Jaimee & David’s Light & Simple Scandinavian-Inspired Home

updated Feb 20, 2019

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About this tour

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Home Type

House

Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Style

N/A

Bedrooms

N/A

Square feet

1250

Sq ft

1250

Name: Jaimee and David Morse, their twin sons, and Lana the dog
Location: Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota
Size: 1,250 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years; Rented

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When Jaimee and David moved to the Midwest from the East Coast, they didn’t expect to come to Minneapolis—and they certainly didn’t expect to stay. They have since fallen in love with the city, their neighborhood, and their home. Though they have searched off and on for a place to own, Jaimee and David have found themselves a wonderful rental situation. Without the flexibility and constant blessing of their landlord, this little home wouldn’t be what it is today.

(Image credit: Emma Fiala)

Jaimee and David’s home is bright, comfortable, and full of unique DIY projects that often cross the typical forbidden renters’ line. Jaimee and David have painted, built and installed custom light fixtures, and even re-sodded their entire backyard. With an encouraging landlord, an aging home’s character, and a park right across the street, what’s not to love?

(Image credit: Emma Fiala)

Jaimee and David are attracted to Scandinavian design and simplicity and have carried this love throughout their home while maintaining an eclectic mix of pieces, eras, and materials. A substantial DIY project of David’s and at least one photo of Jaimee’s can be found in nearly every room. Jaimee Morse, a fine art photographer, works from home while caring for their 9-month-old twin boys, while David spends his free time exploring his new concrete furniture venture, Stéypå.

(Image credit: Emma Fiala)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Scandinavian Eclectic. While we are most inspired by Scandinavian monochromatic design and simplicity, we tend to be a bit eclectic.

Inspiration: Raw Natural Simplicity

Favorite Element: That we found the world’s absolute best landlords ever! We would be wrong if we failed to mention how they have allowed us to make this rental home our very own. Over three years they have allowed us to customize anything we want because they know we love this property with all our hearts. Also, we love how we’ve been able to utilize the 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house for four people and a dog as well as an at-home office now that Jaimee is home with the boys.

Biggest Challenge: Investing in a space that you love but you don’t own; setting boundaries in this regard. Creating space in a tiny bathroom with zero (zero) storage. We accomplished this by painting shelves the same color as the walls to give the illusion of there being nothing projecting out from the walls.

What Friends Say: “It’s so you!” “You have the most hipster house.” (FWIW, we don’t, people just say that for some reason. Haha.)

Biggest Embarrassment: Popcorn ceiling throughout the downstairs as well as some light fixtures and ceiling fan not updated

Proudest DIY: Our concrete furniture done by David, specifically the dining room table.

Biggest Indulgence: Our Restoration Hardware English Roll Arm Sofa and Companion Seat.

Best Advice: Utilize Craigslist! It does take a lot of time and work but you can find some great, unique pieces. I fell in love with our wardrobe in the four-seasons porch quite a few months ago when I found it on Craigslist. David didn’t see the charm of it yet so it took months of convincing but we finally brought that baby home. It’s probably my favorite piece in our house because of its age—dating as best as the previous owners could tell to pre-1950. I like one-of-a-kind pieces. They make our house feel more like a home.

Dream Sources: Schoolhouse Electric, Hard Goods Co. (by Brandon Gore), Scandinavian Designs, Restoration Hardware