A collaboration with MN Living Co. to design and procure a transitional custom home

While house hunting in Rochester, Minnesota, MN Living Co. approached us and asked if we would consider building our next home.

We really like Lee and Emily Fleming’s work and knew we could mutually benefit from a partnership which allowed us to oversee some of the contractors, research and buy building materials and finishes, and even do some of the work ourselves.

Progressive Plan Design, LLP drew up our inspiration and plans for our custom 2-story, transitional 6-bedroom home which sits on 2 acres in southwest Rochester. Leveraging Lee’s knack for floor plans, we have the utmost functional layout for a growing, busy family.

A big mudroom and laundry room with a walk-in closet is every mother’s dream. The custom built-in locker meets the needs of every on-the-go family … providing ample storage that hides all of the jackets, gloves, and shoes without sacrificing function.

The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream featuring Bosch appliances, an oversized island with a prep kitchen, coffee bar and floor-to-ceiling storage. Family and guests have easy access to a fully screened-in porch with overhead heat and large patio for gatherings in the outdoor kitchen and future hot tub.

Aiming for an edgy but comfortable design, we combined traditional and modern styles with high-quality finishes. Custom white oak cabinetry is stained with Rubio Monocoat, a single-coat, eco-friendly wood finish, and complements the engineered white oak hardwood flooring on the main and upper levels.

While iron railings are now quite common, we wanted something more sleek and contemporary. We researched and sourced House of Forging for its unique hardware designs that combine modern and classic elements for superior installation and upscale style.

Tile choice can be safe or bold. In our case, it’s a mix! We went for neutral silvers, blacks, whites, and concrete colors for most tiles, but opted for more unique collections on the walls. The Kenridge ribbon maple wood look in large format gave the primary and steam shower a spa-like feel. The Ivy Hill Beta Rose ceramic tile added a touch of femininity to our daughter’s niche, while the Imperial Slate Blue hexagon brought a splash of color to our boys’ shower. We love how tile can add movement and texture even in small spaces.

What’s become a family favorite is our custom simulator room that also serves as a cozy theatre for family time when the clubs are put away. It’s next to the basement living room which flows nicely for entertaining large groups. We wanted the golf space to feel intentional so we sourced black walnut paneling from Wood Panel Wall, which not only gives this space a warm, mid-century modern look but also acts as a soundproofing barrier.

Attention was also given to the plumbing and lighting fixtures as that also sets a tone in design. Delta, Moen, and high-end Kohler fixtures with mixed metals were selected for all levels. More contemporary lighting was mashed with natural walnut finishes to meet that transitional design. Finally, heated tile flooring was a must in the primary and basement bar areas providing comfort on those cold Minnesota days.