WISCONSIN LAKE RETREAT

WESTERN, WISCONSIN

A cabin in Western Wisconsin is transformed from within to become a serene and modern retreat. In a past life, this cabin was a fishing cottage which was part of a resort built in the 1920’s on a small lake not far from the Twin Cities.

Bright kitchen with large windows, a central white island, four metal stools, stainless steel appliances, a chandelier, and natural light. Natural materials enhance this custom home design. A loaf of bread and bottles of water sit on the counter.
Modern living room featuring a large white sectional sofa, a plaid throw, a metal floor lamp, flat-screen TV, fireplace set in a wood-paneled wall, and expansive windows—showcasing timeless interior design and custom home design touches.
A bedroom designed by a Minnesota architect features a white bed and pillows, framed by vertical wooden slats. Large windows, custom cabinetry and millwork, a fireplace, and a brass container with blankets and decorative feathers complete the space.
A bright bedroom with white shiplap walls, a wooden headboard, a neatly made bed with white linens and pillows, natural materials like a plaid blanket, abstract wall art, and windows letting in natural light for timeless interior design.
A bright, modern room with white shiplap walls, custom cabinetry and millwork, open shelves displaying books, ceramics, and decor. A marble-top sink, mirror, and wooden sliding barn door add timeless interior design elements.
A bright, white room with shiplap walls in this lake home features a bunk bed and a single bed, both with white bedding, plaid blankets, and pillows. A small window lets in natural light.
A staircase with wooden steps and a white handrail, partially obscured by vertical white slats, stands out in an interior featuring natural materials and shiplap walls—perfect for a custom home design with timeless interior design elements.
PROJECT TEAM

Christine L. Albertsson, AIA, CID, NCARB, Partner; Zac Rosenow, Assoc. AIA

PHOTOGRAPHY

Wing (Ta) Ho

BUILDER

Paul Prince Construction

A dark gray house with large windows, a bright red door, and light wood steps uses natural materials throughout. Surrounded by leafless trees in a winter landscape, it reflects the timeless interior design of a Minnesota architect.

The cabin has had multiple additions over the years so improving flow to the outdoor space, creating a family friendly kitchen, and relocating a bigger master bedroom on the lake side were priorities. The solution was to bring the kitchen from the back of the cabin up to the front, reduce the size of an overly large bedroom in the back in order to create a more generous front entry way/mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, and add a fireplace in the center of the main floor.

OF NOTE
  • Windows were replaced and expanded.
  • Exterior siding was replaced and painted black.
  • In the loft above, inviting built in bunks were designed to provide cozy places for kids to sleep.