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New Home Design

Warm, Rustic Retreat

2025-11-22
Alexandria, MN
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Brandi hagen
Principal Designer / Owner
living room with high ceiling with a TV and stacked stone fireplace reaching the ceiling

Lake Home Designed for Living

Sitting on the lake in Alexandria, MN, a new construction home was built in partnership with Highpoint Homes for a family of five (plus their dogs) looking to create a summer cabin they could truly grow into. As the framing went up, the number of design decisions quickly became overwhelming, and that’s when homeowners knew they needed help. Our team stepped in, got up to speed fast, and guided the project through selections, layout refinements, and all the details that bring a home like this to life.

New Home Design
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Stone, wood, and soft contemporary details make the home feel refined yet completely livable for an active family and their guests.

Warmth From Above

High vaulted ceilings with exposed beams bring a warm, open feel to the room. Planked wood ceiling softens the space, while the stacked stone fireplace draws your eye all the way up, visually connecting the entire room. The seating layout is generous and inviting—coordinated but never too matchy—layered with a mix of textures and materials in the tables and accents.

Living Room Design
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Beauty, Function, Balance

Centering the white kitchen design is an island with a contrasting dark counter and wood base with furniture feet that provides an overhang for sitting. Clean-lined cabinetry, a statement range hood, and a soft stone backsplash create a modern yet warm aesthetic, while the oversized woven pendants add texture and scale.

Kitchen Design

Soft Curves & Thoughtful Details

Butler's Pantry Design

Just off the kitchen sits the butler’s pantry, complete with additional prep space and a secondary sink. The microwave is tucked out of sight, and the glass uppers with a cross-mullion detail add a refined touch.

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Mudroom Design

Arch doorways repeat itself and leads to a practical mudroom with a bench, hooks, and plenty of places to tuck things away.

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Just in the Nick of Time!

Space Planning

The most impactful updates happened on the second floor—affectionately known as the kids’ quarters. Previously, Bedrooms 2 and 3 shared a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which wasn’t ideal for a brother and sister who often bring friends up to the cabin. Giving each room its own private bath makes weekends here run much smoother. This level now also includes a comfortable loft for hanging out, plenty of extra sleeping space, and a dedicated laundry area—everything a busy family needs for easy lake living.

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The Bunkroom

A cozy, durable bunkroom built for sleepovers, storytelling, and summer nights—now one of the most-loved spaces in the house.

Bedroom Design
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From One Bathroom, To Two

This space was originally part of the shared Jack-and-Jill bath. Now reimagined as a private bathroom, it’s an instant upgrade in both function and comfort. Smart use of angles ensures storage isn’t sacrificed, and a vibrant blue wallcovering adds personality and a fresh, modern touch.

Bathroom Design
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Connected by Stone, Wood, and Warmth

The exterior reinforces the story told inside—stone, wood, and refined details carried throughout for a cohesive, elevated look. It’s a home designed with purpose and built with longevity in mind, ready to welcome this family and their guests for years to come.