Modern Kitchen Design: Spaces Driven by Character

Are you making plans for a new kitchen this year? As the process begins, you’re probably asking yourself: What trends are defining kitchen style in 2026? As custom home builders and remodelers, we’d say modern kitchen design is driven by character. Our clients want to create homes that reflect their unique interests, lifestyles, and design sensibilities. Below is a brief list of features owners are choosing to increase their kitchen’s functionality and express their style.

• Statement Appliances
  Hiding and blending appliances still have a place in kitchen design. But more homeowners are also adding statement appliances with bold colors, metallic accents, and other bespoke finishes.

• Banquettes
  There is nothing cozier than a built-in booth or corner seating! We love how these built-ins elevate a kitchen or dining nook, making it feel special.

• Sculptural Islands
  Kitchen islands have always been functional, but an emphasis on detailing and beauty is making them more ornate, like a piece of fine furniture.

• Prep Kitchens
  Whether you call it a larder, butler’s pantry, or prep kitchen, these tucked-away spaces keep cooking messes and kitchen clutter out of sight, making hosting a breeze!

• Integrated Bars
  Custom bars remain a massive kitchen trend that isn’t losing steam! From coffee to beverages to cocktails to smoothies, these integrated stations allow artful entertaining and extend the kitchen gracefully into other living areas.

• Full-Height Backsplashes
  Practical and pretty, full-height backsplashes bring a splash of design drama and provide a visual backdrop to any kitchen. They’re also easier to clean than tile and can provide an extra ledge for storage and display.

• Separated Spaces
  While open floor plans were all the rage for years, homeowners are craving separate spaces in the post-pandemic era. Separated spaces allow more privacy, contain messes, lower noise levels, and complement traditional/formal gatherings.

Ready to be inspired by character-driven kitchen design? Scroll below to see our clients’ expressive kitchens - they are all absolutely stunning!

Designing a Multi-Purpose Lower Level

As the weather cools in the Twin Cities, spending more time inside is inevitable. The functionality of our homes is on full display during the winter months, particularly when they seem to feel inefficient. When it comes to maximizing indoor spaces, you can’t beat the flexibility of lower levels!

Since they’re not the main thoroughfare, basements offer perpetual options for customization. From new construction to remodeling, our team has helped countless clients design multipurpose lower levels over the years.

Has your basement seen better days? Whether you’re searching for design inspiration or already have your dream space in mind, this blog will cover lower level remodeling ideas from A to Z. Read on below for our top basement remodeling tips, ideas, and advice - we want you to consider everything your lower level could be!

Think in Zones

When beginning any remodel, it’s helpful to think in zones. Ask yourself, what are my family’s needs? How do we use our space? What’s on our wish list? Creating a multipurpose space is a complex puzzle - the pieces have to all fit together perfectly.

First, make a list of all the activities your lower level will house; those activities are your zones. For example, many basements include areas for lounging, hosting, watching media, working out, kids playing, and storing seasonal items.

Thinking in zones is the key that unlocks your space. This method transforms lower levels into versatile spaces for the entire family. So, what functional and fun zones might your basement include? Scroll down for a list of popular basement upgrade ideas our clients love!

family Lounge

The primary function of most basements is a casual family room. Unlike the upstairs living room, these spaces are all about putting your feet up and letting your hair down. A comfortable and cozy lounge is the perfect anchor for a lower level. Start with that at the center and then build out other areas from there.

Media Room

Similar to an area for lounging, most basements include some media component. We’ve created all types of customized media rooms for our clients, from the state-of-the-art home theaters for die-hard cinemaphiles to relaxing family rooms with plenty of seating and snacks for Disney marathons. The most crucial factor to consider is whether you prefer an integrated or separate media space, or maybe both!

Basement Bar

Whether you prefer a stiff cocktail, a glass of red wine, or a crisp Diet Coke, a basement bar is a classic upgrade. Integrated bars are for more than just alcohol; they’re a downstairs serving area, a hub for snacks, dishware, and NA drinks (think beverage drawers and fridges). To expand functionality, incorporate bar seating, a banquette, and counterspace for both prep and serving.

Game Room

Want to do more than watch TV downstairs? One playful way to personalize a lower level is by adding space for games. Go old-school and build out an arcade, design the ultimate video-gaming room, designate a table for puzzles and board games, create a swanky lounge for poker nights, or make room for pool and ping pong tournaments.

Play Space

If you have young kids at home, then you know managing toys is a full-time job. Toys will probably migrate throughout your home, no matter what you do; however, playrooms go a long way to keep the chaos at bay. A separate playroom is ideal for housing larger items, such as small climbers/slides, toy kitchens, dollhouses, dress-up areas, indoor swings, and mini trampolines. An exclusive kids’ area also allows for adults to hang out in the next room and have a full conversation - well, that’s the hope, at least ;)

Game Day Hub

Is your house game day central? Watch your favorite team in style with the ultimate game day hub! Add everything you and your crew need to watch, snack, and cheer together comfortably. An excellent layout option for these spaces is different levels of seating. For example, a long high-top table behind the sofa maximizes possible seating and maintains everyone’s sight lines of the game. Win-win!

Home Gym

Want to break a sweat without the time commitment or hassle of going to the club? A home gym, weight room, or yoga/pilates studio could be just what you need! Home gyms are a massive design trend on the rise for good reason; they’re convenient, infinitely customizable, and an investment in your wellbeing. We love helping clients prioritize their health and well-being by designing their self-care sanctuaries.

Recrational Sports Court

Have a major baller, dancer, gymnast, or hockey player at home? Recreational sports courts are a fantastic upgrade for everyone, from serious athletes to active families. Additionally, indoor recreation areas are a secret weapon for hosting kids’ birthday parties or staving off cabin fever during harsh Midwest winters. I mean, who isn’t always looking for a place for their kids to burn off their extra energy?

Hobby spot

Does your family have a habit of collecting hobbies? These passions bring many good things into our lives, but they also often involve a lot of extra stuff. From knitting to scrapbooking to woodworking to sewing to pottery to crafting and DIY projects, a dedicated hobby spot gives everything you need a home that’s easily within reach.

Storage space

Every home needs organized and well-planned storage. Basements are ideally suited for storing seasonal items like outerwear, holiday decorations, and sports equipment - they stay out of sight, but are still accessible. You could also build out an extra pantry for bulk items, a giftwrap station, heirloom storage, a hidden safe for valuables, or anything else you can dream up!

Wine Cellar

Are you a wine connoisseur? Do you host whiskey tastings for friends? Collections of expensive glass bottles are delicate; once they grow too large, you need a safe place to house them. Certainly, not everyone needs a wine cellar, but they’re such a classy and functional feature for collectors! Go all out with custom shelves, a tasting table, temperature controls, lighting design, and a secure entrance for peace of mind.

Guest SuitE

Does your family host relatives for Christmas every year? Do your in-laws or grandkids live out of state? Lower levels lend themselves well to accommodating guests; they’re separate, private, and spacious. Our design team can help you strategize your space, from a whimsical bunk room for grandkid sleepovers to a fully independent in-law suite for lengthier stays to a cozy guest room and bath.

Indoor/Outdoor

If you have a walk-out basement, then an indoor/outdoor porch with backyard access is a fabulous feature! Just like the main floor, lower levels benefit from sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor entertaining. Create a versatile space by building out a screened porch, patio seating, a bonfire area, or a backyard kitchen that allows for both indoor and outdoor hosting with flexibility and style.

Ready to start?

Has all of this inspiration got you dreaming about your own lower level finish or remodel? Please, reach out and connect with our team whenever you're ready - we would love to help you get the ball rolling! You can also visit the galleries to explore more of our previous new construction and remodeling projects.

Creekside Casual New Construction

How do you seamlessly blend traditional elements and casual California style? This new construction home in Edina is a remarkable example of a timeless yet on-trend aesthetic. Inside and out, this beautiful home boasts clean lines, warm woodwork, neutral colors, and splashes of pattern and moody tones.

We could write an endless list of features we adore in this home; however, to spare you, we’ve listed just a few below.

• The effortless colonial exterior

• A charming powder room with botanical wallpaper

• A cozy, open-concept main floor great room

• Stunning woodwork throughout: cabinetry, ceiling beams, built-in desks, and bookcases

• Gourmet kitchen with beverage bar, spacious island, and walk-in pantry

• Custom kids’ study space and play area

• Luxe and serene owner’s suite

• Adorable kids bedrooms

• Moody traditional study/home office

• Bright sunroom with welcoming fireplace

• Indoor/outdoor main floor sliding doors

• Beautiful backyard patio

Are you ready to see more of this beautiful Edina home? Scroll through the gallery to see every stunning design detail!

Style Spotlight Series: Minimalist Home Design

This week, we’re thrilled to share the third installment in our ongoing Style Spotlight series! The first and second trends we explored were Coastal and Eclectic design; today, we’re shining a spotlight on Minimalist Home Design.

While the name implies simplicity, minimalist home design can be complex to nail down. Minimalism isn’t only about having fewer things; it’s about making selections with intention and letting them shine. The phrase “less is more” is often ascribed to minimalists. We’d also emphasize “quality over quantity”.

A few hallmarks of minimalist homes include:

• Simple lines and patterns

• Monochromatic or neutral color palettes 

• Limited furnishings, decor, and adornment

• Lack of clutter and thoughtful storage 

• Open and flowing floor plans 

• An emphasis on natural light 

Want to explore some of our favorite minimalist home designs? Scroll below for our clients’ elegant and inspiring spaces!