Houzz Tours
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Simple and Sophisticated Lakeside Family Retreat
This Minnesota lakeside home's minimal colour palette creates a soothing haven in which to relax and recharge
Minneapolis couple Andrea and Brett Swan hoped to capture ultimate sophistication with simplicity in their serene cabin by Lake Mille Lacs. Andrea, owner of Swan Architecture, designed the award-winning cabin, named Swan Fish Camp.
‘Our goal was to keep the design minimal,’ Andrea says. ‘We lead such challenging, fast-paced lives, so much care and attention was placed in creating a sense of calm, a space that allows us to relax and recharge.’
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Brett, Andrea and their daughter, Emi Swan
Location Minnesota, USA
Size 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
‘Our goal was to keep the design minimal,’ Andrea says. ‘We lead such challenging, fast-paced lives, so much care and attention was placed in creating a sense of calm, a space that allows us to relax and recharge.’
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Brett, Andrea and their daughter, Emi Swan
Location Minnesota, USA
Size 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
The cabin’s exterior was inspired by traditional farmhouses, a popular design in the early 20th century. The blue colour of the roof was chosen as an extension of the sky.
A popular feature of homes in the area is a wrap-around decking area. The sleek lines of the stainless steel cable handrail add a contemporary touch and allow for unobstructed views of the lake.
Keeping the base palette neutral allows the accessories and art to be easily interchangeable. ‘Initially there was some concern that blue was too cool an accent colour,’ Andrea says. ‘But adding in textures and layers from cushions, rugs and throws creates warmth and visual interest.’
Arc lamp and artwork: Z Gallerie
Get expert advise on decorating with a pitched ceiling
Arc lamp and artwork: Z Gallerie
Get expert advise on decorating with a pitched ceiling
Here, sleek and sophisticated cowhide chairs mix well with the budget-friendly black leather sofa and glass side tables.
Cowhide chairs: Room & Board
Leather sofas: Ikea
Coffee tables: Ikea
Cushions: Pottery Barn
Cowhide chairs: Room & Board
Leather sofas: Ikea
Coffee tables: Ikea
Cushions: Pottery Barn
French doors open to the expansive wrap-around decking area that looks over Mille Lacs Lake. Mille Lacs Lake is Minnesota’s second-largest lake.
Mille Lacs is a popular fishing spot. Fishing is also one of Brett and daughter Emi’s favourite pastimes.
Back inside, the couple opted for bamboo flooring for its simple beauty, resilience and environmentally friendly qualities.
Artwork: Z Gallerie
Artwork: Z Gallerie
The stainless steel cable handrail used here matches that of the exterior decking area.
The kitchen space is primarily white, which the homeowners say they find both calming and invigorating.
Barstools: IKEA
Barstools: IKEA
The shimmering splashback is made from recycled oyster shells. ‘We wanted the splashback to have interest and this was the perfect material,’ Andrea says. ‘It brings a spiritual and celestial feel to the cabin. In a way, it’s like bringing the sea to Minnesota.’
Granite: Kashmir white
Browse bold splashbacks
Granite: Kashmir white
Browse bold splashbacks
Here, multi-coloured rug tiles define the dining area and complement the free-standing fireplace. ‘We didn’t want the fireplace to compete with the view, so we gave it a more secondary role,’ Andrea says. The wood-burning stove is centrally located for efficient heating throughout the cabin. Lanterns flank each side of the flue pipe for symmetry and balance.
Birch dining table/chairs: IKEA
Rug tiles: Flor Outlet
Birch dining table/chairs: IKEA
Rug tiles: Flor Outlet
The cabin uses affordable traditional outdoor lanterns throughout the interior. ‘We discovered there is tremendous cost-savings in using exterior lighting throughout.’ Andrea says. ‘We purchased each fitting for less than £80.’
Heading upstairs, the loft is the cabin’s only dedicated zone for watching TV. ‘We don’t have cable or a satellite dish up here,’ Andrea says, ‘but we love to cosy up and watch films.’ A futon doubles as a seating area during the day and an automatic guest bedroom at night.
Futon and reclining chair: IKEA
Futon and reclining chair: IKEA
On a lower level, commercial grade rubber flooring makes a stylish functional choice for the mudroom and staircase. The circular patterned floor resembles a pebbly beach and is easy to care for and clean. Hooks line the wall, for beach towels, jackets, tote bags and the like.
Flooring: Armstrong
Flooring: Armstrong
The name, ‘Swan Fish Camp,’ reminds Andrea and Brett daily of the cabin’s purpose: a place to relax and have fun with fishing. ‘To us, Swan Fish Camp promotes a youthful escape, rekindling when we were kids, going camping,’ Andrea says. ‘You don’t hear of that too often any more (kids going camping), and we wanted to re-create that feel of a getaway, and promote pure fishing fun for ourselves and our daughter.’
As for the future of Swan Fish Camp, Andrea and Brett are uncertain. ‘Because I am an architect, we are open to keeping this cabin or possibly moving on to another cabin someday. If we do, we’d love to explore the possibilities of another design direction, an authentic Bavarian-style chalet.’
Meanwhile, the family intends to enjoy Swan Fish Camp for what it is: a sophisticated and serene cabin retreat that invites one to simply be.
Did you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Meanwhile, the family intends to enjoy Swan Fish Camp for what it is: a sophisticated and serene cabin retreat that invites one to simply be.
Did you like this home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Cushions: Pottery Barn
Leather sofas, sheepskin throws/rug: IKEA
Cowhide chairs: Room & Board