SALA Architects together with Lucy Interior Design have completely transformed a 1990s cabin into a midcentury modern home nestled on a small lake near Avon, Minnesota. This whole-house renovation was the third perennial design iteration for the owner in three decades. The first was a modest cabin. The second added a main-level bedroom suite.

The third, and most recent, reimagined the entire layout of the original cabin by relocating the kitchen, living, dining, and guest/away spaces to prioritize views of a nearby glacial lake with minimal expansion. A vindfang (a functional interpretation of a Norwegian entry chamber) and a cantilevered window bay were the only additions to transform this former cabin into an elegant year-round home. Continue below to see the rest of this spectacular home tour…

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT SALA Architects BUILDER Merdan Custom Builders Inc. INTERIOR DESIGN Lucy Interior Design

The cabin was stripped down to the studs, starting fresh and reconfiguring both levels of the home. The cabin shell and foundation were preserved, fully transforming the home, which included putting on a new roof.

What We Love: After a full-scale remodel, this completely refreshed home still evokes the spirit of the original cabin, but with a beautiful midcentury modern vibe throughout. Preserving all of the wood accents, including the chunky ceiling beams, red oak floors, and trim around the woods, lends a warm and inviting feel. Various connections to the outdoors bring nature inside while encouraging time spent outdoors entertaining family and friends.

Tell Us: What details in this Minnesota cabin remodel project do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other sensational home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Minnesota: Exceptional modern glass house overlooks a serene wetland in Minnesota and Nautical style cottage nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

Above: The kitchen features vertical-grain larch cabinets with soapstone countertops. The island has an enameled graphite hue that was selected to mimic the black steel surround of the dining/living room fireplace. A glass backsplash makes the walls simple to clean. High-end appliances include a four-burner Wolf range. The flooring is red oak, which was existing in the space and refinished. The Douglas Fir trusses and the surrounds on the windows were also preserved.

Above: The kitchen has a harmonious flow with the dining area. Suspended over the dining table is an exquisite Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke Glass Pendant light. A three-sided “peninsula” gas fireplace helps to delineate the dining and living areas.

When the weather is warm, the homeowners have extended their living space outdoors. This includes a bluestone terrace and a pergola-covered deck. There is an outdoor kitchen with a grill and pizza oven — perfect for a couple that enjoys entertaining. The board and batten siding on the exterior facade were painted a bold black, complimenting the galvanized steel roof.

Above: In this home library/guest bedroom, the custom-made bookshelves are painted in Van Deusen Blue HC-156 – Benjamin Moore.

Above: In this comfortable and cozy navy oasis you are surrounded by books. Home library by day and Murphy bed by night! 

Above: Nothing transforms a space quite like paint. It can take a drab room and bring it back to life. It can make an old home feel like brand new. It can even change the dynamic and spirit of a given area with a fresh new hue or an unexpected pop of color.

PHOTOGRAPHER Spacecrafting Photography

BEFORE THE RENOVATION

Above: The exterior facade of this Minnesota cabin before the renovation, which took eight months to complete.