Custom Homes: Making It Personal

From large-scale estates to family retreats and lakeside lounges, newly built homes are seeing an explosion of spaces, layouts, and finishes that reflect the homeowners’ hobbies, habits, lifestyles, and aspirations—crafty corners with plenty of storage, elevators for longevity, custom murals as wallpaper, you name it!

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This feature was written by Studio MSP writers. While some of our advertisers were sourced, no advertiser paid to be included.

Lakeside Luxury

When empty nesters wanted to embrace the Up North spirit without leaving the Twin Cities, Stonewood took a walk on the serene side, combining two adjacent Lake Minnetonka lots to increase privacy from neighbors and craft a home that embraces traditional touches and natural elements that are both stylish and enduring: “Stone arches that add architectural gravitas, cedar shingle siding that weathers beautifully, and custom iron handrails that provide both function and artistry,” says Sven Gustafson, CEO of Stonewood. “Abundant millwork in both enameled and stained oak finishes provides architectural interest throughout, while unpolished brass and blackened hardware add sophisticated touches that will patina beautifully over time.” Custom wallpaper adds flair to each space. “Each room was purposefully designed to stand out in its own way while contributing to the overall narrative of the home,” Gustafson says.

With ample windows drinking in lake views, the home’s design maximizes its idyllic location, bridging timeless design with forward-thinking materials and systems. “The design seamlessly integrates various forward-thinking elements—from geothermal systems and superior insulation to low-maintenance exterior materials—while never compromising on aesthetic beauty,” Gustafson says. “This combination of location, designs, and execution creates what we truly consider a private estate in every sense of the word.”

Mixed Media

For a client who wanted a combination of rustic charm and modern sophistication, Nor-Son Custom Builders played with materials to create a just-right juxtaposition in this home’s design. “The mixture of materials continues to be a popular trend,” says Pat Schumacher, project manager at Nor-Son. “Modern elements like steel and metal are added to natural materials of timber and stone.” The home’s exterior combines natural stone and brick, accenting with cement board siding and decking. Creating interest, the contrast continues inside, where a three-story stairwell with metal railings is wrapped in brick and clad with reclaimed oak flooring. “The stair stringer was steel engineered cantilever design,” Schumacher says. Reclaimed oak beams in the great room offset a concrete fireplace surround, which is echoed by concrete countertops in the kitchen. “The owner’s suite has a headboard feature wall, which is made of reclaimed walnut materials used from trees that were removed from the building site,” Schumacher says. “The material was sent to the kiln and ready just in time to be milled and installed.”

"Modern elements like steel and metal are added to natural materials of timber and stone." —Pat Schumacher / Nor-Son

Beyond Builder Grade

Originally built as a model and showcased in the Parade of Homes tour, this home touts trends and invites us to make ourselves at home. “The goal was to create a space that prospective clients could envision as their own, making it feel realistic and attainable rather than cold or impersonal,” says Lauren Wynia, lead designer at Gonyea Custom Homes. 

Don’t think that model home connotes cookie cutter. Gonyea leveraged the location on a preserved wetland, strategically placing the kitchen at the front of the home so the great room and dining area get the more scenic side. “Another standout feature of the layout is the staircase design,” Wynia says. “Midway up, there is a loft area that overlooks the rest of the home, providing versatile space that can serve as a music room, additional office, or a cozy sitting area.” 

A dedicated kids’ space at the bottom of the stairs maximizes functionality without wasting space. Wallpaper graces the bedrooms and powder bath, and unique wall paneling on the lower level adds character. “Notably, the design incorporates a variety of colors beyond white, such as a soothing tan in the kitchen, contributing to the overall warm ambience,” Wynia says. “Unique, organic light fixtures add to the aesthetic, while thoughtful details like a desk with a swooping edge at the end of the main hallway enhance the personal and custom feel of the home.” Trendy earth tones are featured throughout the home and create a soothing space, furthered by curved and organic shapes such as arches and built-in details. “Artisan details abound, including beautifully selected tile work that imparts a handmade, elegant feel,” Wynia says. Beams in the great room, primary bathroom, and upper hallway and gold fixtures throughout the home add to the curated design.

Old Romantics

Behind the classical façade of this lakeside custom home is a veritable treasure trove of delights and details that capture the clients’ personality and lifestyle. Alongside the herringbone-paver driveway, an East Coast–inspired exterior uses stone and symmetry to convey history. Inside, a porthole window peeks into the pantry, and Grecian-patterned vent covers whisper old-world charm into each room. 

“The dining room, wrapped in a hand-painted verdure mural by Iksel, conceals a hidden jib door leading to a blushing pink china closet—a touch of whimsy in an otherwise stately space,” says Lynne Shears, director of sales and marketing at Streeter Custom Builder. In the kids’ shower, custom tiling reads, “No Diving,” reminiscent of early-morning swim team practice. To complete the worldly feel of the home, “at the kitchen table, a map of the world nestles in a concealed valance that pulls down to provide inspiration and direction as they plan their next global travel adventure,” Shears says.

“A blushing pink China closet adds a touch of whimsy in an otherwise stately space.” —Lynne Shears / Streeter Custom Builder

Double Duty

With an air of Cape Cod, this lakefront property has essentially two front sides. “What would normally be considered the back of the house is visible from the lake, so each side is equally important in terms of design, appearance, and functionality,” says Jon Monson, owner and architect at Landschute. The gables, dormers, gray shingles, and white windows and trim create an approachable, classic style synonymous with quiet luxury. “The home also features extensive porches on both the front and lakeside, as well as a boathouse along the shoreline,” Monson says.

Coloring Outside the Lines

Wanting to emphasize the relationship between built and natural environments, OA Design+Build+Architecture united natural and structured materials to create spaces that are connected but maintain their individuality. The exterior cedar-look cladding is made of durable PVC decking and offsets the stark panel and channel on the majority of the home. “The colors of the structure—copper roof, blue and beige panels, orange highlights—take us across the color spectrum, making a complex yet calming impression,” says Michael Anschel, principal of OA.

In the primary suite, the color play continues. “The vanity brings urban forested burl maple and Russian olive and epoxy together, while the Turkish quartzite counter that might as well be petrified wood holds two hand-carved sinks inlaid with kimono patterns,” Anschel says. 

“The mudroom ‘rust wall,’ which is designed to look like a tall Corten steel panel, meets a spalted birch bench, celebrating the beauty found in these two elements in their initial stages of decay.”

Small But Mighty

Ridgewood Ponds in Minnetonka is designed with downsizers in mind. “They want less square footage but still want all the high-end finishes and the ability to host everything from dinner parties to sleepovers with grandkids,” says Barb Cross, interior design manager at Ron Clark Construction and Design. This walk-out rambler boasts big windows and a cathedral vault through the main level, highlighted with arched trusses. “The lower level is party central with a stone fireplace, large wet bar, and step-down billiards room,” Cross says. 

Following the flow of design trends toward more color and a layered, eclectic look, this model home flaunts millwork and ceiling details alongside stained cabinetry. “The apothecary-style built-in at the stairs looks like a bunch of little drawers but actually has super functional doors with drawer-looking fronts,” Cross says.

Life, Styled

The clients behind this stone-façade stunner wanted a design tailored to their lives, needs, and interests—one that would accommodate both intimate family time and larger social soirees. They wanted a home that transitioned seamlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces. A chef’s kitchen, a double island, and generous bedrooms were some of their must-haves. 

Based on their health-bent lifestyle, a dedicated wellness retreat resides on the lower level. “This space includes a workout area, an infrared sauna, and a hot tub just steps away outside, creating a private sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation,” says Maddie Ricci, brand and marketing manager at Custom One Homes. In addition, longevity was a paramount consideration in this new-build home. “The inclusion of an elevator allows them to comfortably remain in the home for years to come,” she says.

A sunroom connects the home’s interior to the deck and outdoor kitchen. “Their goal was a backyard that felt like an extension of their indoor spaces, featuring multiple entertainment areas, water features, and purposeful lounging zones,” says Ricci.

“This home is more than just a beautifully designed space—it’s a forever home, built to evolve with its owners.” —Maddie Ricci / Custom One Homes

Natural Selection

Designed with simplicity and functionality plus enough space for hobbies such as gardening, woodworking, and bird-watching, this secluded home puts the treat in retreat. 

“Connection to nature was a major design element, including the use of natural materials such as dramatic natural fir ceiling in the great room and beautiful soapstone slab on the island,” says Sarah Hughes, interior designer with Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design. 

The color palette digs into the surrounding naturescape, anchoring the home with shades of white and muted greens. Adaptability was key in the home’s design: The main-floor office includes a desk space and a comfortable TV-adjacent seating area. “But hidden within the cabinetry is a Murphy bed, so the room can also function as a bedroom for overflow sleeping when needed.”

The clients focused on the property’s landscaping: “They were very intentional about restoring the natural prairie grass; they also created a large garden space to grow and harvest various foods as one of their hobbies,” Hughes says. “All the finishes inside the house are intended to pick up on the natural surroundings, and the wood window sashes frame each view like a piece of art.”

She continues, “Custom home building is becoming a lot more personal. People are really leaning into the idea that a home should be a personal reflection of their lives and habits.”

Cool and Collected

Searching for a property to build on that would be close to their daughter and grandson, an empty-nester couple moved from Atlanta into this collected charmer with Southern flair. Inside the cedar roof and stone exterior, two offices and a full bath on the main floor allow the home to flex for main-level living, if needed. 

“One of the standout design elements in this home is the carefully chosen accessories that reflect the homeowner’s life journey,” says Rebecca Remick, owner of City Homes. “Having grown up with a father whose international career took their family across the globe, she collected meaningful pieces from places like China, Thailand, and Russia. Each item carries a unique story.” These pieces complement unique fixtures and finishes, such as the blue shutters and cupola outside, custom-painted pendants over the kitchen island, and Vita Bella polished porcelain tile.

Cabin Fever

Nestled on a narrow peninsula on a central Minnesota lake, this cabin has views of the water from every room and Scandinavian flair—warm neutral wood and rich use of color. “With boat traffic and popular fishing spots on both sides of the peninsula, the homeowners wanted private-feeling indoor and outdoor gathering spaces to host their friends and family,” says Mark Larson, partner at Rehkamp Larson Architects. 

Because of proximity to the lake, a basement wasn’t an option, so the spaces throughout the cabin’s two floors blend functionality and recreation. “A pool table that can transition to an extra dining table takes prime space on the first floor,” Larson says. A porch sports a deep overhang to provide privacy as well as protection from Mother Nature’s moods; within the porch, a fireplace and ceiling heaters extend screen season. “New cabins are designed for year-round use to take advantage of Minnesota’s seasons,” Larson says. “The first floor features durable, polished concrete with heated floors.” Leaning into the Scandi feel, drywall is minimal in the design—instead, main-floor walls and ceilings are clad in warm wood, and the bedrooms and bunkhouse feature painted wood.

A remodeled bunkhouse on the lakeshore includes a kitchenette, while the renovated storage shed is crowned with a new rooftop deck. “Post-COVID, we’re seeing a trend to design spaces to be together as well as spaces to be apart,” Larson says. “The outbuildings are one way to fill this need: cozy spaces for smaller groups, quiet reading, or Zoom calls when working remotely.”

This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

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