Changing Homes: Evolution of the Family

The only constant in life is change. As families grow and evolve, so do our homes. Many of our clients design custom homes and then remodel or even build again further down the road.

Collaborating with repeat clients is one of the highlights of our work. We love helping people create a home that reflects their current life stage. Whether you’ve outgrown your space, your hobbies have changed, or your kids are getting older, below are a few common reasons our clients update their homes.

Home Office
One significant advantage of working from home is its flexibility. However, without a dedicated office space, working at home can devolve into chaos and stress. Many of our clients are creating his and hers home offices, formal studies/libraries, or project spaces that accommodate everything from work to crafts to homework time.

Bathroom Updates
Bathrooms are some of the most heavily trafficked rooms in any home. It’s only natural that our bathrooms would need to adapt to our changing families. From powder rooms to kids’ baths to owner’s suites, we can help you get organized, make style updates, or create your spa-inspired oasis.

Basement Finishing
Lower levels are the Swiss army knife of the home; they’re a tool for every occasion or need. Many basements start as unfished storage or kids’ playrooms and progress alongside the family. We’ve seen our clients renovate their lower levels into incredible media rooms, wine cellars, teen hangouts, workout rooms, sports courts, and bar-style lounges!

Guest Suite
Do you love hosting friends and family but feel cramped each holiday season? We can design the guest suite of your dreams for putting up the in-laws or hosting epic grandkid sleepovers. Lower levels make an ideal guest area with features like a separate bathroom and private space to unwind.

Building Again
If your family has fully outgrown your space, then building again might be your best option. Whether you want to stay in the area or scout out a new neighborhood, our team are experts at sourcing lots in the Twin Cities’ best communities. It’s always an honor and a joy to help families create their first, second, or even third home!

Center of the Home: Inspiring Kitchen Design

At REFINED, the core of our work is designing around our clients’ lifestyles. Our expertise is creating homes that are equally beautiful and functional.

Kitchens, in particular, host a range of family life, meaning they need to be built efficiently! From homework to meal prep to hosting, we design deeply practical and gorgeous spaces people want to inhabit.

Scroll below to explore a few of our favorite kitchens. Whether you're looking for style inspiration, storage ideas, or how to expertly integrate trends, we've got a little bit of everything to share!

Fresh Air: Indoor/Outdoor Spaces for Spring

Few things compare to the joy that accompanies the changing seasons in the Midwest. There's nothing like enduring a long winter to make you appreciate the beauty of spring! If you also can't stop daydreaming about green grass and sitting in the sun, you're in the right place. Today we’re sharing some of our favorite indoor/outdoor client spaces.

As the seasons change, porches, in particular, are a real lifesaver during rollercoaster weather days. You get a taste of the outdoors but can still control your environment - think fireplaces! Scroll below to explore our favorite spots to soak up the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air!

Design Trends: Inspiring Wallpaper Selections

Few finishes have more staying power than wallpaper. Trends come and go, but the best styles stand the test of time. Our favorite designers and brands always find new and inspiring ways to reinvent and revitalize wallpaper.

One of the things we love most about wallpaper is its versatility. No matter your taste, from neutrals to bright colors, soft florals to bold graphic patterns, optical illusions to large-scale designs that function more as art - endless options are available!

Many of our recent client projects feature gorgeous wallpaper. We’ve seen it used in powder rooms, pantries, laundry rooms, bedrooms, kids’ bathrooms, offices, mudrooms, and even on ceilings. Scroll below to explore a gallery of some of our favorite wallpaper patterns!