Big Detroit Lake, MN · Cabin character. A brighter next chapter.
The project
The charm remains. The possibilities grow.
On Big Detroit Lake, this remodel preserved the character of a familiar cabin while making it more comfortable throughout the year. Original tongue-and-groove walls were painted white, and larger windows brought more daylight and a stronger connection to the lake.
Blue kitchen cabinetry, a softly colored tile fireplace and bright gathering spaces give the interior a fresh rhythm. The sunroom, sheltered courtyard and lake-facing rooms offer different ways to settle in, while the construction photographs show the work behind the finished retreat.
Cottage facade across the courtyard lawnAngled view of the lake-facing facadeLiving room looking toward the lakeLiving room with fireplace and sliding doorsLong view through the galley kitchenSliding glass doors connecting the sunroomBedroom with generous lake-facing windowsGlass shower enclosure in the updated bathroomDining area beside a broad windowOutdoor dining table beneath an umbrellaGreen-tiled fireplace beneath the wood mantelProject drawings and design references on siteOriginal wood-paneled living room during renovationBlue cabinetry along the galley kitchenDining table beneath a drum pendantRange framed by blue kitchen cabinetsLiving area with a tiled fireplaceDining area opening into the living roomWicker seating and a glass table in the sunroomSunroom seating beside broad windowsLong view through the galley kitchenLiving room looking toward the lakeSliding glass doors connecting the sunroomWriting desk beside a lake-facing windowLiving room with fireplace and sliding doorsBedroom with generous lake-facing windowsBedroom adjoining the bathroomGlass shower enclosure in the updated bathroomBedroom dresser and white wall panelingGuest bedroom with a teal sitting areaGuest bedroom and adjoining seatingGuest bedroom beside the windowBathroom with tiled shower and vanityWhite-paneled hallway connecting the roomsWriting desk and lake-inspired artworkBright bedroom with white bedding and panelingCottage exterior and sheltered courtyardArtwork above a bedroom dresserSoft green tile surrounding the fireplaceCourtyard patio and garden plantingSmall shelf with folded towels and a plantGlass table and wicker seating by the patio doorCottage nestled among mature treesGlazed fireplace tile in close detailKitchen cabinetry beside the dining-room doorwayWood mantel and vases above green fireplace tileLiving-room windows framing the lake settingBuilt-in closet storageWhite sliding closet doorsBlack shower fixture against pale tileBathroom vanity and rectangular mirrorWide view of the courtyard and cottage wingsMechanical piping detailGreen-tiled fireplace beneath the wood mantelLake-facing exterior and patioBedside lamp and bedroom windowSunroom sofa beside white panelingCottage facade across the courtyard lawnNatural wood grain along the fireplace mantelKitchen sink beneath the windowWhite-painted tongue-and-groove wall detailGuest bedroom with teal seatingPatio seating outside the finished cottageShower floor and tiled corner seatBedroom with patterned beddingOutdoor dining table beneath an umbrellaBlack bathroom faucet and white basinDining-room sideboard and artworkCourtyard framed by the cottage wingsMechanical equipment tucked into a utility closetDining area beside a broad windowCottage and lawn beneath mature treesBedroom corner with windows and a bedside lampAngled view of the lake-facing facadeDecorative birds resting on the wood mantelSliding glass doors leading into the sunroomWhite interior door and dark hardwareOpen linen closet with organized shelvingRecessed shower niche with mosaic tileWicker seating and a glass table in the sunroomBedroom dresser and white wall panelingGuest bedroom with a teal sitting areaGuest bedroom and adjoining seatingGuest bedroom beside the windowDining area beside a broad windowSunroom seating beside broad windowsSunroom sofa beside white panelingGlass table and wicker seating by the patio doorSoft green tile surrounding the fireplaceDining-room sideboard and artworkBedroom with patterned beddingOpen linen closet with organized shelvingGuest bedroom with teal seatingLiving-room windows framing the lake settingKitchen sink beneath the windowCottage facade across the courtyard lawnCottage nestled among mature treesCottage and lawn beneath mature treesLake-facing exterior and patioCourtyard patio and garden plantingWide view of the courtyard and cottage wingsUtility closet with the home’s mechanical equipmentPatio seating outside the finished cottageBuilt-in closet storageDecorative birds resting on the wood mantelNatural wood grain along the fireplace mantelGlazed fireplace tile in close detailBedside lamp and bedroom windowSmall shelf with folded towels and a plantMechanical equipment tucked into a utility closetMechanical piping detailBlack shower fixture against pale tileBedroom adjoining the bathroomBathroom with tiled shower and vanityWhite-paneled hallway connecting the roomsWriting desk and lake-inspired artworkBlue cabinetry along the galley kitchenDining table beneath a drum pendantRange framed by blue kitchen cabinetsDining area opening into the living roomBathroom vanity and rectangular mirrorBright bedroom with white bedding and panelingWhite sliding closet doorsSliding glass doors leading into the sunroomKitchen cabinetry beside the dining-room doorwayCottage exterior and sheltered courtyardWriting desk beside a lake-facing windowKitchen cabinetry beside the dining-room doorwayWhite interior door and dark hardwareWhite-painted tongue-and-groove wall detailWood mantel and vases above green fireplace tileBedroom corner with windows and a bedside lampArtwork above a bedroom dresserBlack bathroom faucet and white basinRecessed shower niche with mosaic tileShower floor and tiled corner seatHallway framing exposed during the remodelWood-paneled bedroom during renovationBathroom wall paneling before the finishes were updatedOpen wall framing between roomsPlumbing rough-in within the exposed wall framingWater lines inside an opened wallCarpentry tools beside the lake-facing windowsBathroom plumbing and framing during renovationOriginal wall paneling in a room being remodeledHallway with exposed studs and servicesInsulation and framing inside the opened wallsTrim materials staged beside the large windowOriginal fireplace and carpentry work areaRoom opened up during the renovationInterior design views printed for construction referenceCarpentry work underway in the original living roomPreparing trim at the workbenchOn-site carpentry beside the original fireplaceExterior measurements along the cottage sidingCourtyard exterior during the projectCottage wings surrounding the courtyardLake-facing windows and patio during the projectLake-side facade viewed across the lawnInterior demolition exposing wall constructionWood-paneled bedroom with lake-facing doorsLaundry area and materials during renovationHallway framing and ceiling workExterior installation work beside the patio doorsExterior work area and materials around the cottageConcrete slab and surrounding site workOpen interior walls during the remodelSunroom with unfinished trim and materialsDrawings and exterior design references on the work surface
Begin with a conversation
Tell us what you have in mind.
A property, a rough sketch, a home you want to rethink. Wherever you are starting, we would like to hear about it.
