With a focus on residential renovations, woman-led design-build firm Stockwell Homes recently transformed a Prior Lake haven. Clients Kara and Tami’s abode was grand with stately architecture, but it felt maze-like and disconnected in its layout. The newlyweds wanted to make the home feel like a new space tailored for the two of them. That’s where the Stockwell Homes team came in. In January 2021, they kicked off the planning and design project to bring their clients’ “nature glam” home to life. Here, they give us a tour inside this gorgeously renovated residence.
Photography provided by Stockwell Homes
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the design?
We begin every project with an inspiration session where we review photos and example interiors to help refine our clients’ sense of style. Through our meeting with Kara and Tami, we formed a clear picture of the casual vibes and earthy environments they were drawn to. We were committed to delivering a finished space that also matched the home’s commanding architecture and elegant layout.
The development of the design was really fun for both our team and the clients. Early on, Kara and Tami were surprised by some of the more sophisticated finishes we presented. They didn’t want the finished space to feel too formal, but they soon realized they preferred aesthetics that mixed in a touch of glam with more casual elements. These elevated details provided a stylistic bridge to the dwelling’s stately construction. By the end of the design phase, we had lovingly titled their signature style “nature glam.”
Our team works with amazing vendors that provide samples of various finishes, which are key in producing a cohesive design. Being able to see subtle color undertones and textures and how materials speak to each other is a key step in making functional spaces beautiful. Details like special ceiling and wall treatments gave this project the warmth and textural impact we were going for, while unique architectural lighting elements, such as floor lights and cove lighting, added to the ambiance. To bring it all together, Kara and Tami decided to revamp their beloved spiral staircase with a new white-oak handrail and treads, topping it off with a statement Visual Comfort light fixture.
While this couple loves to entertain, they also wanted their abode to work well with their everyday routines. To minimize back and forth between areas, we carefully planned appliance and cabinetry locations to maximize functionality. For instance, a dishwashing sink was added to the butler’s pantry, along with a second dishwasher and an induction cooktop for meal prep and cleanup. The refrigerator column was placed between the pantry and kitchen for easy access. Adding crisping and freezer drawers to the working island makes it possible to whip up recipes without needing a pit stop in the pantry to grab ingredients. The refreshed cabinetry design includes special rollouts for entertaining items, a nook to hide countertop appliances, and special inserts to organize everyday essentials.
What were the main goals for this project?
The first objective was to design an open layout with improved efficiency in the bar, butler’s pantry, kitchen and mudroom. The second was to convert the dinette into a sunroom and bring more natural light into the living spaces. The final goal was to harmonize the aesthetics while establishing distinct, functional areas. Stylistically, Tami wanted to create an environment that felt calm, clean and inviting. She was drawn to organic textures, soft tones and warm colors and envisioned a light and airy space that would showcase the beautiful views of the yard and surrounding landscape.
From a floor plan standpoint, this project was unusually complex. The property is large with more than 6,000 square feet, and the dinette, dining room, foyer and kitchen are all connected. The couple wanted to explore a layout that removed a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room, but doing so would make these big rooms feel even larger. Additionally, the existing butler’s pantry was very small; only one person could access it at a time. Our ultimate plan eliminated the separating wall, allowing us to utilize the space as a new bar station. The former laundry room occupied prime real estate, so we spent a great deal of time working through iterations to convert that area into the full butler’s kitchen. We settled on a plan that expanded the mudroom into the garage and relocated the laundry units to the new mudroom.
What is your favorite part of this renovation?
There are so many spectacular details in this home that it’s hard to choose! The butler’s pantry is a staff favorite. In the new open layout, the kitchen is on full display at all times, so we expanded the butler’s pantry as a place for storing and using everyday appliances. The reimagined pantry has a cozy atmosphere thanks to its size as well as details like caning accents on the cabinetry and textured window coverings. It feels distinct yet harmonious with the rest of the kitchen.
We also love the double-island layout. The second island was built to look like a furniture piece and balance the large scale of the kitchen, making use of what would’ve otherwise been a large dead zone between high-traffic gathering spaces. It acts as an architectural anchor that connects the kitchen to the surrounding communal spaces, like the new sunroom that’s fit for lounging, reading and enjoying a morning coffee or an evening cocktail.
What’s next for Stockwell Homes?
We’re celebrating our sixth anniversary in August, and we have exciting plans to open a new show room and studio space. What started as an interior design firm in 2017 has grown into a full-service design-build firm that specializes in remodeling. We offer 3D rendering, in-house architectural drawings, high-caliber design, procurement and project management from kickoff through completion. Managing all aspects of the process from layout design to construction and furnishing allows us to actualize a cohesive vision for each new scope of work. Our strength comes from our passion for collaboration with our clients and each other.
