Midwest Design

Building Selections & Construction Hendel Homes || Architecture by JMAD (James McNeal Architecture & Design) || Furnishings by Betty Duff While some luxury homes are formidably impressive at first glance, others unfold more organically: warm, welcoming, and full of artful touches. A new home in Orono from Excelsior’s Hendel Homes and Minneapolis’ JMAD (James McNeal Architecture & Design)—aptly called Vineyard Estate—was inspired by the owners’ love for California wine country architecture.

Award-winning interior designer (and former Minnesota resident, hailing from Hopkins) Nate Berkus and The Tile Shop launched an exclusive 23-piece tile collection on August 27. The debut marks Berkus’ first-ever tile line. “Tile has told our story for centuries,” says Berkus, who leads Nate Berkus Associates, with office locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

Tucked into 80 wooded acres outside Superior, Wisconsin, near the southern shore of Lake Superior, Sölveig Stay is a masterclass in quiet luxury. Conceived from a repurposed shipping container and owned by Sophia and Matt McCann (along with Sophia’s parents), the retreat—open to guest stays—balances clean Scandinavian design with a profound respect for its Northwoods setting, proving that thoughtful architecture doesn’t require excess to leave a lasting impression.

Interior design is a dynamic, highly creative business, which is part of its allure. But just as other creative professions, even the most prolific designers can fall into a rut, whether that is due to burnout from the stress of running a business, an overbooked schedule, or a slew of projects that didn’t fill the proverbial cup.

According to CareerForce, a career exploration and job research resource operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the state’s construction industry has seen a 23.1% employment growth rate over the last decade, making it one of the largest and fastest growing in Minnesota. However, in 2024, it faced nearly 5,000 vacancies, and professionals in the field are now in high demand—and that’s predicted to remain so into the future.

The great room’s birch bookshelves provide plenty of room to display the couple’s collection of knickknacks and family heirlooms. Photography: Paige Kendall After years of living on their bustling hobby farm in Delano, a local retired couple realized their aging farmhouse was no longer meeting their needs.

We rarely remember every finish, fabric, or piece of furniture in an exceptional home. Instead, we remember a feeling. It’s the moment a front door opens to reveal a breathtaking view. A staircase that seems to float effortlessly through the space. Sunlight catching the texture of a handcrafted stone fireplace. The quiet luxury of a richly textured fabric that brings warmth, depth, and an invitation to sit for a while. A ceiling detail that draws your eye upward.

Restaurants are more than just places to grab a quick bite—they’re community pillars, places for people to gather and connect. Food is often seen as a shared language, something that brings people together, and many restaurants today are elevating that dining experience with interior design that tells a story and makes a lasting impact.

Dreaming of a new kitchen, but not sure you have the space to make it a reality? Square footage doesn’t need to be a hindrance. Partner with the right design team, and you can optimize your kitchen’s footprint to create something incredible. This kitchen remodel from TEA2 Architects, which took home first place in the Kitchen (Up to 200 sq. ft.) category at the 2025 Midwest Design Awards, is a shining example of what’s possible in smaller spaces.

Dwell & Gather Interior Design creates timeless, thoughtfully curated homes through custom new builds, large-scale renovations, and full-home furnishing and decor. Serving clients throughout Minnesota and South Carolina, the firm is known for blending refined design with genuine relationships, guiding each project with creativity, intentionality, and exceptional service.