A Look Inside Our Designer's Home:
Lindsey Swanson's Modern Minnesota Rambler
Interior design is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about crafting environments that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of those who inhabit them. Today, we're excited to take you on a journey through the lower level of our talented Interior Designer Lindsey Swanson's home, known as our Modern Minnesota Rambler project.
In this Q&A, Lindsey shares her insights on designingspaces that grow with children, balancing functionality with aesthetics in high-traffic areas, and incorporating unique elements that make a house truly feel like home.
Q&A with Lindsey Swanson
Q: How did you incorporate your children's personalitiesinto their spaces?
A: Designing my own children's rooms has been both the most fun and one of the most intimidating project I've tackled thus far. The key was creating spaces they love now that can also grow with them. For my daughter Audriella's room, we chose a mature beige-tinted pink that satisfied her love for the color at age 5 but still works now that she's 8 and gravitating towards darker colors. The furniture is functional and designed to last, although lately she’s been asking for a bunk bed for sleepovers.
My son's room was inspired by his love for cars and "Back to the Future," resulting in a theme that should appeal to him well into his teenage years (fingers crossed). Both kids' rooms feature Beddy's bedding, which makes bed-making and sheet-washing much easier.
Q: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in high-traffic entertainment areas like the media lounge and bar? Did you make these spaces kid-friendly in any way?
A: We chose materials with durability in mind, knowing these spaces would see heavy use by both kids and guests. Luxury Vinyl Tile in the game area, pool bath, wet bar, and snack ledge can withstand salt water and wet towels. The media area features a stain and soil-resistant carpet, a dark multi-level looped 100% EnVision BCF Nylon from Masland in the color “Magic,” perfect for high-traffic zones. Quartz countertops and rift sawn white oak cabinetry add warmth while remaining easy to clean. A cool-touch glass Stellar Pier fireplace in the lounge area provides a safe, year-round focal point.
Q: What's your favorite design element in the lower level and why?
A: The fireplace is my favorite element. It can be used year-round without overheating the space or posing a burn risk to children.
Q: How do you approach designing spaces for both adults and children in a cohesive way?
A: The key is to utilize new materials and options that cater to family-oriented homes. We added a hidden playroom in the lower level as well, allowing children to have their own space while adults can relax nearby. This secret door feature is always a hit with visitors and maintains the aesthetic appeal of the main areas.
Q: What's one unexpected or unique feature in each room that visitors always comment on?
A: The fireplace consistently draws attention, but once people discover the hidden playroom, it quickly becomes the talk of the tour.
In creating her Modern Minnesota Rambler, Lindsey Swanson has masterfully demonstrated how to blend style with practicality, creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable for the whole family.
As we've seen through this glimpse into Lindsey's personal space, great interior design is about more than just following trends – it's about creating environments that truly reflect and support the lives of those who call them home.
-- Thanks for reading!
The Carbon 6 Team