This home is located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota. “Excelsior is a wonderfully vibrant lakeside community with lots of shopping and restaurants,” says Julia Miller of Yond Interiors. “I love that this area feels accessible and walkable and is centered around lake life.”

It was the perfect setting for a new construction home, and a collaboration between Yond Interiors and PKA Architecture, both based in Minneapolis. “The client sought a team they could trust, allowing the design process to unfold efficiently,” the PKA team told us. “Their respect for the process and the experts involved was evident, as they brought positive energy and a tone that energized the design team.” 

The client envisioned a timeless, modern cottage that would complement the architecture in Excelsior. Key elements included access to lake views, privacy from neighboring houses, and low maintenance materials that would weather all four seasons. “The goal of this project was to create a home where the client could fully embrace ‘lake life’ and make cherished memories with loved ones,” the architecture team continues. “We wanted to design spaces that would beautifully showcase their collections from travel and life experiences, while also ensuring privacy between the primary suite and the guest rooms on the lower level.” 

The main level is dedicated to open, public spaces that maximize natural light, while upstairs features private spaces that offer direct views of the lake. For the interior aesthetic, Julia aimed to reflect the exterior. “We were inspired by the soft, natural, and watery landscape and the client’s desire for a calming environment,” she says. 

The project took almost 3 years from start to finish. “The narrow lot and significant topography presented challenges that required careful management,” the PKA team says. “These were met with innovative solutions, such as the thoughtful terracing and privacy−focused layout, which provided valuable lessons in balancing openness and privacy in a constrained site.”

“The client was so fun to work with and often would approve design ideas on the grounds that they were ‘kickass’-so he was very fun to work with,” Julia shares. “He was overwhelmed with emotion, acknowledging all of the hard work and creativity that went into a home that was designed just for him.”

Take a virtual tour in the slideshow.

Additional Credits:

PKA Architecture Team: Kristine Anderson, Assoc. AIA; Bob Le Moine, AIA; Ashley VandenBosch, AIA; Cindy Burns, AIA
Landscape Architecture:PEBL and River Heights Outdoor Solutions