Featuring Senior Interior Designer, Melissa Mlejnek of Mom’s Design Build Looking for a quick Q&A on the art of color drenching in interior design? We’ve got you covered… What is color drenching and how does it differ from other bold color techniques? Color drenching is the art of saturating an entire room with a single […]
Color Drenching – Interior Design How-To & Pro-Tips! Read More »
First impressions matter—and in the world of home design, curb appeal is king. Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value, prep for resale, or simply love the idea of coming home to something beautiful, giving your front yard some intentional love does wonders! We sat down with Landscape Designer Britt Udenberg of Mom’s Design Build
Maximizing Curb Appeal in Minnesota: Expert Tips from A Landscape Designer Read More »
Do you ever look at your yard and think something is missing? And no, we’re not talking about a built-in pool or an outdoor kitchen (although, you know who to call if that’s the case). You might think you just need more flowers, trees, lights or furniture, but what you’re probably overlooking is an artistic touch.
Since the first beer was brewed and the first glass of wine fermented, legal adults around the world have enjoyed the tradition of sharing a good drink with better company. No matter if you prefer a dive bar or an upscale cocktail lounge, enjoying a beverage with friends and family is a popular way to celebrate milestones or decompress after work. Bar hopping on the weekends and supporting your local saloon for happy hour are fun excursions, but sometimes you just need a night at home, sipping your favorite beverage in your most loved pair of sweatpants. And occasionally, it’s exhilarating to host a party at your personal residence instead of outsourcing the festivities.
In addition to the many expertly placed rocks and boulders in our backyard water feature (Thanks Mom’s!) there are numerous hand-picked artifacts that add to the unique beauty. These are very special relics; not because of their monetary value or even their particular beauty, but because of what they represent.
Summers in Minnesota are truly unbeatable, but also fleeting. Everyone here knows the importance of taking advantage of those hot summer days and cozy summer nights by spending as much of it outside as possible. Quality time with family and friends is must–but let’s be real, rallying the troops to meet at a crowded restaurant or grilling at the local public beach is getting old and you’re craving the comfort and convenience of stepping right outside your back door. The only problem is, it feels like you just don’t have enough space to make your backyard a place for people to gather.
Outdoor lighting is a great way to boost the curb appeal of your home. With options including, but not limited to, mount lighting, table lamps, step lights, and fairy lights, generating a new aesthetic for your outdoor space is as simple as flipping a switch. Whether you’re looking to add some flair to the front yard or to brighten up the backyard, there are lighting options for every design taste and budget.
Summer is the best time to tackle any garage projects that may be on your mind. From upgrades to cleaning and organizing, there’s nothing like a fresh breeze and warm weather to kickstart your garage improvement efforts. Garages tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, so if you’re at a loss for ideas when it comes to tidying up, we’re here to offer you a few pieces of advice that will help you get started.
Curb appeal is an art. Whether you’re trying to sell your house or make all the dog walkers “ooh and awe” while walking by, we have all the tricks for you, specifically when it comes to all the fun and bold things you can do with your front door. The key? Make it memorable!
A quick tip to get started: remember, front doors are all about making a statement and boldness. Don’t be afraid when paying attention to that front door. It centers your home and it’s the first thing people focus on. If you’re going to be daring anywhere in the home, this is the place to do it.
As we all spend more time at home, whether in quarantine or due to the chilly temps outside, many of us are starting to think about the different spaces of our home and how we could improve upon them, especially high traffic areas like the kitchen! We have thoughts along the lines of, “If only my kitchen had new cabinets, an updated backsplash, more usable space,” the list goes on and on. However, considering a kitchen remodel can be quite daunting. Where do you begin? Do you start by setting a budget? Hiring a designer? Checking out a cabinet shop? Pursuing home improvement stores? Scouring Pinterest for inspiration? Or bing watching your favorite HGTV shows? While all of these will provide you with various bits of valuable information, your first step should actually be right where your train of thought began, in the kitchen!
Home Update: Should I Refresh or Remodel My Kitchen? Read More »
Are you thinking about renovating your space? That’s so exciting! And, at the same time, there’s a lot to consider. Is your space ready for an entirely new (gut out the entire room) project? Or, are you looking for a more simplified refresh? We put together a little blog post to help you decipher which option may be best for you, answer some questions, and give options for the renovation process.
Does My Home Need a Refresh or a Full Renovation? Read More »
These clients wanted to connect their new kitchen bump out to the outdoors via a sheltered area that would block bugs and rain but not the view of the lake below. Senior Designer Heather Sweeney exceeded those goals with a design that actually makes the lake appear closer and seamlessly integrates the indoors and out. It even expanded cool weather use with strategically placed heaters and a large fire table. The project features an operable pergola with motorized screen walls and architectural columns over a bluestone patio.
What will be gracing the curb appeal of landscape trends for the year 2020? Last year, it was all about metals, pergolas, and pinks. We’re sure homeowners will find delight in maintaining simple upkeep of backyards, but we’re excited to share the trends that will be topping off the effortless upkeep and simple beauty. Time to dig in!
The Year of the Simplicity: 5 Landscaping Trends to Watch for in 2020 Read More »
If you can imagine it, Heather can bring it to life. And if you can’t quite envision it, Heather can! With her contagious can-do attitude, ten years of experience at Mom’s and two degrees from NDSU in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, Heather is more than capable of turning dreams and designs into a stunning reality! The proof is in her impressive landscaping projects, several of which have won awards-even nationally! She is known for incorporating one-of-a-kind details unique to each client’s personality, but her real magic just might be in her ability to understand what her client wants–even when they don’t quite know it themselves! Indeed, Heather has found her calling.
Get to Know Award-Winning Designer Heather Sweeney Read More »
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
New Year’s Checklist: Fun Ways to Organize Your Home in 2020 Read More »
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
Effortless Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal Read More »
When it comes to home design, we’re all about creating unique, state-of-the-art spaces for your home. That’s where one of our favorite products comes in: StruXure Outdoor. They create gorgeous and functional adjustable pergola structures. If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll know pergola structures are all the rage in 2020, along with many other trendy outdoor upgrades. And the luxury systems of StruXure Outdoor are quality and can be created to your own personal design dreams. So, are you ready to think about your newest outdoor upgrade? Here’s all StruXure Outdoor has to offer.
Bring the Indoors Out with This Product We Love: StruXure Outdoor Read More »
A remodel adds a lot of value to your home. Bathroom upgrades, in particular, are manageable and a great option for an upgrade (psst…and oftentimes forgotten about!) If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, we have a great before and after remodel that showcases the breathtaking, simplistic update and a few essential improvement tips you can take with you. For this remodel, the space was opened up (i.e. fewer cabinets and countertop space) to create a breathable ideal. Bathrooms can feel cluttered with standing toilet roll holders, too many cabinets, recessed soap dishes and lots of counter space for random knick-knacks. You want your bathroom to be chic and open to create a sense of zen. So, the cabinets should be practical and plentiful; each must have a purpose. In this bathroom, a bench with added cabinet space in a neighboring mudroom is an effective solution. White light color fixtures and off-white wall color can also open up the space quite well.
Are you daydreaming about having a fire feature in your outdoor living space? You’re not alone! Over 50% of Americans have some sort of fire feature at their home, and the obsession doesn’t end there.
The key to quality ambiance in any piece of home design is always the lighting. Trust me, good lighting sets the mood in more than just romantic situations (wink, wink). I learned that from my mom. She said, “beautiful design starts with good lighting. You don’t need to turn ALL the lights on at once.”
Trend Alert: 5 Must-Know Outdoor Lighting Trends Read More »
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
This Coastal Cottage Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat Read More »
Winter is here. We can see it in the bare trees and in all of the hot chocolates and warm throw blankets we’re finally using again. Even though the leaves have left us and the walkway is getting a little icy, that doesn’t mean your remodel, home project dreams need to blow away like warm weather. In fact, there are many reasons why winter is the best time to get started on those outdoor projects. Spring is just around the corner, after all (see, we’re thinking positively here!)
Winter is The Best Time to Start Outdoor Projects: Here’s Why Read More »
Looking for the perfect designer or general contractor? We’re here to help! Finding them can be a lot like dating. You want to have the same values, work ethic, and style. Not to mention, when it comes to being a homeowner, designing and contracting is a foreign practice. You don’t know where to start, stop, end, or begin! And that’s totally fine. Look no further on Google. We’re here to help you (basically) write a love note to your ideal designer and how to find them.
Looking for the perfect designer or general contractor? We’re here to help! Finding them can be a lot like dating. You want to have the same values, work ethic, and style. Not to mention, when it comes to being a homeowner, designing and contracting is a foreign practice. You don’t know where to start, stop, end, or begin! And that’s totally fine. Look no further on Google. We’re here to help you (basically) write a love note to your ideal designer and how to find them.
The couple had built the home on Lake Minnetonka, MN in 2003. They loved the premier waterfront setting but craved relief from the heat and glare of the intense afternoon sun along their west-facing yard. They needed an attractive solution that would draw people outdoors and extend the season without compromising the lake view. The designer worked within stringent shoreline management restrictions to create a convenient and comfortable outdoor living environment under motorized pergolas.
Project Spotlight: A Coastal Chic Transformation Read More »
One of the most important and healthy things you can do for your home (to keep a long-lasting relationship with what keeps a home well) is winterizing your outdoor kitchen. And there may be a lot you’re not considering for the task at hand! That’s why we created this easy, step-by-step checklist for winterizing your kitchen (we may or may not have added some fun additional items in there for you to abide by).
A Step-By-Step Checklist for Winterizing Your Kitchen Read More »
Now that the summer heat is officially simmering down, it’s time to throw open the windows and let the crisp breeze come in! Also, it’s extremely beneficial in home design (like good lighting) to open up a space. So, the product we’re featuring in this blog is the coveted Phantom Screen. These retractable screen doors can be used for windows, outdoor spaces (patios, porches and lanais), multi-panel systems and doors. Imagine a double french door that opens up to the fresh air without the burden of bugs at your ankles, yeah it’s that good! Convenience is key in interior decorating so let’s take a dance through some beautiful examples of Phantom Screens being used in our client’s homes.
Here’s a roundup of are our favorite spaces using the product and how you can incorporate into your own home.
While the kitchen is the heart of the household, it’s easy to consider a big, breezy porch as the soul of the home. This is the spot you can hunker down and read a good, juicy book. It’s the corner you can take a nap at high noon. It is the socializing hub, as a place where you can settle down with family and friends and have a nightcap. Whether or not your porch is filled with house plants, good conversation, cozy furniture or whimsical string lights, we have just the porch to get anyone inspired. Meet the breezy and especially cozy sanctuary. Pssst…if you need any porch remodeling ideas, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet.
A vast improvement in form and function was simply a matter of envisioning beyond the obvious and working the numbers.
Isn’t the home of your dreams supposed to be perfect in every way? You’ve invested a lot of thought and research, chosen the best builder you can afford and poured over every detail from foundation to finish only to find that even a custom build with a healthy budget can miss the mark. It happens. Decisions have to be made, not always by choice but because of scheduling, supply chains, code restrictions and more.
Making it Work: Smart Design Solutions That Maximize an Edina Home’s Hardcover Read More »
Ahhh, the sweet smell of competition and a little bug spray. Nothing says summer quite like the shuffled enjoyment of putting together backyard sports games with neighbors and friends. While there is a little summer left and a lot of fall, we’d love to see how you can best use your beautiful yard to get out and play! Psst…fall also means less mosquitos so let’s get out the bocce ball and get competitive! Your kids didn’t name you “Mr. King of Funtown” for nothing.
Now, let’s get dreamy. Home design doesn’t only need to be connected to the inside of the house. You were a kid once – and adulting might mean creating the space for your kids (and you!) that inspires you to get outside and play.
Here are some ideas we had that surely will bring a smile to your face.
7 Ideas to Incorporate Family Play in Your Own Backyard Read More »
It’s almost football season and you know what that means: entire Sunday afternoons spent curled up in a blanket watching countless hours of sports. This, of course, includes intervals of basking in between naps and checking the chili cooking in the crockpot. Beyond relaxing, autumn is a wonderful time to host afternoon potlucks with friends or watch the big game. Let’s not forget hosting the kids when they come home for college or having close family over for a staycation.
It’s time to design the kitchen in your new home. You’ve been waiting for this moment ever since you’ve been dreaming up home and remodeling designs before you even bought the house. So, you want to do it right. More importantly, where do you start?
Pro Spotlight: Picking the Right Fixtures and Finishes for Your New Kitchen Read More »
Care to guess what the most requested Father’s Day gift is? That’s right, everything cooking related! Mom’s Design Build has you covered this Father’s Day with all everything you need to know about outdoor kitchen essentials.
Choosing the perfect products for your Outdoor Kitchen can be overwhelming. There are so many options out there, how do you know what to choose? Blaze grill shares they’re a lot of options out there to choose from, but they are not all equal. Well, don’t worry because we can help guide you? Before you can choose any products, you need to ask yourself a few important questions.
Grilling Resource Guide: Selecting the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Essentials? Read More »
Honey Bees are a trending topic for gardens. Bees rely on flowers to supply them with the food they need to survive while pollinating blooms in the process. Bees are extremely important to humans because they help to sustain our crops, pollinating much of the food we eat and also providing products used in cleaning and beauty products. They need a safe environment to ensure optimal health and longevity. You can help the bee population by planting a bee friendly garden. Here are 5 helpful tips to support these important pollinators.
5 Tips For A Buzz-Worthy Garden for Minnesota Bees Read More »
The line between indoors and outdoors clearly has blurred when designing spaces for today’s “casual elegance” lifestyles. Mom’s Design Build remodels interiors to embrace the natural environment and view. Yet we understand that Minnesotans also want their outdoor living spaces to feel like extensions of their homes.
Choosing the right outdoor fabrics is a smart way to meld the two worlds and add a splash of color and class whatever the weather.
A Guide For Selecting The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials Read More »
The owners of this Savage, MN backyard also own a small restaurant that they both work at full time so they don’t take time for vacations – they are always taking care of the business! So they wanted to transform the back yard into an oasis they could visit whenever they want to. They do have company over and spend time in the basement arcade/bar and the lower deck which both look out onto the backyard so the view was important from inside the home and out in the backyard.
Before and After: Creating The Perfect Staycation Read More »
Our challenge was to create an iconic, Nantucket inspired, outdoor environment for the new CōV restaurant at Minnesota’s most upscale shopping mall and opposite the country’s oldest mall. Never mind that the site was painfully narrow and overlooked a parking lot rather than a scenic bay.
This project completely changed how we spent the summer. We are out there all day long. We eat almost all meals outside: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. We read out there. We will sit out late at night with the screens down and enjoy the 360-degree sounds of the night. What we’ve accomplished is an outdoor area that is every bit as outdoors as it ever was, but it is so much more comfortable. We find that family and friends just want to hang out in this space and my wife and I do as well. We live out there.
Our client needed to create an entry landscape that would leave a first impression of the cool, unique resort community that is Concierge. We knew that we needed to enhance the outdated look and feel of the entry, attracting the young professionals working in the area.
A Designer Unlocks Luxury – And You Can Live There! Read More »
Often when homeowners are looking to expand their home, the first thought that comes to mind is an addition. Although an appropriate solution at times, we often overlook an easier and more cost effective solutions right before our eyes (or under our feet). Often home builders will leave basements unfinished, leaving large untapped potential in your home. Finishing your basement is a fantastic and cost effective way to expand livable space as well as add bedrooms/bathrooms. Below is a comprehensive breakdown the advantages of finishing your basement.
Planning Guide: 6 Reasons Why You Should Finish Your Lower Level Read More »
Just like Santa, outdoor appliances need to get ready for the winter. Here is a guide as to properly winterize your appliance.
If you have a blank space at the front of a border where you are considering planting some bearded iris, consider planting garlic instead. All varieties are pretty trouble free and have beautiful foliage until late summer when they are ready for harvest…
Today in Artful Agriculture: Potato Towers! This simple method allows the home gardener to grow an otherwise space-hogging crop in a small footprint that produces big yields. Simply form a cylinder from 2″x4″-opening fencing and start…
This week in Artful Agriculture: Honeyberries (Lonicera cerulea)!! The honeysuckle genus Lonicera has given us some some garden stalwarts like Tatarian and climbing honeysuckle. Only recently with the introduction of honeyberry cultivars has the genus been tapped to produce food…
People commonly think that vegetable gardening requires a lot of work for a meager bounty and that such gardens inherently look messy. That needn’t be the case! One way to create a high yield in small spaces that is diverse is by planting a polyculture cover crop…
