A century-old property situated alongside a lake undergoes a transformation, preserving a visual link to the surrounding panorama; the blended Scandinavian and moody design beautifully reflects this newly established environment.
Transforming a Centennial Minneapolis Lake House into a Modern Scandinavian Retreat
In the heart of Minneapolis, a historic 100-year-old home situated just one block from Lake Minnetonka, has undergone a remarkable transformation at the hands of Oho Interiors. The renovation project, which aimed to create a family-friendly lakeside retreat, has successfully blended moody Scandinavian design with a strong connection to the lake.
Unique Design Elements
The unique design elements of the renovated home stand out, with star-studded pantry doors adding a whimsical, unexpected decorative detail that brightens functional spaces. A curvy niche designed explicitly for coloring creates a dedicated, child-friendly spot integrated seamlessly into the home's aesthetic. The use of blue-veined marble in the kitchen introduces both natural artistry and a playful yet timeless feel. The redesign also prioritized bringing lake views into the main living spaces, which had been previously obscured, emphasizing a strong visual and spiritual connection to the water.
Color Palette
The home reflects a moody, calming palette inspired by the nearby lake—serene, grounding tones likely involving deep blues, grays, and natural neutral shades typical of Scandinavian design. This palette enhances the tranquil atmosphere, connecting interior spaces with the natural surroundings while providing a timeless Scandinavian look without feeling overly stark or sterile.
Family-Friendly Spaces
The design integrates features that support family life with two young daughters, such as the dedicated creative/coloring niche. The open, airy spaces with clear sightlines to the lake encourage a relaxed, togetherness-oriented lifestyle. The focus on a “forever home” concept ensures durability, comfort, and adaptability for a growing family, all while maintaining aesthetic sophistication.
This renovation exemplifies how Scandinavian design’s clean lines, natural materials, and muted, nature-inspired colors can be adapted to an older historic home, creating an elegant but warm lakeside retreat tailored for family living. The resulting scheme leans on a quiet, refined palette of earthy neutrals, stormy blues, and inky charcoals, with light playing a crucial role in washing colors into softer versions or intensifying the depth.
Every room feels connected to the same story, whether it's the kitchen or a reading nook. The boldest design choice in the kitchen came in the form of the kitchen countertops, which are made of Ijen Blue quartzite. The kitchen remodel was one of the biggest structural transformations, with the new owners—a young family with two daughters ages six and one—seeking a forever home that felt connected to the water. The home's design is not a literal take on coastal or nautical design but has a quiet rhythm reflecting the peacefulness of being near water.
The pantry storage got custom doors with star cutouts, making something special out of the utilitarian. The kitchen island's generous proportions invite gatherings, while the overhang is framed by vintage-style counter stools. The home had been the victim of many remodels and was lacking cohesion, but the redesign has brought harmony and unity to the space. The living room is drenched in a moody green color, with the interiors serene yet deeply grounding, with unexpected design moments.
In conclusion, the renovation of this 100-year-old Minneapolis lake house by Oho Interiors is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the ability to create a modern, family-friendly retreat while preserving the home's heritage and connection to the lake.
The unique design elements of the modern Scandinavian retreat incorporate home-and-garden elements, such as the star-studded pantry doors that bring a whimsical touch to functional spaces, and a curvy niche designed for coloring to create a dedicated, child-friendly spot. The lifestyle in the renovated home embraces a family-oriented focus, with open, airy spaces and color palettes reminiscent of the lake, promoting a relaxing, lakeside retreat atmosphere.
