FROM THE OFFICE

As we shift into the holiday season and winter approaches, our homes take on a new look and vibe. Here in Minnesota, it's all about warmth, both in creating a cozy feel to our space and also making sure our environment is a refuge from the plummeting temperatures we know are upon us.

I’m a born-and-raised, small town Minnesota gal and have lived through my share of epic winters. Nothing helps to offset that readiness to get indoors from the cold like a fireplace, comfy furnishings, and touches of ambiance and we see these elements reflected in the homes that we feature. These homes are examples of vision, design, history, and nostalgia that come together beautifully and are welcoming throughout the year, but I especially think of how so many of them reflect a concerted effort to instill a nonstop welcome to family and friends. My family always had guests stopping by, joining us for holidays, or sharing in celebrations and it is easy to see how design has evolved to focus more on open concepts and gathering spots, as many of us have lived with the compartmentalized homes of the earlier eras. The desire to “open up” the home in a way that allows easy traffic flow and also several options for how and where to congregate is apparent in how today’s homeowners envision their ideal space. Today, there is a focus on gathering, not just during the holidays, but through each season. From the heat of the summer and enjoying the lake to nestling in for parties hosted while the snow comes down, our homes are that place we are rooted.

Winter here is harsh, but the home can be respite from the storm. Embrace the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced ‘h(y)ooga’), which roughly translates to creating a sense of coziness and comfortable conviviality that results in a feeling of well-being. Add a thick rug, a heavy, soft blanket, and a designated reading area by the fireplace to spark the feeling of hygge instantly. No matter the size or style, a home is a reflection of its people and warmth can be created in simple ways; touches of art, areas for conversation and dining together, and nooks built for solitude and rest all add to a home’s ambiance and versatility.

Be sure to check out our feature article about the Edson home on Detroit Lake and spot the design elements that focus on congregating, connection, and warmth. And, warm up your space with new wallcoverings or a sink that refreshes your kitchen and adds efficiency at the same time; our topic articles will fill you in on all of the tips and what to consider before you launch into projects.

For now, stay warm! It’s an expression we hear nearly every day of our winters; this year, we can go forth into yet another snowy season applying the saying not just to braving the weather, but ensuring our living environments offer that warmth that is so inviting to us all. L&H

All the best, Dawn Duncan Managing Editor

See more from this home on page 78 Photos by Kip Johnson

Classic interior design has always been about creating contrast and interest. A well designed space isn’t too matchy-matchy and the way we mix furniture pieces, artwork, and even metals allow us to create a unique space that feels one-of-a-kind and special.

Mixing metals has been a popular trend for the past few years and there are a few key tips to follow to avoid a space looking disjointed in its design. Mixing metals haphazardly can make a space look unfinished or like the homeowner ran out of one kind of metal so they just finished the space with another. Here are a few things one should consider when trying to pull off the mixed metal look: