When the Nelson family set out to build their forever home on the lake, they weren’t simply looking for more space—they were looking for something that felt deeply them. The original house on the lot, a quaint single-level cabin, no longer fit the needs of their growing family. So, they tore it down and started fresh—creating a two-story retreat that blends timeless Scandinavian character with the practical comforts of modern family life.

This was about lifestyle— how the family entertains, how they gather, how their children grow into the space.

The home’s aesthetic roots run deep, drawing inspiration from the family’s Norwegian heritage. The white-trimmed windows, dark siding, gabled rooflines, and timber scrollwork are unmistakably Nordic, while the interiors balance rustic charm with a clean, modern edge. It’s a house where legacy meets livability.

What follows is a room-by-room tour of this distinctly personal home—each space a reflection of intentional design, cross-cultural influence, and the quiet joy of building something that lasts.

Location: Lake Sallie, MN Square Feet: 3,325
Bed: 4 Bed
Bath: 4 Full/2 Half

“You can really see the Scandanavian influence on the exterior of the house. The dark siding with white windows is a traditional Norwegian combo. The wood carvings and corbel details around the porch are also very Scandinavian. There’s a lot of heavy timber with integrated wood artistry—almost a Norwegian version of the Arts and Crafts style. The rooflines, especially the gabled forms, are also a nod to traditional Norwegian architecture. There’s also a bit of Minnesota cottage influence in there. So it’s a cross-cultural blend—on the surface, it might just look like a cozy Minnesota home, but underneath, it’s deeply rooted in their Norwegian heritage.”

– Chris Hawley, Principal, Craftwell Architecture + Construction

“This is the kids’ lounge area. There’s no basement in this home, so this upstairs space serves as a hangout spot. Instead of walking upstairs into a hallway, there’s a shared gathering area— perfect for when the kids get kicked out of the kitchen and adult spaces. It sits between the kids’ bedrooms and the primary suite. Here, the clean detailing continues. There’s nothing fussy—just calm, refined design.”

– Chris Hawley, Principal, Craftwell Architecture + Construction

“The homeowners have a lot of friends and do quite a bit of hosting. Every time I stopped by, there were people coming and going. So a lot of the design choices were made with entertaining in mind. They also wanted to honor some of the character of the original house. This space in particular was about giving the kids a space to hang out that still allowed the family to be together. The built-ins are for games and storage but still help keep the space cozy.”

– Gabrielle Lindberg, Senior Designer, O’Hara Interiors

“The design concept stays consistent throughout the home and the living room is the same. This isn’t a house with one-off rooms—it all flows. Many of the exterior materials are used inside as well. For example, the timberwork and corbels you see separating the dining and living areas use the same profiles and details as those on the porch. There’s a real consistency in how interior and exterior spaces are treated.”

– Chris Hawley, Principal, Craftwell Architecture + Construction

“The clients were inspired by a project from an architect I work with here in the Twin Cities—his own rustic Scandinavian-style cabin. That inspiration helped guide the feel of this home: simplified, but with rustic character. The micro-beveled wood ceiling adds texture while minimizing drywall. Craftwell did a great job here. The space is oriented so that everything points toward the lake, which is just to the left in this photo. The fireplace is the focal point, with the TV off to the side—not the center of attention. They wanted to be able to watch a game in the background but not have the TV dominate.”

– Gabrielle Lindberg, Senior Designer, O’Hara Interiors

Features:

Golf Simulator
Covered Patio with Drop
Down Screens
Sauna
Covered Entry
Shuffleboard Court

“It was refreshing not to do a white kitchen—we brought in color and character. They even have a vintage-style range for a bit of charm. The stair railing also has a rustic cottage feel, avoiding the common metal trend. The pendants have small crystals and add a subtle sparkle—unexpected with the rustic look of the rest of the project, but fitting.”

– Gabrielle Lindberg, Senior Designer, O’Hara Interiors

“The darker wall color adds warmth and intimacy. The pass-through behind the buffet connects to the pantry—great for entertaining. Easy to stage or serve food without cluttering the main dining space. And, I love the light fixture. It’s so simple.”

– Gabrielle Lindberg, Senior Designer, O’Hara Interiors

“The client wanted to go all-in with pink—it’s her favorite color and the powder room felt like the perfect place to embrace it. It was one of those rare times a client was instantly on board with a bold idea.”

– Gabrielle Lindberg, Senior Designer, O’Hara Interiors