DEVOTED TO THE DETAILS

 

It’s the time of year when we finally finish the house projects we dreamed up during the long winter — just in time for graduation parties, family reunions, and summer hosting. This is when it pays to know someone like Shelby Mae.


Modern bathroom with frameless glass shower, brass hardware, plantation shutters, and decorative laundry basket near window.

Shelby and her husband, Cyrus, are the design-build team behind Shelby Mae Interiors, a studio based in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities specializing in end-to-end remodels and interior refreshes. Their work spans from concept and material selection to installation with careful attention down to the final details.

Bright bathroom with open white plantation shutters, light gray walls, wood-look floors, floral waste bin, and glass shower door.
Elegant bathroom vanity with gold faucet, white sink, hydrangea flowers, and colorful bird art on blue walls.

In early May,

I met up with Shelby to photograph a recently completed primary bath project. The room was spotless and carefully composed. Airy and calm, the space paired a subdued palette with warm brass fixtures, floral paintings, fresh-cut flowers, and eucalyptus.

Elegant bathroom with white cabinetry, gold hardware, blue walls, botanical artwork, and a double vanity with marble countertops.

Soft spring cloud cover diffused the natural light pouring through two large shuttered windows. In the tight space, I worked carefully to avoid reflections and flash bounce interfering with the images. With so many reflective surfaces, I shaped the light with subtle adjustments to showcase the quality finishes.

Modern bathroom with glass shower enclosure, brass fixtures, plantation shutters, and decorative floral waste bin on wood-look tile floor.
Light blue bathroom with gold faucet, white vanity, beveled mirror, brass sconce, and blue floral artwork on wall.

I moved through the room photographing wider compositions before settling into the details. What stood out most was the quiet confidence of the work. Nothing screamed for attention. The craftsmanship spoke for itself.


There’s no posh fragility in the work. No spectacle that masks poor underlying build quality. Just a sense of trust in the materials and craft, and the reliability of a well planned and executed project.

Modern bathroom vanity with gold brushed brass widespread faucet, white undermount sink, and blue vase with green flowers.
Gold shower head with fresh eucalyptus branches hanging from it against white herringbone tile wall.
Brushed gold shower valve and handle on white subway tile wall in a modern bathroom.

It’s the kind of space that simply feels nice. You may not immediately understand why, but you never question it. That’s the result of thoughtful design and careful execution. The unnoticed detail. The proper finish.

That’s what happens when people care deeply about their work.

Elegant white bathroom vanity with gold hardware, blue-gray walls, arched mirror, and botanical artwork.

VISUALLY NICE

An ongoing series celebrating the creative minds behind architecture and design in the Twin Cities. It’s an excuse to connect with people who give a damn, share their work, practice mine, and learn something along the way.