A HOME,

NOT A SHOWROOM

 

My friend Kelsey lives West of Minneapolis with her husband, daughter, and three dogs. By day, she works as a digital designer in big tech retail. In her off hours, she pours that same creative energy into thoughtfully — sometimes aggressively — reimagining her midcentury home.

Modern black sliding barn door hardware mounted on white wall with hardwood floors and teal accent wall.
Casual portrait series of someone in denim sitting on a brown velvet couch in a bright modern room.

Kelsey and I

have been friends for nearly two decades, so collaborating on this project felt natural. Over the years, she’s transformed this space from a bachelor pad into the practical, modern, minimalist home it is today. The result reflects taste, character, and story — evolving organically and transcending trends.

Wooden floating shelves display blue and white pottery, books, and decorative items against a white wall.
Modern open concept living room with hardwood floors, exposed beams, and a stone fireplace in a mid-century home.

We share a gritty, thrifty Midwestern instinct: do the work well, keep it intentional, and stay under budget when possible. We DIY to save money, but also for the pride that comes with building something ourselves. We learn through trial, error, and repetition — believing that perfection can stall progress, while persistence carries things forward.

Modern home bar with teal walls, leather barstools, and illuminated glass shelving displaying liquor bottles.

What I admire most about Kelsey’s approach is her willingness to take risks in her own home. This isn’t a showroom — it’s a living space. The details feel edited but not precious, and the house functions as beautifully as it looks.

A panoramic sequence showing a grey dog relaxing on a coral-colored sectional sofa with floating shelves on the wall.
Modern dining area with round white table, gray upholstered chairs, and built-in sage green cabinet with open shelving.

The DIY ethos runs deep, influenced by time spent alongside her mom, who was hands-on during the early renovations. The style draws from a mix of German and Minnesotan roots. Family heirlooms appear not as nostalgia, but as foundation. It’s restrained, not overdone — curated, not collected.

Modern bedroom with white bedding, orange accents, exposed wood beams, and teal walls in attic conversion space.
Three ceramic planters with whimsical face designs hold lush green plants against a white wall with blue accents.

This midcentury home has been shaped by confidence and good choices over time. It’s what happens when someone treats their house as a long-term project. The resulting environment reflects my talented friend — her family, her story, and her vision.

Modern living room with exposed wood beams, blue sofa, leather chairs and floating shelves around a brick fireplace.
A white decorative cuckoo clock with deer antlers mounted on a light colored wall next to a spiral notebook.

VISUALLY NICE

A series that celebrates the creative minds behind architecture and design in the Twin Cities. It’s my way to connect with people who give a damn about what they do, share their work, practice mine, and learn along the way.