A “Tranquil and Simplified” Minnesota Home
Name: Victoria of Prospect Refuge Studio
Location: Fulton Neighborhood —Minneapolis, Minnesota
| It’s been said that the house is “built like a ship” with a use for every space and nothing extra. This simple 1920s foursquare on the south end of Lake Harriet was ripe for a refresh when Minneapolis designer, and co-owner of Prospect Refuge Studio, bought it in 2014. “I’m a sucker for an efficient floor plan” says Victoria, discussing what drew her to the home, “there’s nothing more frustrating than unusable square footage.” |
After moving in with her husband, Torben, and two kids, they began the process of elimination – gutting a bathroom, tearing out shaggy carpeting, refinishing the original oak and maple flooring, and a fresh coat of white paint for every wall. “Torben is from Denmark, so white interiors feel like home to him. It’s also a great canvas for our quirky but subdued art collection.” It’s a perfect marriage. Victoria, who is also a potter and Zen meditation student, appreciates a tranquil and simplified personal space.
The spaces keep to a restrained palette of neutrals while plants infuse color and life into the nooks and crannies. Much like her design work, Victoria is passionate about the stories objects and spaces tell. “When I look around our home, I see generations of family stories. The chandelier that was saved from my great-grandparent’s home before it was razed to make room for the freeway through Minneapolis. The rattan chair that my mother bought for her first apartment in the ‘70s. The pillow I hand-knit, and artwork my husband and I have collected together.”
Wood finishes abound, and Victoria has no problem mixing tones. The effect is one of collected and curated pieces with an informal personality. “We like simple spaces. Clutter gives me anxiety and luckily I get my fill of beautiful objects and décor through our studio shop and the spaces we design for clients. When I come home, I just want a sunny spot to sit with the kids.”
To see more of Prospect Refuge Studio’s relaxed design style, visit them at their studio webpage or see what’s new on Instagram.
Thanks, Victoria !
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