Design Inspiration - The Bryant Avenue Project

Renovation has been a passion of mine since buying my first piece of real estate back in 2004. Fresh out of college, I moved to New York City to work for a company I had spent a previous semester interning for. When they assigned me an outside sales position back in the Twin Cities, I sought out a 2 bedroom condo in East Harriet that would be my first renovation muse. The neighborhood has always held a piece of my heart - the proximity to the Rose Garden and Lake Harriet, the bungalow lined streets, the stately homes of Kings Highway - it’s no wonder the neighborhood has remained in steadfast demand.

My clients began their home search with one main priority - to land a home neighboring Lake Harriet. They were open to renovation if it meant their evenings could be spent walking their beloved golden, Mavis over for a lakeside sunset stroll. Fast forward three months and countless homes to the peach dream on Bryant Ave that would ultimately win over their hearts.

Having lived its former life as a rental property, what the home lacked in showing quality was made up for in costly mechanical updates. Newer windows, boiler, roof and garage meant the funds they had set aside for renovation could go toward tailoring the space to their own aesthetic. An unfinished basement with unusually high ceilings served as a bonus equity-building opportunity. While their transaction idles in pending status, the design and renovation ideas are anything but!

Today I’m sharing a peek at the scope of work my clients are evaluating and their inspiration for the new space. Let’s start the tour in the dining room:

The current dining room sits on the front of the house with a bank of three windows that are recessed into a charming alcove. Square windows flank either side of an original built-in buffet. The buyers are using this board & battan photo as the inspiration for a new wall treatment in their dining space. All millwork will go one shade of white with walls and ceilings following suit. The product will be a dimensional space with plenty of luster in a monochromatic palette.

One of the reasons we fell in love with this kitchen was because of the cabinetry that stretched all the way to the ceiling. Being it was in great condition, we knew transforming it to a light and bright space was as simple as paint, hardware, tile and countertops - all the best trimmings [IMHO]. The moodboard below, created by my incredibly talented client, serves as the inspiration for the space - warm gray cabinetry, quartz counters, a stacked square backsplash and updated lighting. I love how it all works with the brushed brass and natural wood finishes.

I’d be remiss not to mention that my client Erin has a keen eye for the beautiful and the possible as a Minneapolis-based creative. It won’t come as any surprise that Erin’s talents extend beyond interiors - you can find her line of letter-pressed greeting cards on her website and Instagram and coming soon, at Fox Homes’ own Foxwell Shoppe.

While we’re there, we’ll case this existing opening to match the trim around the doorway. We’ll run a gas line over to the stove and replace the electric range with a new gas model. I can’t wait to see what lighting the buyers select for their new space.

Along with new countertops, a new undermount sink and faucet will be installed - we’ll plumb in a garbage disposal to increase functionality. The addition of a backsplash will bring a reflective quality to the walls, brightening up the space. Walls, ceilings and trim will be the same white as the dining room - which will carry throughout the majority of the home.

The remainder of the project will involve plaster repair and paint in various areas. Down the road, the buyers can foresee renovating a bathroom, painting the exterior and finishing the basement. At more than 1,600 square feet with the opportunity to add nearly 900 more in the lower level, this is the type of house a family can grow into while transforming it into their dream home.

Considering a renovation project of your own? Looking to buy and renovate but have no idea where to start? We can help! Shoot me an email at sarah@foxhomes.com or click here to fill out a new buyer profile.

Working in partnership with listing agent Beth Ulrich, Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty