LAKEFRONT IN MAPLE GROVE
Timeless two-story home on Lake Edward across from park trails and located in the Wayzata School district! Gorgeous kitchen, 3 season porch & several bedrooms to accommodate large family.
Mary Cavanaugh 612-363-2235
PENDING!
PATIO HOME ON CLEARWATER
One Level living with no stairs on Clearwater Lake, 4 bed 4 bath, Two Plus Acres, 1350sqft heated attached garage, 1840sqft
Heated Pole Shed, Bunk House, Private Boat Ramp.
Mary Cavanaugh 612-363-2235 Patrick Splinter 612-437-1383
PREMIER WEST LAKE SYLIVA
Executive Lake Home located on West Lake Sylvia. 1.8 Acres, 7709sqft 6 bed, 6 bath, Wolf/Subzero Appliances, Boat House, Guest Cottage, Heated Paver Driveway.
Patrick Splinter 612-437-1383
LIVING
Timeless Nantucket-style home with 82’ of lakeshore on Crystal Bay, This beautiful home features 3 ensuite bedrooms and a main floor office. Floor to ceiling windows frame the scenic backyard, gardens, and sparkling waters of Lake Minnetonka. Lake views from every room. Close to Dakota Trail, Lafayette Club and more.
MINNETONKA BEACH LAKE
We’re a local family-owned business, so we know what it means to have the support of our community. That’s why we take pride in our commitment to helping other local businesses succeed. There are hundreds of products around our stores, in every department, that come from local producers, makers and growers.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
Behind the Scenes
Victorian-era prep kitchens gain in popularity for today’s home.
People of Action
Minnetonka Rotary Club aims to create “a better world for now and for the next generation.” 20
Nursery Story
Rock-a-Bye Baby with sweetness and lasting style. FEATURES 24
Bars are Back Haus of Rowe helps homeowners embrace effortless, refined entertaining style. 32
Zen and Now
One serene Orono property brings home the amenities of a spa resort.
Ingredient Trifecta Chicories add flavor, texture and a healthy bite of nutrition.
Emily John Photography
from the EDITOR
Little did I know that, when I was a grade schooler, I was already a fan of chicory. Specifically, frisée (curly endive). Let me explain.
My parents were big on hosting dinner parties. If it was fall, pheasant or duck, via my dad the hunter, was on the menu. Anytime of year called for fish, since my dad also was a diehard fisherman. Crappies, northern, trout or walleye—my mom knew how to elevate them from shore lunch fare to a lovely dinner course. I also recall fondue on the menu with beef, bread and veggies cubed and ready for dunking. And when my mom served Italian dishes, out came a very large, beautiful wooden salad bowl that was perfectly shaped to scoop and toss the accompanying salad without so much as a leaf or crouton escaping to the counter. (I inherited the salad bowl, and it makes everything in it taste so much better.)
In the early days, my mom’s go-to salads were Spinach With Warm Bacon Dressing; Romaine, Artichokes and Mandarin Oranges With Sunflower Seeds; and (my all-time favorite) Curly Endive With Mozzarella and Salami. It was almost like an antipasto salad with blanched green beans, seasoned croutons and sliced mozzarella and salami. For several hours, the ingredients (save the crusty croutons) marinate in Italian dressing before being tossed into the frisée, which provide a playful texture against the flavor-soaked additions. Should there be leftovers the next day, the frisée maintains a bit of spunk unlike the usual wilt and wither of standard lettuce.
Curious? On page 46, Tonka Bay resident Spencer Olson, who you know from our Noteworthy Taste section, offers some ideas on how to use other chicories to bring extra flavor and texture to your table. The article also provides additional details about the chicory family, all ideal to welcome to your table or into your favorite handed-down salad bowl! Until next month,
Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co
Photo: Chris Emeott
VOL. 20 NO. 5 lakeminnetonkamag.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Taylor Hamilton
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer ; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce ; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson
To subscribe to Lake Minnetonka Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2025. All rights reserved.
GROWING HOME
Expanding the sense of home by adding a garden and landscaping can extend the size of living space and connect residents with nature. The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum brims with inspiration.
The Francis de Vos Home Demonstration Gardens contain several gardens, which make it easy to compare and decide what type of garden is right for your home.
People with limited square footage can find inspiration for containers and hanging pots in the Patio and Container Garden. The Bachman Garden for Small Spaces represents a small urban space, such as a patio, with 41 different plants. The Edmundson Garden for Outdoor Living displays a patio set and a semiformal
backyard garden in a smaller areas, and sculptures are dotted throughout the gardens.
Learn how to grow fruits and vegetables, ornamentally and productively, in the Foodscape at the Farm at the Arb.
The arboretum’s tree and ornamental grass collections feature grasses and similar types of trees for easier comparison. It’s a wonderful way to figure out which species and cultivars you like the most, and fall is a great time to plant trees.
Lynette Kalsnes is a public relations strategist at the arboretum and is studying to become a master gardener intern. Grow more at arb.umn.edu.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s garden for small spaces offers inspiration for yards that offer smaller square footage.
Bookmark Home Ideas
Splendor in the Field
Artist Peter Bougie poetically captures the homestead of living on a farm. His plein air composition depicts what the eyes see but also what the viewer can feel emotionally with the quietness of nature, the discipline of tending to the land with all hands in perfect synchronization and from the way the natural light illuminates the barn. September splendor at its best!
Hollie Blanchard is a founder and art concierge with Art Girls. View more at artgirlsmpls.com. Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls
Nothing short of a design revolution is underway as architects, artists, designers, engineers, and self-builders confront climate change, polluting plastics, global migration, rapidly expanding cities and an aging population. Houses That Can Save the World by Courtenay Smith and Sean Topham shows how creative thinkers are embracing new challenges in building.
The book is like a global treasure hunt for homes that actually make a difference. It is packed with jaw-dropping solutions, from 3D-printed villages to flood-proof floating houses. The authors take readers on an armchair tour of ingenious homes, including in Africa, China and the United Kingdom.
With dreamy, gorgeous visuals that are ideal to serve as a coffee table book, it also offers practical ideas. Need to rethink a tiny apartment? There’s a chapter for that. Dreaming of a self-built eco-haven? They’ve got blueprints.
It’s a manifesto for anyone who wants their space to be bold, beautiful and kind to the Earth. This book is a must-have for design enthusiasts, eco-conscious homeowners and anyone curious about the future of sustainable living.
Rima Parikh is the owner of the Thinking Spot, which focuses on STEM-related books and games. Read more at thethinkingspot.us.
VIEW
Title: The Blue Mounds
Artist: Peter Bougie
Medium: Oil on Panel Scale: 10x22 inches
SUPPORT
Decodable Difference
The future is bright for the youngest readers at Minnetonka Public Schools thanks to the continuing impact from a grant provided by the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation. The $100,000 grant, distributed during the beginning of the 2024–25 school year, funded more than 35,000 decodable reading books for 96 classrooms in all six of the district’s elementary schools. “We had the opportunity to influence the entire district,” says Troon Dowds, chairman of the foundation.
Decodable books are designed to help beginner readers practice their decoding skills by using text that contains words with letter-sound relationships taught in their classroom. Dowds says several district teachers had requested the books in previous years through the foundation’s teacher grant program.
Knowing there was a need, the group of 19 volunteer trustees with the guidance of Jill Howe, the foundation’s executive director, approached district officials to put together a plan that could have a district-wide impact for both English and Spanish learners. “This effort aligned perfectly with a district goal that revolved around literacy and some changes at the state level,” Howe says. “Minnetonka puts a lot of emphasis on each student reading at or above grade level as soon as possible.
“The $100,000 literacy grant, which was in addition to the other grants funded, has helped raise awareness of what we do,” Howe says. “Teachers are finding us as a resource of support and help.”
Dowds agrees. “I don’t think there’s a trustee on our board who hasn’t heard about the impact of the grant and the decodable readers,” he says. “Everyone is hands on with it. We’ve been fortunate to get that recognition from the district.”
—Emily Gedde
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to learn more about the foundation.
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ABODE
Behind the Scenes
Victorian-era prep kitchens gain in popularity for today’s home.
By Mollee Francisco
Fans of period dramas like Downton Abbey know all about sculleries—a secondary kitchen, traditionally used for cleaning vegetables, dressing game and scrubbing dirty dishes from the main kitchen. While sculleries fell to the wayside in modern homes, they are making a comeback as homeowners find that one kitchen is not always enough to prep, cook and entertain the way they want to in a world when the main kitchen often doubles as a gathering space.
“People are spending more time cooking and spending more time in their homes,” says Cherie Poissant, a senior design/sales consultant for Boyer Building Corporation. She says that sculleries are “exciting to have” for homeowners that love entertaining but want to keep their kitchens tidier. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says.
Pezhman and Britta Roohani have been updating their 2006 home in Medina since purchasing it in 2023. Last year, they enlisted the help of Boyer Building Corporation to update their kitchen and create a space better suited to cooking and entertaining. “My wife loves to host and cook,” Pezhman says. “Everyone always congregates around the island.”
Poissant evaluated the Roohanis’ main floor and considered how they wanted their kitchen to function, asking about entertaining frequencies, the need for prep space, were there missing elements to the current kitchen and the like. After communicating with the couple about their
“The kitchen is the heart of the home, but we want to have it clean,” says Cherie Poissant, a senior design/sales consultant for Boyer Building Corporation. “Who doesn’t want that?” Sculleries offer extra space for baking, cooking and keeping the main kitchen tidier while entertaining.
home living style, Poissant presented an idea to transform their formal dining room and walk-in pantry into a scullery. “It’s all about how you want to use the space in your home,” Poissant says. “There are a lot of underutilized dining rooms.”
For the Roohanis, who admitted that they rarely used the formal living room, the idea hit the mark. A scullery would give them the space they needed to prepare food (and confine the mess that goes along with it) while freeing up the kitchen for entertaining. “It took a space that would not be used and created a prep area that we are in constantly,” Pezhman says.
At the heart of the Roohanis’ scullery is a large island for food preparation with storage on both sides and a
beverage fridge. An appliance garage provides space to store smaller appliances out of sight and features interior outlets. And the single basin, undermount sink includes a glass rinser— something they installed in the scullery and the kitchen—which has already proven to be a worthy cleansing accessory. “This has been a great addition that we didn’t realize we needed,” Pezhman says. “They come in handy with all glasses but in particular [with] the wine glasses. We have broken many glasses over time because it is difficult to [clean the inside] of fragile wine glasses.”
In addition to a large pantry, the scullery features open shelving, providing 11 feet of easy access to items. Combined with the storage in the island, Pezhman
says they even have some cabinets that are still empty. (How many homeowners can say that?) The scullery also has a second dishwasher, which is perfect for cleaning up after parties, and a double wall oven for times when recipes require separate baking/cooking times and temperatures.
“The double oven was a must,” Pezhman says. He also moved a bar set he had in the basement up to the scullery to maximize their entertaining potential.
The two-and-a-half-month project wrapped up late last fall and, since then, the Roohanis have switched their cooking and hosting efforts into high gear.
“We can both cook at the same time,” Pezhman says. “It’s been something we’ve unexpectedly used every day.”
Boyer Building Corporation, 3435 County Road 101, Minnetonka; 952.475.2097; boyerbuilding.com
Boyer Building Corporation
@boyerbuildingcorporation @BoyerBuilding
Photo:
People of Action
Minnetonka Rotary Club aims to create “a better world for now and for the next generation.”
By Renée Stewart-Hester
Summer might be inching its way off the calendar, but there’s still plenty of time to hit it off the tee. Hosted by the Minnetonka Rotary Club, Links & Libations is set for September 11 at Glen Lake Golf and Practice Center, Minnetonka. The ninehole golf scramble with a raffle, silent auction, food and beer tasting is an annual fundraiser for the club.
“Last year, we had 80 golfers and raised $50,000,” says Alexa Rundquist, the club’s public image and social chair. Funds go toward the Minnetonka Rotary Foundation, which grants scholarships to students from Minnetonka and Hopkins high schools and Adult Options in Education GED/ESL graduates. The club also sponsors Adult Options in Education’s graduation ceremony and sends students to Camp Enterprise and Rotary Youth leadership Awards Camp.
The educational focus is on brand. “In 1997, we adopted the motto of: Building Responsible Youth, which helped direct our foundation allocations and our service projects in the community,” says Rundquist, adding that the motto serves as a guideline, and the club has a wide scope of service directions. “We also support [ICA Food Shelf] and ResourceWest. A few additional organizations supported during the year include Chops, Inc., Urban Boat Builders, Assistance League [Thrift Shop], Eli Hart Memorial Playground and several international grants,” she says.
Other fundraising efforts include partnering each year with the City of Minnetonka to sell beer and wine at Minnetonka Summerfest. “This brings in just over $5,000 each year,” Rundquist says. “This event is more about being visible in our community and continuing a great working relationship with the
Photos: Minnetonka
Rotary Club
PART 4 IN OUR SERIES: ROTARY—SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Top: Rotarians plant trees with the City of Minnetonka.
Bottom: Free Bikes 4 Kidz is one of many local recipients of the good works of Rotary members.
When: 7:30 a.m.
Where: The Marsh, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka
THE STUDY
Alexa Rundquist shares that a report, prepared by the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, estimates that Rotarians annually volunteer nearly 47 million hours, translating to about $850 million worth of community service, according to rotary.org.
city.” Like other Rotarians, the more than 50-member-strong club collects funds to support Rotary International’s mission to end polio.
Rundquist says, “Rotarians are people of action, creating lasting sustaining change. We take people from all areas of the community and truly have a passion to move the needle forward on creating a better world for now and for the next generation.”
Rundquist has been a Rotarian for 13 years. “I got involved after traveling to Guatemala with a Rotary group and learning the overall Rotary motto of Service Above Self,” she says. “When my husband, who is also a Rotarian, Nate Rundquist, and I decided to have a family, we decided we wanted to live out our values to our children not just speak about them. Thirteen years ago, we moved from North Dakota and did not have a community in Minnesota. Rotary gave us a community to be a part of ...”
Rundquist encourages potential members to attend a meeting. “The energy in the room on Wednesday mornings is contagious and is such a wonderful pick-me-up during a busy week,” she says. “Minnetonka has a no-pressure policy; you are welcome to try as many events with us as you need. We want you to know you are in the right place.
“There are so many ways to get involved,” says Rundquist, noting that there are Rotary clubs that focus on environmental issues, global travel, human trafficking, music festivals, women empowerment, youth mentorship and more.
minnetonkarotary.org
Minnetonka Rotary Club
rotary.org
Rotary International
Nursery Story
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester
Photo: Chelsie Lopez
STYLE
Rock-a-Bye Baby with sweetness and lasting style.
“In my opinion, a room is not complete without a rug. In this space, we tied the colors in the rug to the crib and the mural on the wall,” says Kelly Hayes Erickson of Carriage House Studio.
Each room in a home has its calling— a purpose for supporting its operation and aesthetic. Typically, that function is illustrated through décor, but great things can happen when that illustration captures an atypical vibe—one that still serves to blend form and function.
How do we feel about moving away from the expected to a touch of the unexpected in a nursery? One can still Rock-a-Bye Baby with sweetness and style.
Kelly Hayes Erickson of Carriage House Studio in Minnetrista, which offers custom interior design and remodeling services, has created nurseries that lean into an aesthetic that suits a baby’s needs while joining the rest of the home’s décor sensibilities and growing alongside the child. She answers our questions about creating a nursery that reads: style and function.
In a nursery, is the idea to create a base layer that reflects the entire home and add more age-appropriate elements as the second and third layers? Treat the nursery or child’s room as you would any other room in the house. Add touches of pattern and texture throughout, layer in lighting and create a memorable moment with a statement piece. With time, and as your child’s taste grows with their age, you can change out the paint, art and bedding to easily reflect their personality.
Is it time to shift away from neutral, earthy color palettes for nurseries?
A neutral palette will always be timeless, but I’m a big advocate for pops of color, especially in playful ways. This would be a great opportunity to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, and partner it with cornflower blue or violet.
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While some nursery furniture serves a specific function, how can one highlight a more styled look? Always opt for traditional furniture when possible. A dresser can serve as a changing table, for example. An updated look for these furniture pieces is to have them lacquered in a high gloss paint. For the nursery glider, consider a swivel base and a contemporary silhouette that can transcend the baby years. In this nursery, we used a shagreen leather side table with the glider that can serve other spaces in the house in the future.
Can a throw rug ramp up the décor?
Always, always, always layer a rug in the space. A faux fur at the base of the crib feels natural and is soft underfoot for those late nights. It’s even OK to layer
a rug on top of carpet. The pattern and texture will help ground the space. As an added bonus, spills and messes can be easily camouflaged with a heavy color or pattern.
What about wall art or mirrors?
Don’t go crazy with a theme; use it sparingly. A couple of prints, framed and matted, can create a lot of personality. An etched mirror, as we did in this project, gave us some drama and whimsy. Mirrors really help add light to a space and can be an unexpected touch in the nursery.
Are there other unexpected elements to include in a nursery?
As a rule, we like to balance elegance with ease in our designs. Try incorporating a vintage piece of furniture, perhaps the
bookcase or dresser. Antique details balanced with a sophisticated color palette and mixed textures invite charm and comfort. We also love tying in meaningful mementos—a fabric pennant with the baby’s name or an heirloom quilt draped over the glider. Lastly, we are still using wallpaper in a big way.
How can a room grow with a child without the need for a major redo at every stage?
With my own daughters, as they near age 10, their own tastes and preferences have started to take over in their personal spaces. The furniture in the room has remained since our toddler days, but the textiles in the bedding and their little personal touches through art and décor have slowly changed from what I loved to what they love.
Photos: Chelsie Lopez
“Texture and pattern are great ways to elevate the style of a nursery,” says Kelly Hayes Erickson. “Playing with woven textures through baskets and lighting is an easy first step. Adding in custom fabrics for draperies delivers double the impact for pattern and warmth.” For an excellent resource for fabrics, she points to F. Shumacher & Co. for its variety of price points and to achieve “a truly designer look.”
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Experience modern lakeside living at Sunrise Hill on coveted Tonkawa Road. This light-filled home features soaring windows, white oak finishes, a sculptural staircase, and stunning lake views. Designed for ease, style, and connection to nature.
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Tucked beneath mature trees near downtown Excelsior, this rare Greenwood mini estate blends luxury, privacy, and versatility. Every detail is designed for elevated living, live the Lake Minnetonka liferstyle.
Carriage House Studio; 612.619.5560; carriagehousestudiomn.com
Carriage House Studio MN @carriagehousestudiomn
Carriage House Studio | Interior Design + Artisan Remodeling
Haus of Rowe helps homeowners embrace effortless, refined entertaining style.
Written by Paige Udermann
BARS ARE BACK
Home bars have long been a popular feature, ranging from tucked-away convertible cabinetry to entire sections of entertainment rooms being devoted to pour and serve hosting. But are we leaning away from tiki and other themed indoor bars and toward more elevated serving spaces? Some homeowners definitely are shaking (or stirring!) up their bar spaces, and the team at Haus of Rowe offers its expert design knowledge to help curate and define a personal public house—large or small.
Above: The materials used in home bars don’t go unnoticed. Something as necessary as a countertop can have extensive character and serve as a centerpiece. “The quartzite countertop grounds the space with its organic veining, offering a refined yet approachable feel,” Marcelle Timonen says of the Orono project.
Left: Open shelving in a brushed brass finish allows for an evolving display of spirits and curated barware for this St. Albans Bay home.
“A dedicated bar space creates a sense of occasion. It invites you to stay, to gather, to savor.”
Kate Adamcsek, Haus of Rowe co-owner
Haus of Rowe has an extensive portfolio of local projects, and we take an appreciative look at two of its bar-centric endeavors—one on Lake Minnetonka’s St. Albans Bay and another in Orono. Co-owners Kate Adamcsek and Marcelle Timonen share their inspirational insights into creating home bars, which are increasingly integrated into home milieus in creative and thoughtful ways and viewed as more inviting and tailored to the client’s overarching design story.
“Each bar is a beautiful reflection of its home and the people who live there,” Adamcsek says. “Today’s home bars are seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the home. They’re no longer tucked away afterthoughts but are intentional, design-forward spaces that feel like a natural extension of the overall aesthetic—sophisticated, functional and tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. It’s less transient, more experiential. A dedicated bar space creates a sense of occasion. It invites you to stay, to gather, to savor.”
Haus of Rowe is dedicated to bringing out the homeowners’ unique personalities in each design. “[In this Orono home], the brass shelving system was customdesigned to float above the bar, adding a layer of architecture and creating an artful display for glassware,” Kate Adamcsek says.
Photo: Chelsie Lopez
It’s all in the details when it comes to design. For the Orono project, the design team selected hand-glazed, deep green tile for the backsplash, paired with black cabinetry and accented by brass hardware and brushed brass wire grill insets, adding a subtle layer of warmth.
Photo: Chelsie Lopez
MIRRORED MISSION
In 2020, Marcelle Timonen and Kate Adamcsek had a shared vision: an interior design firm, dedicated to offering something fresh, thoughtful and grounded in elevated and intentional design. And so began Haus of Rowe.
“Our partnership grew from a shared design philosophy and a deep appreciation for the creative process,” Timonen says. “We also acknowledge and genuinely value each other’s strengths, and together, we bring something uniquely complete to the table. Kate is more analytical and structured while I lean into the artful and intuitive side of design. It’s that balance of strategy and creativity that allows us to deliver spaces that are both beautifully conceptualized and thoughtfully executed.”
Together, Timonen and Adamcsek believe homes shouldn’t sacrifice functionality for beauty; they can have both. Through offering full-service interior design, the duo has a comprehensive approach that helps bring cohesive and intentional spaces to life. From new builds to bespoke furniture creation, Haus of Rowe takes design to the next level.
“Every detail matters: how it feels underfoot, how light moves through a space [and] how materials patina over time,” Adamcsek says. “We design for longevity, layering organic textures, refined craftsmanship and thoughtful details that enrich the lives lived within the walls.”
Beth Ulrich and Lori Serum
Photo: Taylor Hall
“Every detail matters: how it feels underfoot, how light moves through a space [and] how materials patina over time.”
Kate Adamcsek, Haus of Rowe co-owner
The money in your Donor Advised Fund is waiting to be spent on causes you care about. And if you care about preserving our natural heritage for generations, the time to spend that fund is now. Get started by transferring your DAF today.
Timonen and Adamcsek explain the intentions surrounding the aforementioned projects. “One client envisioned a polished, jewel-box bar—a statement space for elegant hosting that felt refined yet approachable,” Timonen says. “The other sought something more casual and organic—a bar that felt like a natural gathering place after a day spent on the lake where friends and family could linger effortlessly. Both families saw the bar as an extension of how they live and entertain—a way to bring people together, celebrate milestones or simply savor the everyday moments.”
Timonen adds, “It’s about creating spaces that honor the art of gathering, the small celebrations, the moments that turn a house into a home.”
For this St. Albans Bay project, the team leaned into natural textures, including lighter, washed white oak wood cabinetry, paired with a leathered black quartzite countertop for contrast. Marcelle Timonen says, “The placement adjacent to the kitchen and great room allows it to serve multiple moments—morning coffee, evening cocktails, weekend gatherings—with effortless style.”
Z E N
A N D
N
OW
One serene Orono property brings home the amenities of a spa resort.
Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos
It’s something most of us have wished for: to bottle the essence of a luxury travel experience and bring it home. One Orono family brought this dream to life in their 6,540-square-foot house, which backs up to the Luce Line State Trail and a wetland preserve. John Klimmek is a project manager at Gordon James, the home’s builder. “The homeowners fell in love with the lot and wanted to design the house around the setting,” Klimmek says. “They travel a lot, and they wanted their own Four Seasons spa-resort feel.”
The homeowners worked with Gordon James and Everson Architect to design a home that would function for their active young family of five and as a place to entertain friends and family. “The main floor is the living area with a secluded primary suite on one side and the kids’ rooms on the other side,” Klimmek says. Visitors enter through a walnut timber door to the main level, a serene space with clean, straight lines and a neutral color palette of black, dark gray, dark walnut and light, creamy wood tones. The open-concept kitchen and living room are airy with floorto-ceiling windows that offer views of the pool and the surrounding wetland preserve; the home itself sits on more than 8 acres.
But it’s the lower level, built into the hillside, where the home really packs a punch. Inspired by the owners’ love of luxury travel, including health clubs, the lower floor feels like a resort with a bar, an indoor gym for kids’ basketball practice and dance parties, a sauna and a yoga room. Sliding glass doors separate a grand outdoor patio and pool from the indoor spaces and let the views take center stage.
by Spacecrafting
The heart of the home is the “floating” central staircase, which features white oak timber treads suspended on a steel stringer. “We made it so there are no connections to the outside wall,” John Klimmek says. The bottom well of the staircase features an indoor pebble garden with plants, adding an understated, organic touch. “It’s your little zen moment,” he says. The dark pebbles are the same stone that fills the home’s electric sauna heater, one of many details that give the house its luxury-resort-esque cohesion.
To the left of the large pool is a cozy and functional outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, a long bar top, a sink and a full dining table that seats eight. Best of all, this pavilion space is completely roofed by an upper-level deck off the primary suite, meaning the homeowners and their guests can gather outdoors even during summer rainstorms. “They can enjoy the whole backyard experience,” John Klimmek says. “They wanted to take in nature and enjoy the backdrop.” On the adjacent side of the pool, a fire table made of dark porcelain is a perfect place to toast marshmallows.
Whether working through a solo yoga flow or hosting guests for a mini retreat, the homeowners make use of their lower-level yoga room, which offers plenty of space for mats and a great view of the serene pool area. A walnut slat wall separates the studio from a lounge space, which is outfitted with three comfortable chaises. “This really became a great relaxation space,” John Klimmek says. Bamboo half-globe light fixtures echo the organic colors of the wetland preserve beyond the yard.
On the lower level, a full bar for cocktails (or post-yoga juice) backs up to the scene-stealing staircase. The dark porcelain slabs that form the vertical backdrop of the bar are made by Porcelanosa, a traditional Spanish tilemaker, and are carried all the way upstairs, where they form the back side of the mainlevel fireplace. “There are 27 slabs of porcelain in that wall,” John Klimmek says. “It took one stone mason six weeks to install it, and it’s just beautiful.” The bar stools are upholstered in creamy fabric, contrasting with the dark porcelain.
The cherry on top of this home’s spa-resort vibe is the luxe sauna, situated on the lower level off the yoga lounge. Rather than traditional cedar, which can have an orange tone, this sauna was built from teak, stained with a special wax treatment to match the darker wood in the rest of the home. The bench features soft lighting underneath, and the space is outfitted with a Swiss-made Huum heater. A shower room next door lets sauna-goers cool off after a steamy sesh, and they can grab towels and water from the sink area right outside the sauna door.
Gordon James @gordonjamesconstruction
Gordon James Construction
HOME & GARDEN COLLECTION
Crystal Kitchen + Bath
For over 50 years, discerning homeowners in Minneapolis and its surrounding communities have trusted Crystal Kitchen + Bath for high-end, custom home renovations. From kitchens and baths to mudrooms, laundry rooms and lower levels, our award-winning team delivers exceptional design, craftsmanship and personalized service. With a legacy of luxury remodels in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities, we bring vision and precision to every detail—custom cabinetry, curated finishes and start-to-finish project management. Visit our expansive showroom or schedule a consultation to experience how Crystal Kitchen + Bath can create a new vision for your home.
Shelly’s Interior Concepts
At Shelly’s Interior Concepts, we bring the design studio to you! Our experienced team of designers offers in-home consultations, helping you choose the perfect custom window fashions from Hunter Douglas, Silhouette sheers, PowerView blinds and shades, and beautiful textiles from Carole Fabrics. We bring samples right to your home, making the design process effortless and inspiring. Together, we work with you one-on-one to design beautiful functional spaces that reflect your personal style. Whether you’re looking for elegant drapes, smart shades or a full-room refresh, our expanded design team is here to help you every step of the way. Women-owned and proudly serving the Twin Cities area. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation.
763.439.8568
shellysinteriorconcepts.net
Shelly’s Interior Concepts @shellysinteriorconcepts1
Laurel Builders
Laurel Builders is a nationally recognized, award-winning, full-service design/build/remodel firm, specializing in additions, large-scale remodels and custom homes. With over 19 years in business and a combined 45+ years of experience between the owners, we offer the personalized service of a small team backed by the capabilities of a larger company. From initial design to final details, our owners are hands-on throughout the process—carefully managing your budget, timeline and vision with honesty and precision. Our mission is simple: deliver lasting top quality work and personalized customer service. It’s this commitment that turns clients into lifelong partners.
1758 Chateau Ave., Shakopee 952.200.3934
laurelbuilders.com
Laurel Builders @laurelbuildersmn
Owner Shelly Reilly with designer Kelly Mattson
Built in collaboration with one of our premier builders, both of these residences showcase the transformative power of JZ Electric’s expertise. From ambient layers to bold statement fixtures, every lighting element was thoughtfully designed to elevate these spaces. Behind the scenes we used seamless electrical solutions, including a backup generator for uninterrupted peace of mind. For over 20 years, JZ Electric has quietly set the standard for precision, craftsmanship, and unwavering attention to detail.
Your Local Home Expert
Grady Stephens President
What are the three most important questions homeowners should ask a roofer when considering a roof replacement?
1. Start by asking your contractor about the different roofing materials available. Options such as asphalt, cedar, slate or synthetic materials vary in lifespan, cost and maintenance requirements. Understanding these factors will help you make a decision that aligns with your needs and budget.
2. Since a roof is a significant investment, choose one that you’ll love for years to come. Take the time to explore various styles and materials that interest you, and discuss their pros and cons with your roofing expert.
3. Be sure to review the product warranty carefully. A strong warranty offers long-term protection, ensuring that you’re covered in case any issues arise after installation.
Allstar Construction
5145 Industrial St. Suite 103, Maple Plain allstartoday.com
Allstar Construction
For more than 45 years, builders, remodelers and homeowners have counted on Allstar Construction for all their exterior construction needs. We specialize in:
• New Construction: Single & Multifamily
• Remodel: Exterior Renovations & Additions
• Storm Damage & Insurance Claims Management
It’s our mission to set the industry standard in terms of outstanding value, uncompromising quality, continuous innovation and exceptional client experience. We want to provide you with the right service at the right price at the right time—every time.
5145 Industrial St. Suite 103, Maple Plain 952.592.7826
allstartoday.com
All Star Exterior
J Brothers Design Build Remodel
At J Brothers, we don’t just build spaces—we create homes you’ll love for years to come. With over 40 years of expertise in custom building and remodeling, our collaborative process makes the journey as enjoyable as the result. Our crews treat your home with care, keeping it clean, protected and comfortable during construction. You’ll partner with an in-house interior designer to select finishes that fit your style and budget, supported by 3D renderings to bring your vision to life. From the first meeting to the final walkthrough, your satisfaction is our promise.
10025 County Road 116, Corcoran 763.732.8731
jbrothersremodel.com
J Brothers Design- Build- Remodel, Inc. @jbrothers_design_build_remodel
Chicories add flavor, texture and a healthy bite of nutrition.
Radicchio
TASTEMAKERS
Ingredient Trifecta
Written by Emily Gedde and Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
For those looking for a leafy green packed with nutrition that can be grown at home or easily found at local farmers markets, chicories are an ideal choice. These relatives of lettuce not only add texture to dishes and serve as ideal charcuterie board dip and soft cheese vessels, they bring a host of nutrients to the plate. We wanted to explore the health benefits of chicories and turned to Mary Schroeder, a University of Minnesota Extension educator and registered dietician in the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing. She says chicory varieties are worth working into nutritional rotations.
“Chicories tend to be a darker green, which hold more nutrients than an iceberg lettuce, especially when it comes to vitamins A and C,” she says. Vitamin A aids in vision and immune systems and helps reduce the risk of cancer and more. Vitamin C helps restore and repair body tissues and assists with keeping immune systems in check.
In addition, Schroeder says chicories are a good source of phytonutrients, which are natural compounds that offer various health benefits. She especially notes their anti-inflammatory
properties as a reason to give chicories a try. “It’s one of those things we continue to learn more about,” she says of an anti-inflammatory diet and its overall health benefits. “Antiinflammatory foods work by reducing the amount of free radicals that promote inflammation.”
Now that we’ve addressed some health benefits, what types of chicories are out there? Chicory includes a variety of vegetables within the Cichorium intybus genus. While part of the same grouping, they vary in terms of head formation, texture and color. Think of it this way: siblings with resemblances but clear differences. Some of the more common varieties include: Belgian or red endive, curly endive (frisée), escarole, puntarelle and radicchio. (Don’t confuse it with red cabbage, or you’ll get a big flavor surprise.)
(These statements are for informational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Consult your doctor or a qualified health care provider before making changes to your diet or nutrition routine.)
Escarole
Belgian Endive
LET’S COOK
Knowing what we now know about chicories, how do they fit into a recipe box? “Chicories have a medium weight flavor profile,” says chef Spencer Olson, Lake Minnetonka Magazine Noteworthy contributor. “This means that they don’t overpower other ingredients but don’t take the back seat when used.”
The Tonka Bay resident recommends using them with fall or spring flavors, including apple, fig or the freshness of watercress. Match chicories with poached pear and root vegetables with mustard vinaigrette; fig, Gruyère cheese, pear and prosciutto; and bacon, capers, lemon, salmon and watercress. (While eating them raw is a typical option, Olson reminds home cooks to also consider grilling chicories.)
Blanching, braising or adding a dressing can help reduce any bitterness, according to Mary Schroeder of the University of Minnesota Extension. “Adding things like lemon juice or vinegar can help enhance flavor and take away bitterness,” she says. “If you’re using a small amount, it’s a healthy way to take away the bitter flavor while still reeling in the health benefits of the chicory.”
If you’d rather have a plan to follow, we’ve gathered some chicoriesleaning recipes for you to enjoy as we toggle between summer and fall flavor profiles.
Recipes are courtesy of the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance (NFVA), a national cooperation of public and private partners, working to increase access to fruits and vegetables for improved public health.
Endive Stuffed With Strawberry Salsa (NFVA)
Editor’s Note: Consider replacing chips or crackers with endive as a vessel for dip, humus or salsas. It’s also ideal for serving chicken, egg, salmon or tuna salads as part of a main meal.
• 16 endive leaves
(3–4 heads of endive)
• ¼ cup cucumber, peeled and diced
• ½ avocado, diced
• 8 strawberries, diced
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 4 mint leaves, finely minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 sprigs thyme
Remove the base of the endive, and separate the leaves. Wash thoroughly, and dry gently. Place cucumber, avocado, strawberries, lemon juice and mint in a bowl. Gently toss with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the filling between endive leaves, and top off with fresh thyme. Serve cold.
Tangy Cherry Brussels Sprouts Slaw (NFVA)
Editor’s Note: Texture adds another layer for the palate’s experience, and this recipe offers a wonderful array of crunch-worthy ingredients from vegetables to seeds and nuts.
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups radicchio, shredded
• 2 heads Belgian endive, shredded
• fine sea salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp. tart cherry juice
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. honey
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup honey-roasted sunflower seeds
• ½ cup pistachios, toasted
• ¼ cup dried cherries
Shawn Sailer D.C., Caroline Brost-Sailer D.C., Ryan Elton D.C., Barbro Brost D.C., Tyler Knutson D.C., Aarti Goyal D.C.
PROST!
Who’s ready for Oktoberfest—local style?
Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.
’Tis the season when villages and burgs around the globe swing open their pubs, put up sturdy tents and gear up for another round of Oktoberfest celebrations. If your plans this month don’t include a trip to Munich for what is said to be the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, there are plenty of local options. —Renée Stewart-Hester
» Back Channel Brewing Co. (Backtoberfest): 11 a.m.–10 p.m. September 20; 4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park; backchannelbrewing.com
» Excelsior American Legion Post 259 parking lot (Lake Minnetonka Oktoberfest): 3–9 p.m. September 27; 24450 Smithtown Road, Shorewood; legionpost259.org
» Excelsior Brewing Company: noon–midnight. October 3–4; 421 Third St., Excelsior; excelsiorbrew.com
» Minnesota Oktoberfest: 5–11 p.m. September 19 and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. September 20; Central Park, 650 River St. N., Delano; stpeterlc.org
» Redeemer Lutheran Church and Redeemer Christian Academy Wayzata: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. October 4; 115 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; redeemerchristianacademy.org
» Unmapped Brewing Co.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. October 11; 14625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; unmappedbrewing.com
The Top Shave Lounge
Photo: Chris Emeott
Complied by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
LOCAL EVENTS
09.05–09.07
James J. Hill Days
Enjoy carnival games, food, live music, vendors and more as a community at one of Wayzata’s most celebrated festivals. All ages. Free. 5–10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. Lake Street, Wayzata; 952.473.9595; wayzatawestmetrochamber.com
09.06
Real Runabouts Rendezvous:
Experience this classic boat show with the Land-o-Lakes Classic Boat Club. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge, 3746 Sunset Drive, Spring Park; 763.458.4036; lolcbc.org
09.19–09.21
Excelsior Apple Days
Celebrate the Excelsior community with art, food, live music, a street dance and more at the lakeside. All ages. Free. 5–10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. Water Street, Excelsior; 952.686.6046; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
09.20
Fall Clean Up
Drop unwanted items and trash on your curbs, and gather as a community to clean up Lake Minnetonka to keep area clean. All ages. Free. Items must be on the curb by 7 a.m. Tonka Bay; 952.474.7994; cityoftonkabay.net
To have your event considered: email lakeminntonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE: MEDIA SPONSOR
Hammer & NER Reach
for Ralph Fundraiser
Hammer & NER’s recent annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser raised over $400,000. The organization provides housing and supportive services to 360 adults, living with intellectual and other disabilities across the West and East Metro, including several group residential homes in the Wayzata and Minnetonka areas. “Our community of supporters rallied to help us exceed our goals for the event,” says CEO John Estrem. “We are grateful to our community for its generous support of our mission to help people living with intellectual and other disabilities to live life to its fullest.”
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co.
Longevity | Functional | Regenerative Medicine Medicine Medicine
Take Control of Your Health and Thrive.
At Accelerate Wellness, we deliver elevated, personalized care for those who expect more.
ADVANCED CARE YOUR WAY
Visit us at our new Edina satellite clinic—or experience concierge-level care virtually from home or work. Our expert-led services include advanced lab testing, hormone optimization, GLP-1 weight loss, PRP therapies, and personalized longevity plans. For the ultimate convenience, we can even send a phlebotomist to your home or office.
Sioux Falls • Edina • Omaha
LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA
Seasonal Stage
As we learn more about the entries into our annual photo contest, it is particularly interesting to discover that, while many images are captured while embarking on a photographic quest, many more are taken while engaging in some of life’s day-today activities. Case in point: Berit Francis’ Be Gone, Boat!
“I drove my daughter to and from work that morning and noticed the gentle fog and spectacular coloring on the lake,” she says. “I simply pulled off the road and found a spot depicting the empty boat lift/docks.”
Photos often elicit different reactions from viewers. Francis has her own impression. “The water and general view was mesmerizing to me. The still water and muted colors felt particularly soothing and peaceful,” she says.
While the hobbyist photographer enjoys taking nature photos, she is particularly drawn to water scenes where she can capture—you guessed it—reflections. —Renée Stewart-Hester
Photographer: Berit Francis
Title: Be Gone, Boat!
Equipment: iPhone 14 Pro
Location: Long Lake
Category: Places Award: Second Place
Vote for this year’s Lens on Lake Minnetonka Readers’ Choice award at lakeminnetonkamag.com.
The Cedar Roof Man
STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL
Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.
That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.
In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.
I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be
and do great work. As a result our list of
Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek
