There’s something so dreamy about a cottage — all those comfy corners and white-picket fences. But how do you combine that traditional cottage appeal with the updated conveniences of today? That was the vision of interior designer Kate Regan, founder of The Sitting Room, and the team who collaborated on the project. Together, they designed this crisp, white abode in Deephaven — and it all came down to an inspired mix.
Photography by Jon Huelskamp / Landmark
“The overall feeling of the home is classic, timeless and comfortable,” Regan explains. “The warm white oak floors and beams, variety of wallpapers and extensive millwork all contribute to this feel.” It’s that push-pull of timelessness and present day that makes this quaint cottage so livable. The six-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot residence was built in 2024 as a summer retreat for a family that lives out of state but desired to maintain its Minnesota ties. The husband and wife wanted their three children to enjoy the summer months near Lake Minnetonka, where the Cottagewood neighborhood was the quintessential spot to build a cottage of their own.
“Cottage is my favorite style — it is so timeless and immediately makes everyone feel at home,” says Kathryn Alexander, president and owner of Alexander Design Group. Her team worked on the project and drew inspiration from the classic window and roof shapes in this historic enclave. “We wanted the house to fit with the surrounding homes and pay homage to the neighboring community,” explains Alexander Design Group Architect Tom Flint.
And in this community, porch living reigns supreme. Come July and August, the home’s sunroom is the place to be, with its dramatic, shiplapped woodwork. Framing the pool, this beloved space blurs the line between inside and out — allowing those warm summer breezes to filter in. “The custom-built sectional on the porch sitting area is upholstered in indoor-outdoor fabric for durability,” says The Sitting Room’s Senior Interior Designer Sam Nava. “Accordion doors open to the pool, and a phantom screen lowers to create the feeling of a screened-in porch.”
Every element of this beloved porch has been carefully considered, because this is a family that loves to entertain. “Behind the fireplace, you have a full walk-up bar with a sink, refrigeration, icemaker and plenty of beverage storage with a French door for easy access,” says Harrison Custom Builders owner David Eggert. “Behind that, you have a half bath with laundry for pool-use convenience and an outdoor shower.”
That summertime ease extends into the kitchen, where a gleaming, white Lacanche range grounds the space and adds a dash of culinary artistry. Warm and inviting materials like marble and white oak bring an openness, while a buffet wall with glass fronts looks like a custom piece of furniture. “The kitchen design drew inspiration from a home the clients admired, with unique features added by The Sitting Room,” Regan remarks. “The home is also kid-friendly, with features like basket drawers with snacks at kid level in the pantry.”
It’s those personalized details that are at the heart of Excelsior’s The Sitting Room. Be it a home renovation or a new build, the full-service interior design firm takes clients through every phase of design — from initial concept to final installation. The firm, which has been in business since 2003, has a portfolio showcasing a broad range of styles, but its constant is always a precise commitment to quality, ensuring each project is both personal and inviting.
We see that precision in the primary suite with its picture frame molding and glamorous built-in cabinetry. Here, motorized drapery panels with blackout lining bring a hotel-like quality — ideal for slow Sunday mornings. The bedroom features separate his-and-hers bathrooms and closets, which help bring order to the day. His bathroom has a menswear look, while her closet features blush-colored cabinetry with cane inserts. An integrated dressing table adds a note of pure elegance. “Beautiful millwork throughout gives the house a sense of authenticity and makes this new home feel like it has been enjoyed by families for generations,” Regan says.
Nearby, you’ll discover a kid-friendly bunkroom that looks like a secret clubhouse. Twin beds tucked up on a platform form the perfect hiding spots, while larger beds and couches below are ready for those last-minute slumber parties. Designed to feel like a vintage sleepaway camp, it’s the perfect place for playful pillow fights or rainy-day art projects. An elongated trough sink in the bathroom captures the playful camp vibe.
Finally, nothing says “cottage charm” more than a white-picket fence, and this handsome home is framed by that quintessential wooden enclosure. White-painted arbors add to the appeal of this idyllic neighborhood, where summertime pleasures abound. “We wanted to create a timeless, authentic feel in the home for the family to create countless memories in,” Regan sums up. “Our goal was for them to walk through the front door, unpack their luggage and start enjoying their new summer cottage.”
Interior Designer: The Sitting Room
Architect: Alexander Design Group
Builder: Harrison Custom Builders
