Bringing Colorado Design to the Midwest

1/14/2021

[BHH Partners Perham]

Story by Jenny Schuster
Photography by Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

It’s no question that lakes country is home to some of the most exquisite properties in all of Minnesota. And this Little Detroit Lakes stunner is no exception! Inspired by mountainous mansions, this lakes area build exudes not only the grandeur and architectural style that can be found throughout the Rockies, but also all the warmth and cozy feel that the Midwest loves to embrace.

When Dreams Come True

A year from conception to move-in completion, Detroit Lakes natives, Terry and Michelle Maier’s dream home delivers an eye catching design, clean lines, personal touches and a functionality all it’s own.

“We knew what we liked and had always been in love with all of those mansions in the mountains,” shared Michelle. “We just wanted something warm where you walk in and feel like you’re home”.

With its sprawling 4,000 sq ft (above grade) open concept layout, the living spaces are clearly the focal point. Featuring soaring 20-foot ceilings in the main living space with an overlook from the 2nd story and 10-ft heights throughout most of the rest of the home, it is clear that wide open spaces and an abundance of light are at the forefront of the design.

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Living Their Dream

The large main living area boasts a floor to ceiling stacked stone fireplace, walnut wood accents and wood ceiling details with a bank of windows facing the lake for gorgeous views. Opening to an expansive, gourmet-like kitchen and well-designed butler’s pantry, the natural flow of the design leads to the back bar/entertaining room. With sueded granite island top, warm, custom walnut cabinetry, wine fridge and wood ceiling details, this inviting space is sure to impress.

The main floor master bedroom and its wood featured wall create an interesting focal point upon entering and help continue the theme of using elemental earth-tone touches with the objective of bringing the outside...inside. Not to mention a master bath you’ll never want to leave!

main living areas, loft living, BHH Partners, Midwest Nest Magazine

Mid-Century Love

Besides the central living areas, the home also features two home offices (one with a murphy wall pull-out), a gym, media room and lofted living space. From start to finish, it is clear that everything was thought of in this build!

And with their design goal in mind, the Maier’s also tried to pull in the warmth and timelessness of Mid-century modern designs. “We liked the esthetics of the Frank Lloyd Wright look, but not too exaggerated. We wanted a little more modern, but casual too”, said Maier.

Therefore, by adding several artistic touches including the steel stairway and Hubbarton Forge lighting, the goal of something inviting and warm blended with a modern day feel the perfect accents accomplish just that.

When taking on a custom build of this scale, many wonder where to even begin. “The experience was smooth and the professionals that we worked with worked so well together, that we didn’t have to make a lot of choices or worry about things”, shared Maier in regard to their build. “We love coming home. We absolutely love our house and how it turned out.”