Minneapolis’ Lake of the Isles is surrounded by century-old homes, but one 1917 brick house now stands out for reasons beyond its lakefront views. A recent redesign has merged historic charm with modern family living while preserving its original character.
The house that almost wasn’t changed
The property sits on a rise overlooking the lake, its slate roof and plaster moldings still intact. Interior designer Heather Peterson, who led the project, described it as “the prettiest in Minneapolis’ chain of lakes.” The area offers rental boats in summer and ice skates in winter, along with the annual Luminary Loppet, where thousands of luminarias illuminate the frozen lake.
A family relocating from Seattle purchased the home after outgrowing their previous house. They needed space for daily routines and large gatherings—holiday dinners, school events—while maintaining a warm atmosphere for their four members. Peterson’s task was to ensure the rooms felt purposeful rather than simply large.
Two aesthetics, one home
The wife preferred an English Country style, influenced by designer Sister Parish. She kept furniture from their Seattle home, pieces selected by a now-well-known designer early in her career. Peterson determined the existing window treatments suited the new layout, so she left them in place. The husband, however, favored a mid-century look, which Peterson incorporated into his home office.
The previous owner had already updated the kitchen and added a family room, so Peterson concentrated on decorating. “We were tasked with furnishing the rooms and refining the renovations,” she explained. The aim was not to overhaul the space but to ensure the updates complemented the home’s original character.
Related: Why Clean Air Ducts Matter: The Hidden Impact on Indoor Air Quality
In the kitchen, changes included new lighting, hardware, and barstools, along with a painted island. The powder room underwent a full remodel, though its small size kept the project straightforward. The family room’s cherry built-ins remained, but a black granite fireplace surround felt out of place. Peterson replaced it with hand-made tiles, traditional sconces, and a vintage painting, restoring harmony with the home’s history.
These adjustments weren’t about removing the past. Instead, Peterson added new elements carefully, showing that thoughtful decorating can transform a house as effectively as a full renovation. The result is a home where original details, inherited furnishings, and daily life coexist, each contributing to the story.
Such an approach is uncommon in the city, where many lakefront homes have been stripped and rebuilt. Here, the history isn’t just preserved—it’s integrated into the living space, not treated as a relic. That balance may explain why the home feels both elegant and lived-in, a place where a family can grow without losing what made the house special.
Next winter, the Luminary Loppet will return, and the house will overlook the event as it has for generations. This time, the luminarias’ glow will reflect off a home that has been refreshed without losing its identity.
For those considering a similar project, modern updates can honor a home’s past while adapting it for contemporary living.