Set on Prior Lake, this 3,800-s.f. home designed by architect Steve Lemke blends rustic, modern and European style elements to create a unique space for owners Dyonne and Jeff Danielson and their family of three. Setting the stage for nontraditional elements within is the home’s eclectic exterior, which utilizes two types of brick and 3 different roofing materials to give the façade a richly detailed appearance.
Highmark Interior Designer Kristen Schammel used the same level of unexpected detail to bring indoor spaces to life. She describes the overall effect as modern yet warm with a bright, open floor plan. “The fun part of working with the Danielson’s,” says Kristen, “is that they have a wonderful eye for design and really knew what they wanted.” Many of the home’s unique attributes begin with Dyonne’s vision, including a central turret, the focal point of the home. On the main floor, this round space is the setting for the dining area with floor to ceiling window facing the lake. A stunning open staircase spirals around the room, anchoring the main floor to the spacious second floor.
Other unique features are geared around the family’s lifestyle, such as the kitchen’s “kids’ station” with cold drawer, microwave and counter space for snack prep, and the modern fireplace in the great room that’s flanked by metallic panels. Elements that unify the home’s eclecticism are the Douglas fir beams and matching stair treads, and the gray-stained ash flooring throughout main floor spaces.
Upstairs, three bedrooms, two baths and a playroom provide space for the kids to enjoy. A mother-in-law apartment over the garage and space for an elevator provide long-term planning options for this close-knit family.
HighPoints
• Turret with open helical staircase
• Gas fireplace
• Douglas fir beamed ceilings
• Modern style windows without casings
• Kids’ station in kitchen
• Custom designed tiling in baths and mudroom
• Architectural details with an industrial flair
• Mixed wood and metal elements
• Mother-in-law suite over garage
Q&A with the homeowners
Highmark Builders talked with the Danielson family about the experience of building their new home. Here are some of their insights and answers.
Q: Why did you decide to build a new home?
A: We bought the house with the original dream to remodel, but realized starting from scratch on the same lot would be the best solution for us.
Q: Can you describe your family’s style?
A: Dyonne enjoys many styles but settled on a combination of Modern European with Old World charm. Jeff’s aesthetic is more rustic, but he enjoys Old World elements as well.
Q: What were your must-haves for this home?
A: A turret, lots of glass, a 3-stall garage, laundry chute, great deck, industrial touches, good water pressure, an open kitchen, a mudroom, a basketball hoop, and a lower level entertainment area.
Q: How involved were you in the design?
A: We cut pictures out of magazines and visited hundreds of custom homes over a 10-year period. My [Dyonne’s] design sense is evident throughout; Jeff’s input was less substantial but very well-timed!
Q: What are a few of your favorite features of your new home?
A: The view of the lake, front entry, and dining “in the round” [Dyonne]; the “captain’s quarters” room upstairs and the Sportscenter TV above the Jacuzzi tub [Jeff]; open layout [Maddy, age 17]; Nerf-war-ready basement [Cooper, 9]; and playroom over the garage [Sydney, 8].
Q: Why did you choose Highmark Builders?
A: Highmark has proven itself to be one of the Twin Cities finest high-end builders. Quality played a strong role but ultimately personal relationship was the most important.
Q: David Bromstad of ColorSplash is your brother, Dyonne…is he a big design influence?
A: David and I are like peanut butter and jelly. We are both good but together we are great! We’ve influenced each other since childhood and enjoy each other immensely. David has been too busy to be very involved, but his influence is felt in the art pieces. Our older brother Dean, a talented light specialist, provided custom lighting design which is a big part of the home’s presentation.
