into the way of life we created—in the growing or foraging of our own food, caring for the land, [and] feeding friends and family.”
Through the Dakota seasons, Peterson uncovers crucial lessons as a gardener, gatherer, and steward of the land. Each season—from the awakening of Wetu (spring) and the imperfect splendor of Bdoketu (summer) to the harvesting wisdom of Ptanyetu (fall) and the restorative solitude of Waniyetu (winter)—becomes a vessel for lessons on healing, wellness, and the interconnectedness of life. “We have this saying in Dakota, mitakuye owasin, [which means] ‘all my relations,’” she says—a humbling reminder to honor and nurture our connections with all beings.
A curved, freestanding tub from MTI Baths captures attention in this spa-inspired primary bathroom.
The spa-inspired bathroom aesthetic—once defined by bright whites, open layouts, and minimalist decor—is undergoing a transformative shift toward warmth and understated elegance. Soft lighting, stand-alone tubs, and mixes of natural materials are all illustrative of this newfound trend—and this North Oaks project is the perfect representation.
Warm, welcoming, and romantic were words the homeowners used as the driving force behind this serene primary bath design. As hardworking business professionals, they sought to create a relaxing retreat for rest after each long day’s work. Lisa Peck, owner and principal designer at LiLu Interiors, was up to the challenge, redefining the awkwardly large area and designing it to suit the couple’s lifestyle.
Cozy & Compact
With excess space and a cold, cavernous feel, the bathroom transformation was centered on making the room feel more in tune with the earthy, nature-inspired designs seen in many of today’s spas. There were some amenities the homeowners requested to remold the space, including a coffee bar and full laundry system. To ensure multifunctionality, storage was also put at the forefront. “Their previous vanity did not have the storage in it that they needed,” Peck says. “We created some very specialized storage in their vanity [and also] did a whole built-in linen cabinet, so all the things they need are right in the space.”
Lavish Lighting
The inherent beauty of lighting is accentuated through subtle layers across the room, with each piece of lighting lending an ambient glow to the space. Perhaps the most notable example is the undermount lighting, which illuminates the custom walnut vanity and curved Juliet tub from MTI Baths. “We used LED tape lighting combined with a center fixture, downlights, and sconces so you can change the mood in the space with different layers of light,” Peck describes. At any time of day, the room teems with a “soft, soothing light [that evokes] really calm feelings.”
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Warmth Through Wood
Nestled in a quiet patch of woods, the home boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, which the homeowners sought to maintain in the bathroom’s nature-centric design. While most wood elements in the house are maple, Peck opted for custom walnut cabinetry to meld with the outdoor scenery and infuse warmth into the space. This dark wood selection adds weight and assists in making the large room feel smaller. To complement the walnut tones, texture was embraced through elements like the MSI Surfaces quartz countertop and commercial textile wall covering—both of which echo the woodland setting that inspired it all.
Where does the food we consume come from? What role do we play in caring for Mother Earth? How can we be good relatives to the land, water, and our communities? Author 
With excess space and a cold, cavernous feel, the bathroom transformation was centered on making the room feel more in tune with the earthy, nature-inspired designs seen in many of today’s spas. There were some amenities the homeowners requested to remold the space, including a coffee bar and full laundry system. To ensure multifunctionality, storage was also put at the forefront. “Their previous vanity did not have the storage in it that they needed,” Peck says. “We created some very specialized storage in their vanity [and also] did a whole built-in linen cabinet, so all the things they need are right in the space.” 
