As families evolve, so do their homes. That’s why Marcia Page was looking for a new living space to accommodate her grown children who had moved away. Something that felt less complicated, a place to create new memories with future grandchildren in mind. “Our three daughters are spread across the country, and we wanted a home that would delight their growing families when they visit,” says Page.
Photography by Alyssa Lee
Just the kind of project interior designers Talla Skogmo and Jennifer Zirkelbach like to tackle. The mission was to reimagine a Twin Cities lakeside retreat originally built in 2019 by John Kraemer & Sons. The 6,100-square-foot residence had good bones and good light but needed to be tweaked to accommodate Page’s new lifestyle. “We were given a clean slate of beautiful materials that were part of the original home,” Skogmo recounts. “The house provided great spaces for artwork, and our palette quietly complements the simplicity of the home.”
You sense that simplicity in the sun-filled living room, where an entire wall of windows frames the peaceful lake right outside. Here, low-profile furniture keeps the sightlines open while blending in seamlessly with the natural world. “The seating works well for large groups as well as small intimate gatherings, business meetings and social engagements,” Skogmo notes. “The outdoor living space is an extension of the living room and contributes to great family fun.”
In fact, family fun was a big part of the design. In the summer, there are endless lawn and water activities to enjoy, while a cozy theater room hosts regular movie nights. But a particular passion for strategy-driven board games like Catan drove key decisions. “This is a family that plays games,” explains Skogmo. “The dining room table needed to accommodate not only dining but game playing. The finish of the Keith Fritz dining table was tested with dice rolling.”
It’s precisely this kind of thoughtful, highly personalized service that sets Talla Skogmo Interior Design apart. Founded in 2004, the award-winning firm delivers classic and timeless interiors to clients across the country. For Skogmo, it all comes down to the client’s specific needs and desires. Her team then tailors the design to each individual abode, whether a city loft or a log home.
Within this sizable residence, one of the most petite rooms turned out to be a favorite. The existing study felt a bit too masculine, so the team lightened it up with Benjamin Moore Cloud White paint, then added a modern wing chair upholstered in creamy white Pierre Frey bouclé. Glass doors afford privacy while allowing easy interaction with the rest of the house. “The desk is set up to benefit from the great views of the lake and the main level,” Page explains. “And it has a surprise feature: its own intimate fireplace at eye level. Some days it hardly feels like I’m working.”
You’ll find that attention to detail throughout the home, where Dinesen white oak floors lend a warmth. Color remains muted with a palette of light textured gray, dusty blue and warm yellow — a nod to the family’s Scandinavian heritage. Then to balance those soft hues, strong pops of black found in light fixtures and in the metal on the doors provide a striking contrast.
And yet, sometimes it’s what you don’t see that makes all the difference. “This house is great technologically,” says Page. “From lighting to music to shade control to opening the garage, we are literally connected to each feature via our phones. The surprise is that it’s actually very easy to manage, even for a couple of Baby Boomers.”
You feel that functionality in the kitchen, where it’s all about an ease of entertaining. A generously sized center island grounds the space and offers room for guests to gather and share a cocktail before dinner. Right above, the original basket lighting was replaced with spectacular glass globes that set off the entire room.
Upstairs, the sleeping quarters bring their own surprises. The primary suite is a supremely tranquil retreat with the best view of the lake. Simple white textiles soften the space, accenting the beautiful custom bed and walnut nightstands. Then right down the hall, a bunkroom is ready to host future grandchildren. Even the guest bedrooms are carefully thought out, with hidden play spaces built into each one.
And so a new chapter begins. This light-filled lakeside abode is ready for this family to make new memories and usher in the next generation. “I love that our clients love their new home and that we accomplished their goals for how it could live for empty nesters,” Skogmo sums up. “This home can grow with them, their family and their friends.”
