When you’re investing in your home’s exterior, choosing the right exterior contractor in Minnesota matters just as much as selecting the right materials.
April 10 – April 12, 2026
12pm – 6pm
5500 McGuire Road, Edina
And with it comes one of the best ways to kick off the season – the 2026 Spring Remodeler’s Showcase!
We’re thrilled to invite you to explore our Custom One Renovation Entry #R8, a gorgeous Edina kitchen renovation located 5500 McGuire Road, Edina.
Welcome to this beautifully reimagined 1960s single-family home in Edina, Minnesota. Working closely with the homeowners, our Custom One Renovation team set out to complete a kitchen remodel in Edina MN that would transform the kitchen, eat‑in dining area, and overall main‑level flow, creating a space that feels open, intentional, and deeply personal.
The goal was clear: honor the home’s history while updating it for modern living and entertaining through a thoughtful Edina kitchen renovation.
One of the most impactful improvements during this 1960s home kitchen remodel was rethinking how the kitchen connects to the rest of the house.
A new doorway was created to establish a natural flow from the kitchen into a vestibule-style mudroom, forming a seamless walkway to the three-season porch.
This thoughtful reconfiguration allows natural light to pour into the kitchen while creating an effortless connection between indoor and outdoor living—ideal for everyday family routines and hosting guests.
The kitchen was fully gutted and redesigned from the ground up as part of this custom kitchen design in Edina.
At the heart of the space is custom walnut cabinetry, paired with mullion-framed glass upper cabinets that beautifully display décor and meaningful pieces collected during the homeowners’ travels.
Design highlights include:
A dedicated bar area adds both function and personality, creating a natural place for entertaining and gathering.
The backsplash tile, a rich green installed in a herringbone pattern, was intentionally selected to echo the original wood floors near the home’s entry.
This design decision creates a visual bridge between the home’s history and its new modern kitchen renovation in Minnesota.
Dark charcoal cabinetry adds depth and contrast while complementing the warmth of walnut cabinetry and existing hardwood floors.
These homeowners are passionate music lovers, so we incorporated a custom-built record player station complete with a dedicated drawer for storing their vintage vinyl collection.
This thoughtful feature adds personality and transforms the kitchen into a space that truly reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle.
Homes built in the 1960s often have compartmentalized layouts and outdated utilities. Remodeling these kitchens typically focuses on improving flow, modernizing appliances, updating cabinetry, and integrating better lighting.
Most kitchen remodels take several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the project, structural changes, and material selections.
Custom cabinetry, premium appliances, improved layout flow, and durable materials often deliver the greatest long-term value.
Yes. Many successful renovations intentionally blend modern updates with original architectural elements to maintain the home’s character.
Improving circulation between kitchen, dining, and adjacent living areas makes the space more functional for everyday living and entertaining.
This Edina kitchen renovation was about more than updating finishes. It focused on improving flow, honoring the home’s history, and designing a space that will serve the family for years to come.
The result is a kitchen that feels layered, intentional, and timeless, one that feels as though it has always belonged in this Edina home.
The best custom home builders in the Twin Cities don’t start with a floor plan, they start with a conversation.
Experienced custom home builders in the Twin Cities understand that a truly custom home isn’t just about square footage, trending finishes, or architectural style. It’s about designing a space around the way a family actually lives, their routines, traditions, priorities, and the moments that matter most.
At Custom One Homes, we specialize in building a custom home around your lifestyle, not around a template. We believe we don’t just build houses. We build homes around stories, your story.
Leading design-build custom homes Twin Cities teams don’t box clients into pre-set layouts or predefined styles. Instead, they stay flexible.
At Custom One Homes, you can:
Custom building is about evolving ideas into something uniquely yours. Our design team collaborates closely with you to create a home that feels intentional, personal, and lasting.
When a home is created through lifestyle-driven home design, the details look different.
For some families, that means:
For others, it may mean:
The goal isn’t just beauty, it’s alignment between space and daily life.
Our structured yet flexible custom home design process in Minnesota ensures lifestyle stays at the center of every decision:
Discovery Session & Educational Walkthrough
We listen, explore possibilities, and define your goals.
Match Budget With Needs, Wants & Wishes
Transparency early builds confidence later.
Review or Reserve a Homesite
Location shapes design.
Start Designing Your Home
Collaboration between you, our designers, and our team.
Finalize Plan Selections & Pricing
Precision craftsmanship meets clear expectations.
A truly custom home is designed from the ground up around your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals. Unlike production homes with fixed layouts, custom home builders in the Twin Cities work through a collaborative design process that allows flexibility in layout, finishes, and structural decisions. The result is a home aligned with how your family lives every day.
The custom home design process typically begins with discovery and goal-setting. From there, builders align budget, homesite, and design vision before developing architectural plans and selections. In Minnesota, climate considerations, such as mudroom design, energy performance, and seasonal transitions, also influence planning.
Lifestyle-driven home design begins with understanding daily routines and future goals. Builders ask how families use kitchens, gather in living spaces, store seasonal gear, or accommodate multigenerational living. These insights shape room placement, storage planning, circulation flow, and overall layout decisions.
Design-build custom homes in the Twin Cities often provide better communication and alignment because the design and construction teams collaborate from the beginning. This reduces surprises, improves budget clarity, and ensures the final home reflects both vision and feasibility.
Timelines vary depending on scope, complexity, and permitting, but most custom home projects involve several months of design followed by construction phases that can extend from 8–14 months. A clear process and early decision-making help maintain momentum and minimize delays.
Designing around lifestyle requires quality and longevity. Materials matter. Craftsmanship matters. Precision matters.
As trusted custom home builders in the Twin Cities, we utilize high-quality, forward-thinking materials and proven construction methods to ensure your home not only looks exceptional on day one, but continues to serve your family for decades.
Because when you build around a story, the home must stand the test of time.
If you’re thinking about updating your home, enhancing your outdoor living space, or planning a future renovation or custom build, we’d love to see you at this year’s Home & Garden Show!
From February 25 through March 1, the Custom One team will be onsite at the Minneapolis Convention Center, ready to connect, share ideas, and help you explore what’s possible for your home—inside and out.
February 25 – March 1, 2026
Minneapolis Convention Center
Find us at Booth #2150
One of the best parts of the Home & Garden Show? You’ll get to speak directly with our renovation general manager, landscaping and exterior design specialists, interior designers and more.
Bring your questions, photos, inspiration boards, or even rough ideas—we’re here to help you:
No pressure. Just honest conversations and expert guidance.
We’re excited to be exhibiting at the MSP Home & Remodeling Show at U.S. Bank Stadium.
January 30 – February 1, 2026
Find us at Booth #937
Whether you’re just starting to explore a renovation or ready to move forward, our team will be onsite to help you take the next step.
Stop by our booth to connect with the Custom One design and remodeling team. Our experts will be available throughout the show to:
Join us for short, educational presentations each day focused on helping homeowners make smarter remodeling decisions:
Where to Splurge & Where to Save
Learn how to prioritize your budget for the biggest visual and functional impact.
How to Maximize Your Remodeling ROI
Understand which upgrades deliver long-term value and which ones move the needle when it comes to resale.
No pressure, just expert insights you can actually use.
Using energy efficient windows in Minnesota plays a significant role in keeping your home warm and comfortable. At Custom One, we install Andersen® windows in all our exterior remodels, renovations, and new homes. Using Andersen Windows in Minnesota homes provides the performance our climate needs.
Here’s why windows are important, the design trends we see, and how Andersen products can improve your home’s comfort and energy use.
One of the most exciting changes in home design today involves the placement of windows. They are not just used for natural light, but also to change how homeowners feel in their spaces.
Designers and homeowners alike are embracing:
The goal is to bring character, warmth, and purpose into a home by using windows to capture moments, sunrise in the kitchen, a quiet backyard view from the hallway, or a perfectly framed reading nook.
It’s a design-forward trend that also reinforces the importance of choosing windows that maximize efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.
A major trend in today’s exterior design is the renewed interest in classic window styles. This is especially true for double-hung windows. Andersen® has highlighted this trend across their product lines, and it’s one we expect to see even more of in 2026.
Double-hung windows have a timeless profile and a familiar charm that suits both historic homes and new builds designed with a heritage-inspired feel. They bring:
Andersen’s 100 Series double-hung windows offer a fresh take on this classic style with durable, low-maintenance materials and energy-efficient performance built for Minnesota’s seasons.
Replacing outdated windows is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to improve comfort and reduce energy costs, especially during Minnesota’s extreme winters. High-performance windows can help:
And since windows and doors can be installed year-round, you don’t have to wait for summer to make the change.
Planning your project early ensures you secure your preferred timeline and get ahead of peak season.
Energy-efficient windows play a critical role in protecting Minnesota homes from extreme cold, wind, and temperature swings. Older or poorly insulated windows allow heat to escape, creating drafts and forcing heating systems to work harder.
To ensure winter window performance in Minnesota, Andersen uses features like special glass coatings, insulated frames, and tight seals. These features help reduce heat loss. They also improve indoor comfort and keep temperatures steady, even during long cold spells.
Andersen windows are engineered for regions with harsh seasonal weather, including Minnesota. Their products feature insulated glass options, durable frame materials, and weather-resistant construction that help prevent drafts and condensation. Andersen focuses on long-term performance. This helps windows stay energy efficient, and easy to use, even in freezing temperatures.
Modern double-hung windows can be highly energy efficient when built with today’s materials and technology. Andersen’s updated double-hung designs combine classic aesthetics with improved insulation, advanced weatherstripping, and energy-efficient glass packages. This allows homeowners to enjoy a traditional window style without sacrificing comfort or increasing heating costs during winter.
Yes, window replacement for cold climates can significantly reduce heating costs. Energy-efficient windows minimize air leakage and heat transfer, helping your home retain warmth longer. Over time, this reduces how often your furnace runs, leading to lower monthly energy bills and less strain on HVAC systems, especially during long Minnesota winters.
You can replace windows year-round, including during winter. Professional installers use techniques that limit heat loss during installation. In fact, replacing windows before or during winter allows homeowners to immediately experience improved comfort, fewer drafts, and better energy efficiency when it matters most.
When choosing new windows, consider several factors. These include materials, glass performance, operation style, and accessory choices. Each of these will affect how well your home handles Minnesota’s extreme seasons. That’s why working with the right team matters.
When you work with Custom One Exteriors, our specialists help you with every decision. They assist you in choosing the type of windows that best fit your home’s needs and your design style.
Whether you’re replacing a few windows or planning a full exterior transformation, high-performance windows paired with expert installation can dramatically improve comfort and reduce energy costs.
Every Custom One project is designed with Minnesota’s climate in mind, ensuring your home stays comfortable, efficient, and beautiful in every season.
We are happy to share some great news. Custom One Renovations won multiple awards at the 2025 Remodeler of the Year Awards in Minnesota (RoTY). These recognitions celebrate excellence in design, craftsmanship, and impact, values that guide every project we take on.
This year’s awards cover residential, commercial, exterior, and charitable work. They show the wide range of our team’s skills and the passion behind our efforts.
Custom One Renovations was honored with the following awards:
Gold — Residential Interior ($100,000–$250,000)
Silver — Residential Kitchen ($150,000–$250,000)
Silver — Commercial Interior
Silver — Residential Exterior (Over $200,000)
Gold — NARI Cares: Kennedy Make-A-Wish Project
Each award represents a special project. It highlights teamwork with clients. It also showcases a group committed to creating thoughtful and well-made spaces.
These awards show the skill of our renovation team, our trusted trade partners, and the clients who believe in us. Designers, project managers, carpenters, and craftspeople all show pride and passion in every detail of their work.
We thank NARI Minnesota for recognizing our work. We appreciate their support for excellence in the remodeling industry.
The Remodeler of the Year (RoTY) Awards are a well-known program in the industry. They celebrate excellence in remodeling. The awards focus on design quality, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the completion of projects.
For homeowners, RoTY recognition shows that a contractor meets high standards. This is important for planning, coordination, and final results. It is especially useful for complex remodels where details and project management are key.
Custom One Renovations was recognized for many types of work. This includes residential interior remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and commercial interior projects.
They also worked on residential exterior remodeling and made a charitable impact through a NARI Cares project.
This range is important because it shows the team’s expertise. It proves they can deliver great results in various projects, budgets, and construction settings.
Awards should be one part of a broader evaluation. Homeowners can gain clarity by looking at project portfolios.
They should ask about the process and timelines. It is important to understand how selections and changes are handled.
Homeowners should check who will be involved each day. The best remodeling experience comes from a contractor with good design-build coordination. Clear communication and reliable trade partnerships help keep the plan and execution aligned.
Awards do not always guarantee a return on investment. However, they often lead to better results that protect value. This includes cleaner execution, stronger detailing, better material choices, and a smoother process.
The best resale and livability gains usually come from projects that enhance function, durability, and layout. These projects should also match the home’s style and fit in with the neighborhood.
Custom One Renovations helps with many remodeling needs. We work on kitchens, whole-home renovations, and commercial updates. We also handle exterior renovations.
The best next step is usually a consultation. This meeting clarifies goals, scope, timeline, and budget. Then, the team can suggest a plan that matches the vision and the practical needs of the home.
Whether you’re planning a project with a kitchen remodel award winner, a whole-home transformation, or an exterior renovation, Custom One Renovations brings award-winning expertise and thoughtful craftsmanship to every project.
We have support from local and state industry leaders. With years of experience in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, we can help you confidently reimagine your home.
Start the conversation today by completing our consultation form, and let’s bring your vision to life.
Minnesota homes experience significant seasonal changes. They go from heavy snow and freezing temperatures to hot and humid summers. Your siding needs to do more than look good; it must protect your home through every season while maintaining its beauty year after year.
That’s why at Custom One, we trust James Hardie® fiber cement siding for the homes we build and the exterior projects we complete. Hardie® products combine long-lasting durability with design versatility, making them an ideal fit for Minnesota’s climate.
Siding plays a crucial role in shielding your home from moisture, temperature swings, and everyday wear from the elements. Selecting a material designed specifically for challenging climates helps ensure your home remains comfortable, resilient, and visually appealing through extreme weather conditions.
James Hardie® fiber cement siding is engineered to deliver that level of performance. From heat and UV exposure to snow and ice, Hardie® products are built to withstand it all, helping protect your home season after season.
James Hardie has selected Iron Gray as its 2026 Color of the Year, and it’s a choice perfectly suited for Minnesota home design. This deep, richly toned shade from the Statement Collection® offers:
Iron Gray adds style and flexibility to both traditional and modern buildings. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want to update or enhance their home’s outside look.
In northern climates, the busiest season for exterior projects typically runs May through September, when milder weather creates ideal working conditions. Many homeowners aim to complete their exterior updates before summer gatherings or ahead of winter weather, which means schedules fill quickly.
Planning your project early ensures you secure your preferred timeline and get ahead of peak season.
Using James Hardie siding in Minnesota is a great choice. Fiber cement is engineered to handle extreme temperature changes, moisture, snow, ice, and UV rays. Unlike traditional materials, it resists warping, cracking, and rot, helping homes remain protected and visually consistent through harsh winters and humid summers. James Hardie® siding is specifically designed for climate performance, making it a reliable long-term investment.
While James Hardie® siding can be installed year-round, planning early is key in Minnesota. The busiest season typically runs from late spring through early fall, when demand is highest. Scheduling your project ahead of peak season helps ensure availability, preferred timelines, and smoother project coordination, especially if you want your exterior complete before summer events or winter weather.
Yes, siding plays a major role in protecting your home from moisture intrusion, air leaks, and temperature extremes. Quality siding along with proper installation keep indoor temperatures steady. They also reduce wear from weather and protect your home’s structure over time.
James Hardie® fiber cement siding stands out for its durability, design versatility, and climate-specific engineering. It offers a wide range of colors and styles while maintaining resistance to fire, pests, moisture, and extreme weather—making it well-suited for Minnesota’s demanding environment.
One of the standout trends for 2026 is James Hardie® Iron Gray. This deep, sophisticated shade offers timeless appeal and works beautifully with both light and dark trim options. It complements traditional and modern architecture while delivering a bold, refined exterior presence that enhances curb appeal.
If you’re considering new siding or a full exterior transformation, our team at Custom One Exteriors can help you navigate design selections, color palettes, and performance options to find the perfect James Hardie® solution for your home.
Contact our exteriors team today to request your complimentary consultation and get ahead of the busy season.
Custom One Renovation recently embarked on a challenging yet immensely rewarding project in Hastings, Minnesota. Our clients, facing the all-too-common dilemma of whether to remodel their existing home or build anew, opted for the former, placing their trust in our expertise. The goal was clear: transform a dated, frustrating space into a luxurious, functional, and aesthetically captivating retreat that meets the growing needs of their family.
This blog post provides an in-depth look at the transformative journey of this project, highlighting the key renovations, the challenges we faced, and the stunning results that earned this project recognition in the NARI CotY Awards for Residential Interiors over $500K.
Living Room with Fireplace – Before and After
When our clients first approached us, they were grappling with an outdated home that no longer suited their lifestyle. Limited storage, dated aesthetics, and a lack of functional space made day-to-day living a challenge. Building a new home was considered, but the costs associated with such an endeavor ultimately led them to choose a full-scale renovation instead.
This decision marked the beginning of what would become one of our most comprehensive and successful projects to date. The scope of work included a complete overhaul of the kitchen, living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, and the lower level of the home. Our objective was not only to update the look of the house but also to enhance its functionality to better serve the family’s needs.
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and in this case, it was a top priority for our renovation team. The existing kitchen was cramped, with outdated countertops and insufficient lighting that made meal preparation a chore rather than a joy.
We installed floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to maximize storage space while adding an elegant touch to the kitchen. The new cabinets, featuring sleek designs and modern finishes, completely transformed the room’s aesthetic.
The center island was expanded to provide more seating, allowing the kitchen to function as both a culinary workspace and a social hub. The island now comfortably seats up to five people, making it perfect for casual family meals or entertaining guests.
To meet the family’s culinary needs, we installed luxurious Viking appliances, including a professional-grade cooktop and multiple wall ovens, ensuring that every meal prepared here feels like a gourmet experience.
Adequate lighting is crucial in a kitchen, so we replaced the old fixtures with a combination of LED recessed lighting and stylish pendant lights that provide both functionality and ambiance.
This transformation not only improved the kitchen’s functionality but also elevated its design, making it a focal point of the home where the family can gather and create lasting memories. If this kitchen transformation inspires you, learn more about how we can elevate your own kitchen with our expert renovation services. Visit our Kitchen Renovations page to explore more.
Beyond the kitchen, the rest of the main level also underwent significant changes. The goal was to create open, inviting spaces that could accommodate the family’s needs while exuding sophistication.
The great room originally suffered from an awkward layout, with an arched soffit and columns that disrupted the flow between the kitchen and living areas. Additionally, the room’s fireplace and built-ins, once considered key features, had become outdated and visually heavy.
We removed the soffits, pony walls, and columns to create a seamless transition between the kitchen and great room. This open-concept design enhances the flow of the space, making it more conducive to both everyday living and entertaining.
The old fireplace and built-ins were replaced with custom cabinetry and a striking feature wall. We chose black-stained rift sawn oak cabinets, floating shelves, and black grasscloth wallpaper to create a modern yet warm atmosphere.
The carpeting was replaced with hardwood floors that add warmth and continuity throughout the main level, tying together the various spaces in a cohesive manner.
This renovation turned the great room into a sophisticated, multifunctional space that the family can enjoy for years to come.
No detail was too small in this renovation, and this philosophy was especially evident in the transformation of the bedrooms and bathrooms. Our goal was to create luxurious, functional spaces that would provide comfort and style, perfectly tailored to the needs and preferences of the homeowners. Each element, from custom-built storage solutions to high-end finishes, was carefully selected to enhance the overall living experience.
The primary suite was reimagined to provide a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The existing space was cramped and lacked the storage necessary for a growing family.
We designed and installed custom-built organizational systems that maximize storage and make the space more functional.
The bathroom was completely overhauled to create a spa-like atmosphere. We installed a luxurious walk-in shower with double shower heads, a freestanding soaking tub, and a custom vanity with ample storage and a dedicated makeup counter. The addition of metallic grasscloth wallpaper and tasteful lighting fixtures completed the look, making this bathroom a true retreat within the home.
The guest spaces in the home were also given a complete facelift. Two guest bedrooms on the main level were redesigned, one of which was transformed into a fully-equipped home office—a necessity for the family’s remote working needs. The adjacent guest bathroom was updated with a large, walk-in shower, new vanity, and modern fixtures, creating a welcoming space for visitors.
To see how we can transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat, visit our Bathroom Renovations page for more information.
One of the most dramatic transformations took place in the lower level of the home, which was previously underutilized and lacked the warmth and functionality needed for a family space.
The family room was enhanced with a new electric fireplace, custom cabinetry, and shelving designed to display the family’s extensive collection of art and travel memorabilia. The combination of rustic woods, black accents, and brushed gold elements created a warm, inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends with the rest of the home.
If you’re considering a family room renovation, learn more about how we can create the perfect space for your needs by visiting our Family Room Renovations page.
The rec room, a new addition to the home, was created by repurposing previously unused space. We removed the wall that separated the storage room from the bar area and transformed it into a designated space for a pool table and additional seating. The room now features a handcrafted live-edge wood bar ledge and luxurious black grasscloth walls with gold rivets, creating a dramatic and stylish environment for entertainment.
If you’re inspired by this rec room transformation, discover how we can bring your vision to life by visiting our Rec Room Renovations page.
The undersized bar area was expanded into a fully functional entertainment space. The new bar boasts a full-sized refrigerator, ice maker, drawer microwave, and ample storage, all complemented by handcrafted wood shelves and barnwood accents. Suspended shelving units, detailed with brass supports and rivets, add an industrial yet sophisticated touch to the space.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your lower level with a custom bar, learn more about our expertise in bar renovations by visiting our Lower Level Renovations page.
Throughout the Hastings Hideaway renovation, our team paid meticulous attention to even the smallest details, ensuring that every space in the home was both beautiful and functional. From the sophisticated millwork in the foyer to the custom-built shelving in the mudroom, every aspect of the home was carefully considered to meet the family’s needs and exceed their expectations.
This project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, comprehensive renovation. By addressing the functional needs of the family and incorporating modern design elements, we transformed a dated, frustrating home into a luxurious, welcoming space that the family can enjoy for years to come. The renovation not only enhanced the home’s livability but also significantly elevated its aesthetic appeal, earning it well-deserved recognition in the NARI CotY Awards.
To view more photos of this stunning renovation, visit Hastings Hideaway Project.
The 2024 Spring Parade of Homes featured an inspiring collection of Custom One Homes’ newest designs and a transformative whole-home renovation by Custom One Renovation.
We are here to answer your question so you can make an informed decision.
We are here to answer your question so you can make an informed decision.
