Featured on the 2017 Fall Parade of Homes

Built on an 80-by-80-foot lot in Edina, this home is a great example of making the most of a challenging lot without sacrificing the spaces a family wants. The design maximizes the home’s footprint while still providing four bedrooms upstairs, generous gathering spaces and a layout that feels open and comfortable.

The exterior has a fresh farmhouse feel with crisp white siding, steep gables, contrasting dark details and a welcoming covered entry. Inside, that classic style is carried through with warm dark wood floors, white cabinetry, brass lighting and simple architectural details. The kitchen is the heart of the main floor, with an oversized contrasting island, professional-style range, generous cabinetry and a large window over the sink that fills the space with natural light.

One of our favorite details is the pass-through window from the kitchen to the outdoor entertaining area. It creates an easy connection between inside and out, making it simple to serve food and drinks when friends and family are gathered outside. The open kitchen and family room continue that emphasis on entertaining, while large windows and doors bring natural light deep into the home.

The lower level was designed to work just as hard as the rest of the house. Polished concrete floors give the entertaining space a more casual feel, while a Murphy bed provides a comfortable place for overnight guests without dedicating an entire room to occasional use. It’s another example of using square footage thoughtfully and allowing one space to serve more than one purpose.

From fitting four bedrooms upstairs to creating flexible guest and entertaining spaces below, every part of this home was planned to get more out of a relatively compact Edina lot. The result is a family home that feels spacious, inviting and highly functional while still maintaining the warmth and character of a modern farmhouse.