For this new build on a Minnesota horse farm, the design was all about balance between Scandinavian modern and sophisticated country styles. The homeowners are a retired couple who had been inspired by a recent trip to Europe when they met interior designer Emily Pueringer.
“They came back really into Scandinavian modern style,” Pueringer says. “Because this is a horse farm, they were also into an equestrian Ralph Lauren look, meaning plaid patterns and colors like deep green, burgundy and brown. They also told me they loved the feel of Scottish country farmhouses. They wanted sophisticated style, but because this is a farm and they have a large dog, it needed to be practical and durable. At first I thought, ‘How in the world am I going to make all of that work?’”
The answer was to mix clean-lined architectural bones and light wood tones with layers of soft and sophisticated finishes. Pueringer emphasized straight lines on elements like cabinetry and kept paint colors consistent in the main spaces. Then she cozied things up with textiles, wallpapers and a mix of metal finishes. The result is a durable home with sophisticated style and cozy vibes.