David Bieker will tell you that timing is everything. The founder and president of Denali Custom Homes has designed and built across Minnesota’s lakes for over 25 years, but just this year, one lakeside home became his — and hers. “It was important to both of us that we created a new space together,” chimes in Bieker’s wife, Jodie. David’s creative penchant for architecture and details and Jodie’s background as an interior designer and luxury realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty make them the perfect match. Jodie also works closely with David as Denali’s director of sales and marketing.
The couple radiates a just-married glow, but there’s a well-worn comfort and understanding that comes from having worked alongside each other for so many years. As their relationship grew from working together to friendship and finally forever, it quickly became clear just how much their shared expertise would come into play when designing their dream home.
Photography by Susanna Hong
Sited along the sandy shoreline of Lake Minnetonka’s West Arm Bay, the 5,000-square-foot abode is set back upon a sloping site. It’s floor-to-ceiling glass, blackened steel exterior and flat roof give it an ultra-modern edge. Combining David’s industrial style with Jodie’s passion for a little glam was a design challenge the couple was eager to explore, finding creative ways to complement versus compromise.
At the base of the floating staircase, just past the foyer, a glance upward reveals a floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall supported by exposed steel I-beams. The beams provide structural reinforcement and an industrial aesthetic accented by character-grade white oak stair treads for a touch of softness — just one example of how the couple married masculine and feminine styles throughout the interiors.
The entire home exudes warmth. When they’re not working, the couple loves to entertain, so they designed a floor plan that’s a hosting haven. The open kitchen boasts floor-to-ceiling white oak cabinetry, Signature Kitchen Suite appliances and a stunning 10-foot-long island. A swath of honed Calacatta Raffaelo marble spills over the island edges, revealing organic veining with a rust undertone. The earthy hue set the palette for the entire space, which is filled with warm wood tones and natural bone-colored stone and washed in south-facing natural light.
When Jodie steps into her chef-grade kitchen, the expansive 5-by-10-foot Marvin windows across the entire main floor draw Lake Minnetonka right into the heart of the home. The serene view creates a picturesque backdrop for cooking, while the open layout transforms the space into a lively area for entertaining friends and family, something the couple thoroughly enjoys.
Above the island hang two sleek, artisan-crafted gold leaf pendants that cast a moody glow across the stone countertops. Jodie, who meticulously chose each decorative fixture, considers them the “jewelry” of the home. “We wanted everything to be unique and special to us,” says the interior designer with a smile as the light from the pendants bounces playfully off her bracelets. The home also features a fully automated system that controls lighting, as well as sound and shades, ensuring an unparalleled living experience.
The couple, their two cats and guests can quickly move from the kitchen to the main-level bar, which features oversized industrial patterned wall coverings, custom black-and-white cowhide barstools and a glam steer horn mount covered in broken black mirror. This is no cowboy bar — in keeping with the theme, it is Aspen-inspired and glitzy. Flowing from the bar through a multi-slide glass door, a semi-cantilevered covered outdoor living space bridges the bar and kitchen. Nestled among the lot’s existing lodge pole pine trees, the elevated screen porch is the couple’s favorite spot to relax, take in the views and enjoy the warmth of an outdoor fireplace by Heat & Glo. “It feels like a cozy treehouse,” says Jodie, who can easily spot guests arriving by boat on the lakeshore below.
Upstairs is a more private space dedicated entirely to the (nearly) empty nesters. Steps from the primary suite, the couple’s shared office and coffee bar overlook the lake. While the newlyweds are intentional about drawing a line between work and home time, they don’t mind a bit of overlap since they both “love what [they] do.”
In the bedroom, Jodie designed a custom leather headboard and integrated backlighting for a look that rivals any luxury hotel. Under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting illuminate the ensuite bath containing walls of stone and a large steam shower. The primary bedroom and bath also feature a private balcony that stretches the entire length of the upper level, connecting the two spaces. Natural stone wraps from the exterior balcony wing walls into the bedroom, where it meets a black, alligator-textured wall treatment. “The elements are interesting but trend-proof,” says Jodie. Working in the design and build industry for so long allowed the duo to make informed and budget-oriented decisions quickly, an efficiency they bring to all of their projects, not just their own home. “Our goal is to be seasoned professional guides throughout the process. We collaborate in all architectural design meetings, participate with the interior design teams and are there each step of the way during the construction phase as the project comes to life,” says David.
Every room in the carefully thought-out home has a view of the lake and pool. Even the fitness studio, which David expertly optimized in the space underneath the garage, features a glass door that perfectly lines up the Peloton with a view of the water. The lower level also features an additional bar. (The couple fondly refers to each as “his and her” bars.) Jodie’s vibe in the lower level bar is less après ski and more Palm Springs, with a character-grade white oak bar, woven bar stools in a chunky, neutral fabric and rattan-wrapped pendants. Its proximity to the pool makes it a highly sought after destination. The bar transitions seamlessly to the terrace, where a lanai complete with lounge area, Wolf outdoor kitchen, fire table and hot tub make even rainy days enjoyable.
“This house sets us up for ‘the moments,’” muses the builder and designer, whose goal was to create something that would work as beautifully for them today as it will in the next phase of life. Guest rooms are meant to flex, providing a landing pad for out-of-town guests while doubling as an art studio for Jodie as elusive free time becomes more realistic after a year of wedding planning, home building and becoming grandparents. “As builders and parents of five, we understand how those layers of life impact a project,” says David.
Move-in day just so happened to coincide with Valentine’s Day — a sweet reminder that the intangibles of life can’t always be planned, but the Biekers are doing their best to preserve them. In this case, within the safeguard of a home and a partner that neither of them saw coming, but intuitively spent life preparing for. “It’s a ‘pinch-me’ moment every time we pull the boat up,” concludes the builder duo.
