2023 Home of the Month Look Book

Compact Conversion | Remodel
Rather than relocating, a family of four in Minnetonka chose to remodel
their tight house, which was dated with a cramped kitchen not well
suited for entertaining. The new layout utilizes every corner of this small
home to maximize storage, improve flow, and connect spaces, creating
a modern midcentury vibe.
Photos: Wing (Ta) Ho
The original kitchen space became the dining room, featuring new
plywood wall paneling that cascades down and becomes a space-saving
bench. A coffee bar with bright blue penny tiles is hidden in the opening
between the living room and kitchen, and a narrow island with seating
at one end allows the focus of the kitchen to be on the sliding glass
doors to the deck. A window was also added to the left of the stove to
bring in additional light. A wall of deep storage along the garage wall
provides a place for coats, boots, and overflow pantry/kitchen storage.
Small design touches throughout the rest of the main floor complete the
project, including a new handrail for the stairs, an updated wood mantel
above the fireplace, and new wood flooring in the
sunken living room.
Albertsson Hansen Architecture
aharchitecture.com • (612) 823-0233
Design team: Christine Albertsson, AIA; Jim Kuipers, Assoc. AIA
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