At first glance, this home had everything going for it. It was relatively new, well-located, and filled with natural light. But like so many builder-grade homes, the beauty stopped at the surface.
Behind the walls, the layout lacked intention. The flow between spaces felt disconnected, making everyday routines feel more complicated than they needed to be. Rooms existed, but they didn’t work together. Valuable square footage was there, but it wasn’t being used in a way that supported how this family actually lives.
And then there were the materials.
What looked good on day one wasn’t built to last. Finishes were already showing wear, cabinetry lacked durability, and the overall craftsmanship didn’t reflect the level of quality our clients were ready to invest in. The home felt temporary when it should have felt grounded, like a place designed to grow with them over time.
The kitchen, in particular, highlighted this disconnect. It wasn’t positioned to be the heart of the home, it sat off to the side, without presence or purpose. There was no natural gathering point, no sense of arrival, no reason for people to linger. For a family that loves to host, that was a missed opportunity.
Storage was another challenge. Without thoughtful solutions, everyday items didn’t have a place, leading to visual clutter and added stress in daily life. The mudroom lacked intention, the bathroom felt basic, and the overall experience of the main floor was… underwhelming.
Even the connection to the outdoors was limited. There was no true space to enjoy Minnesota’s changing seasons, a place to slow down, unwind, and feel at home year-round.
This is where the transformation began.
Our goal wasn’t just to update finishes, it was to completely rethink how the home lived and felt. To take a space that was builder-grade and elevate it into something deeply intentional. A home that supports connection, simplifies daily routines, and creates moments worth gathering for.
Because at Oak + Arrow, we believe your home should do more than look beautiful—it should work beautifully, too.
Learn more about the paint and wallpaper featured in this home here.
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