Nestled in one of Lake Minnetonka’s most coveted bays sits a gorgeous Irish cottage-inspired home that was completely reimaged for empty nesters by The Sitting Room. Originally built by Robert Craig Homes in 2014, this waterfront home in Minnesota possesses an aged grace, radiating storybook charm through a blend of materials – stone walls, arched doorways, plaster walls, oak lintels, and wide-planked, wire-brushed European white oak floors.

The 4,500-square-foot interior, with its thoughtfully sized rooms, exemplifies meticulous detailing over excessive scale. Inside, the design team carefully curated the interiors to seamlessly blend new traditional sensibilities with Old World aesthetics. To establish an intimate feel throughout, additional fixtures and lamps were incorporated to bring a warm, quaint quality to each room.

Enhancing the lake view framed by arched windows, the living area was adorned in a palette of soothing creams and blues, reflected in textures such as cashmere, mohair, wool, and Belgian linen.

Above: This refined sitting room features vintage oil paintings, sepia photography, and one-of-a-kind accessories.

Above: In the dining room, a refined built-in now stands in place of the rustic buffet. This redesigned feature offers generous serving space, flanked by cabinets showcasing softly arched doors that were painted and glazed to to harmonize with the French doors in the dining and living areas. Cleverly tucked behind pocket doors, new additions like an icemaker and wine dispensers add to the functionality.

What We Love: This Irish cottage-inspired home has been beautifully reimagined with a soothing color palette and harmonious mix of materials. We are especially loving the kitchen with its soothing gray cabinetry, rustic wood beams on the ceiling, open shelving, and serene views of the lake. Overall, the designer did a fabulous job of transforming this home into warm and inviting living spaces with a sense of timelessness.

Tell Us: What elements in this house renovation project do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other sensational home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Minnesota: See this elegant lakeside mountain modern home on Lake Minnetonka and A mountain modern dream house for empty nesters on Lake Minnetonka.

Above: With extensive updates, this kitchen was met with new appliances, refinished cabinetry, and Taj Mahal quartzite for the perimeter countertops (in place of dark granite). The original dark cerused cabinetry was painted in a soothing gray with brand new hardware. The island countertop is a leathered, concrete-looking quartz. The hood is the same plaster as the walls. The goal in this space was the simplify the finishes while creating a sense of calm.

Above: A timeless gray and white striped flatwoven stair runner beautifully complements the wrought iron railing. The designer maximized this functional area by introducing a bespoke entryway cabinet, crafting a landing vignette in the foyer, and establishing a secondary office nook upstairs.

Above: The owner’s bedroom features charming details that includes a mix materials — stone walls, arches, plaster walls, oak lintels, arched French doors, and wide-planked, wire-brushed European white oak floors.

Above: Inspired by its original plaster walls and exposed beam ceilings, the bathroom design was enhanced with subtle new accessories, fluted wall sconces, and painted gray recessed cabinetry adorned with fresh brass hardware.

Above: Maximizing the original alcove, this space was reimagined into a secondary office nook. To add the final touches, sepia photography, and distinctive accessories were employed, bridging the gap between the inspiration of old-world design and timeless living.

Above: A fabulous conversion turns the initial alcove into a charming rustic secondary office nook. The arrangement features a bespoke white oak writing desk, an armchair adorned with vibrant green velvet and floral upholstery, and delicate brass accents thoughtfully integrated.

Above: An industrial black/brass floor lamp nestled between a round metal accent table and an English inspired blue plaid high-back armchair.

PHOTOGRAPHER Spacecrafting Photography