Home Tour: Timeless and Collected Modern Farmhouse in Orono
Have you ever daydreamed of having more space? Maybe you’re tired of tripping over furniture in your cramped living room or long for a cozy nook to read in peace? Or perhaps you dream of a backyard where your little ones can play to their heart’s content?
We recently had the pleasure of working with a family who felt the squeeze of city living as their family grew. They took the leap and moved to a spacious property, and the results were truly life-changing in the best way possible! Let’s dive into their story and discover how their new home is fulfilling their dreams…
Meet Our Clients
Jessica and Shane (names changed) lived downtown for years, and their home was perfectly sized and located for their busy, city-based professional lifestyles. Jessica works for a local publication, and Shane owns a landscaping business and travels to job sites across the Twin Cities metro area.
But, with a busy toddler daughter, several furry friends, and a new baby on the way, their 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home started feeling cramped. So, the couple decided it was time to move out of the city into a better-suited home that catered to their growing family.
Ahhh, this is what sweet countryside dreams are made of, my friends. Built in 1984, this beautiful farmhouse boasts 4,000 square feet of living space and sits on 4.6 acres of gorgeous land full of mature trees. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, Shane and Jessica now have plenty of room to host out of town guests, create new family memories, and embrace a slower, simpler countryside lifestyle.
An added bonus? With the new acreage, they now have storage space for Shane’s landscaping equipment, lots of open outdoor space for their dogs and cats, and they even fulfilled a dream of getting chickens. After all, is any farmhouse really complete without chickens?
There was only one catch…the interior finishes of the house didn't quite reflect their style. So the couple reached out to our team with the goal of transforming this farmhouse into their very own personal oasis that would serve as the backdrop for life's best moments. As soon as I stepped onto the property, I knew something special was about to transpire…
With a fantastic layout and plenty of room to work with, this home was full of potential. During our initial conversation, Jessica and Shane expressed their desire to stay true to the original character of the farmhouse. They wanted a cozy space where they could kick back with their furry friends, but also showcase their formal antiques effortlessly.
So, did we deliver? You know it! Don’t take my word for it, though. Come on in and take a peek at this gorgeous, elevated, and modern farmhouse for yourself…
Classic and Welcoming Foyer
This beautiful home has no shortage of character, especially in the bright and welcoming foyer. Keeping this space simple and authentic, we selected a farmhouse-inspired bronze chandelier with a stunning leaf and vine motif. It looks as if it was meant for this space, doesn’t it?
We highlighted the charming colonial-style staircase with a fresh coat of paint on the existing railing and added eye-catching newel posts. In addition, we removed the outdated wall-to-wall carpet, painted the treads and risers, and installed a neutral carpet runner for a simple, classic, and inviting welcome home.
Throughout their many travels, Jessica and Shane have amassed an extensive collection of unique, original artwork. As soon as I saw the staircase wall, I knew it was the perfect place to showcase their treasured travel memories. Since swapping out their displayed artwork is something the couple enjoys, we kept the design and color palette neutral and simple.
This personal, collected, and meaningful entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home…
Charming Dining Room Full of Character
Doesn’t this simple and spacious dining area feel original to the home? Surprise! This space was originally part of an awkwardly large living room. However, Jessica and Shane didn’t need such a large living room or two separate sitting areas, so they were thrilled by our functional solution to transform this space into their dining room.
The doorway from the foyer was taller than the others in this room and felt out of place, so we added a beautiful transom. Not only does it give the illusion that they are all the same height, but it brings more light into the space and adds that classic farmhouse charm that Jessica and Shane love.
We used the couple’s eclectic mix of furniture as a foundation when designing this space. Our goal was to complement their special pieces by selecting neutral furniture that would seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic of the room but allow their treasured pieces to shine. The result? A finished space that feels cohesive, stylish, and unique. A few steps away you’ll find the…
Comfortable and Family-Centric Living Room
With the addition of the new dining area, this comfortable, and elevated living room is now appropriately sized for cozy family gatherings. Large, neutral area rugs separate the rooms making them feel grounded yet still connected.
The home’s original angled wall paneling felt authentic, but it required some updating. To maintain the simple, primitive farmhouse feel, we layered a fresh coat of creamy white paint. We swapped the traditional white trim for gray, giving this space a welcoming element of surprise and interest. The beautiful earth-toned original painting infuses this neutral space with a necessary pop of cheerful color.
Opposite the sofa, you’ll find a beautiful 2-sided fireplace (the kitchen, just beyond, features the other side). We replaced the outdated brick with new stone in varying neutral gray hues that blend seamlessly with the original character of the home.
To emphasize the natural beauty throughout this space, we kept furnishings and finishes simple and understated. Warm neutrals and soft, layered textures create an inviting environment perfect for cozy family nights by the fire. Looks like someone has already gotten a head start… ;)
Traditional Farmhouse Kitchen with Modern Amenities
We all know that the modern farmhouse aesthetic has seen an increase in popularity over recent years, but when you incorporate those traditional elements into the updated kitchen of an actual farmhouse? Well, the results are just magic. Let’s take a closer look…
A complete gut was required to make room for this gorgeous space. We designed a brand-new layout to increase function and allow room for high-end appliances. Now, the family can enjoy modern amenities while easily navigating through this space without bumping into each other. Success!
Custom cabinets and luxury Cambria quartz countertops bring a modern vibe, while the apron sink, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, open shelving, and panel ceiling provide the authentic and traditional farmhouse aesthetic.
Next to the fireplace is a beautifully crafted table and a custom built-in banquette. We designed this seating area with the family’s busy lifestyle in mind. Jessica and Shane can enjoy breakfast by the large bay window before preparing themselves and their daughter for the day ahead. Safe to say, the entire family is already enjoying this bright and sunny spot in the home!
While the kitchen certainly isn’t small, the doorways, windows, and fireplace made finding the space for a large enough pantry challenging. However, we didn’t want the couple to go without this essential storage, so we converted a hall closet off the kitchen into a large pantry brimming with organization.
Fun Powder Room with a Colorful Surprise
Do you know one of the best places to take a design risk? Yep, you guessed it… in the powder room. Although usually small, there is so much opportunity to pack personality into a powder room. It’s actually one of my favorite ways to add a fun surprise when designing a home for entertaining. Guests will almost always use this space, so why not make the experience an unforgettable one?
That is exactly what we did here…
When they told me that they wanted to get creative with their powder room, I was all in. We gave this space a complete overhaul — new vanity and fixtures, new flooring, and of course, a fun wallpaper designed by local artist Robin Ann Meyer. Finally, we painted the trim in the same bright color as the vanity to create a cohesive feeling throughout the space.
Unsurprisingly, Jessica told us that guests love the unexpected, quirky surprise of this powder room’s design. Win!
Functional and Organized Mudroom
Initially, this room was simple, basic, and underutilized. With only a washer, dryer, and utility sink, the family had no space for storage or function. As an entryway to the home, we knew we had to fix this. So we reconfigured the room entirely to create an area that would bring ease to their daily routines.
Tip: If you’re adding or redesigning a mudroom, we have some valuable insights on creating a highly functional space.
Our newly designed layout accommodated a new sink, custom built-ins with seating and storage, and a stacked washer and dryer. In addition, we replaced the flooring and chose a dark, durable tile that would be easy to maintain. Complete with cheerful and personality-packed artwork, this mudroom is now a happy, functional space that contains the mess after hours of playing outside and collecting chicken eggs.
Embracing their Updated Farmhouse
While our tour has come to an end, my heart is warmed knowing that Shane, Jessica, and their family will live the magic of their design every single day. Jessica recently shared this…
“When we purchased this property, I knew I needed help giving pieces I love a new life while still incorporating fresh items into this space. Laura helped me wrap my head around the big picture items like paint and trim colors and flooring that would tie everything together nicely. Laura’s expertise and knowledge brought my vision to life. I appreciated her ability to utilize what I had to not break the bank but also sensibly point me towards where to invest when needed.”
I’m so grateful that I was able to guide this wonderful family through the entire design process for their major home renovation project. And don’t Jessica and her sweet pup look perfectly at home and comfortable in their new space? That’s what it’s all about, my friends.
Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to make a design change in your home, I’d love to help. Reach out here, and let’s chat about your goals.
