Inside the Stillwater Lakehouse Addition: A Full Home Renovation Case Study

Main-Level Renovation + Four Season Porch | Stillwater, Minnesota

The Stillwater Lakehouse Addition

Overview

For this Stillwater family, the view was never the problem. Their lake-facing home offered breathtaking natural beauty, a location they loved, and a layout that had once worked well. But as their family grew and their needs evolved, it became clear that the space wasn’t keeping up.

Rather than start over somewhere else, they chose to stay—and reimagine what home could look like with the help of Custom One Renovation.

The result is The Stillwater Lakehouse Addition—a full main-level renovation and architectural expansion that feels both intentional and enduring. It’s a project that honors the original character of the home while introducing smarter flow, modern comforts, and natural light in all the right places.

Project Objectives

From the beginning, this renovation was about preserving what matters—the view—while improving how the home functioned for everyday life. The homeowners were clear about their goals:

  •  Add meaningful, usable space
  • Increase access to natural light and lake views
  • Improve main-level flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas
  • Create a flexible space for entertaining and relaxing
  • Modernize finishes with a soft, timeless palette
  • Maintain traditional architectural integrity
  • Upgrade energy efficiency and comfort

With these goals in mind, our design-build team created a renovation plan that touched nearly every part of the main floor.

Scope of Renovation

Four-Season Porch Addition

At the center of this renovation—and at the heart of the home’s reimagined layout—is a brand-new four-season porch addition that embraces lake life in every season. With panoramic views of the Stillwater shoreline, this space was designed not just as a visual anchor, but as an intentional, livable extension of the main level.

From the outside, the porch addition blends seamlessly with the home’s existing architecture. Gabled rooflines and symmetrical window placement preserve curb appeal while enhancing the rear elevation with fresh character. Inside, vaulted ceilings and expansive white Pella® Lifestyle Series windows flood the space with natural light, framing the landscape like art.

The wood paneled ceiling adds texture overhead, while creamy walls and organic finishes keep the mood light and serene. The layout invites connection—perfect for morning coffee, an afternoon book, or evening wine with guests. It’s a space that shifts with the rhythm of the day, effortlessly merging form and function.

A key part of the design was ensuring flow between the new porch, the kitchen, and the dining area. By removing barriers and aligning sightlines, the space now supports everyday living and easy entertaining. The four-season porch brings the outdoors in while offering the comfort of a year-round retreat.

More than just square footage, this four-season porch adds lifestyle value. It reflects the homeowners’ decision to stay rooted in the place they love—elevating not only their home, but the way they experience it each and every day.

Before | Dining Area + Future 4-Season Porch

After | Dining Area + 4-Season Porch

Kitchen Reconfiguration

The kitchen was one of the most transformative elements of this Stillwater lake home renovation—and for good reason. Previously segmented and closed off, the original layout limited both functionality and flow, creating challenges for everyday routines and hosting gatherings. The homeowners knew they didn’t just want a cosmetic update—they wanted a space that worked harder and lived larger.

To achieve that, the Custom One Renovation team fully reconfigured the kitchen’s footprint. Strategic wall removal opened up the space to the new four-season porch and adjacent dining area, creating a seamless connection between the home’s most-used spaces. What was once a series of compartmentalized rooms became an open, airy layout built for movement, conversation, and connection.

At the core of the design: timeless finishes with a nod to classic comfort. Custom cabinetry in a soft white hue offers ample storage without overpowering the room. Quartz countertops add durability with refined appeal, while sleek hardware and elevated plumbing fixtures bring a layer of polish. A generous island anchors the space, offering room for food prep, casual dining, and effortless entertaining.

Thoughtful lighting and material selections—subtle tilework, curated fixtures, and cohesive finishes—carry the home’s transitional style throughout, tying into the adjacent rooms while allowing the kitchen to shine on its own. The result is a hardworking yet beautiful space that supports everything from slow Sunday mornings to lively dinner parties with friends.

By prioritizing both form and function, this kitchen renovation not only meets the family’s day-to-day needs, but enhances how they experience their home—proving that design, when done right, is deeply personal and profoundly practical.

Before | Kitchen

The Stillwater Lakehouse Addition

After | Kitchen

Mudroom/Laundry Upgrade

In a busy household, utility spaces like laundry rooms are often overlooked—but they’re where real life happens. In this Stillwater home, the laundry area doubles as the primary mudroom, serving as a transitional zone between the garage and the main level. While the layout worked, the space lacked countertop surface, enclosed storage, and visual cohesion with the rest of the home.

The renovation focused on elevating this high-traffic space without altering its footprint. New lower cabinetry was installed to provide concealed storage and a durable surface for folding and organization. The existing upper cabinets were refreshed with updated hardware to match the new millwork below, creating a consistent look in both color and style. A matte black faucet, deep utility sink, and light cabinetry brought in both function and finish—tied together with a warm wood floor and a soft, neutral palette that echoes the adjacent kitchen.

The result is a streamlined and intentional space—one that now feels as considered and complete as any other room in the home.

Before | Laundry Room

After | Laundry Room

Foyer Refresh

One of the most impactful changes to this Stillwater home’s layout came in the foyer. Previously, the entry opened directly into the kitchen, creating awkward circulation and little definition between spaces. By relocating the opening to connect with the great room instead, the renovation reoriented the home’s flow—offering a clearer, more intentional connection from the front door through the main level.

The former kitchen opening is now replaced by a credenza, grounding the foyer and allowing it to function as a proper entry. To enhance continuity with the rest of the home, the stairway was also refreshed with painted risers and posts—bringing cohesion and a crisp contrast to the surrounding warm tones.

After | Foyer

Before | Kitchen & Living Room

In-Progress | Sealing off the previous kitchen entryway

Main-Level Bath

While the layout remained the same, this lower-level full bath underwent a complete transformation—one that highlights the power of updated finishes and purposeful design. The original bathroom featured dated materials, dark green walls, and a heavy sliding shower door that made the space feel small and closed off.

The renovation brought in a lighter, more refined palette and an elevated sense of balance. Custom cabinetry in a deep blue-green hue anchors the vanity wall, paired with natural wood tower storage for warmth and contrast. Polished brass fixtures, a clean quartz countertop, and matte black accents add contemporary sophistication.

A new frameless glass shower enclosure and soft, vertically stacked wall tile replaced the original tub surround, creating a sleek and open feel. Subtle hexagon floor tile grounds the space and ties the palette together. Every finish was thoughtfully chosen to complement the rest of the home—proof that even utilitarian rooms can feel layered and intentional.

Before | Vanity

After | Vanity

Before | Shower

After | Shower

Upgraded Windows

Every window in the home was replaced with premium Pella® Lifestyle Series white wood windows—improving energy efficiency, reducing sound, and maximizing light. This whole-home window upgrade also brought visual consistency across every space, from the kitchen and foyer to the new addition.

A Home Reinvented, Not Replaced

The Stillwater Lakehouse Addition is more than just a renovation—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when you design with intention, respect what’s already there, and invest in the life you want to keep living.

By rethinking key spaces, reworking flow, and bringing in natural light at every opportunity, this project demonstrates the power of staying rooted—and making the most of what’s right outside your door. From the seamless porch addition and reconfigured kitchen to the refreshed everyday spaces, each update was made with long-term livability and craftsmanship in mind.

For the homeowners, this wasn’t just about adding square footage—it was about adding ease, beauty, and meaning to the place they already called home.

CONSIDERING A RENOVATION OF YOUR OWN?

Whether you’re planning a layout shift, a porch addition, or simply exploring what’s next, we’d love to help you reimagine what home can be. You can view the full project gallery to see more of the details, finishes, and spaces that brought this renovation to life.

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2025 Spring Remodelers Showcase

2025 Spring Remodelers Showcase
 April 4th–April 6th from 12-6 pm
Entry #R18 – 10140 Jody Avenue Court N., Stillwater

Spring has arrived, and with it comes one of the best ways to kick off the season—the 2025 Spring Remodelers Showcase! We’re thrilled to invite you to explore Entry #R18, a gorgeous home renovation that perfectly blends functionality, modern design, and timeless style.

This home’s centerpiece is a stunning 4-season porch addition, designed as a year-round sanctuary. Vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and high-quality finishes combine to create an airy, open feel, making it the perfect space to relax, unwind, or entertain guests while enjoying breathtaking views of the backyard. The porch is a true example of how thoughtful design can bring the outdoors in, offering an inviting retreat no matter the season.

Inside, the kitchen and dining areas were completely transformed by removing the wall between them, creating an open, flowing layout that enhances the connection between the living spaces. Modern cabinetry and sleek new design elements have been thoughtfully integrated, while some cabinetry was repurposed for a unique, contrasting touch. The updated layout provides better traffic flow, making it ideal for family living and entertaining.

Additional updates throughout the home include a redesigned foyer that enhances the flow and gives a warm, welcoming first impression. The powder bath received a fresh, modern update, and the mudroom has been reworked to maximize both storage and function, making it the perfect space for a busy household.

From the kitchen to the mudroom, every detail was carefully crafted to enhance the home’s aesthetic and functionality, providing a space that’s both beautiful and practical for everyday living.

We invite you to stop by during the Remodelers Showcase from April 4th to April 6th, 12 pm to 6 pm, and explore this beautifully transformed home for yourself. Whether you’re interested in the layout, design elements, or functionality, this renovation offers something for everyone. We can’t wait to share the vision behind this incredible home with you!

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RENDERING PICTURES

BEFORE PICTURES

Celebrating Custom One’s Award-Winning Excellence at the 2024 Midwest Home Design Awards

Our entries in the 2024 Midwest Home Design Awards shows Custom One’s belief in crafting spaces that inspire—from luxurious interiors to breathtaking outdoor landscapes. With a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and exceptional design, our divisions, Custom One LandscapingCustom One Homes, and Custom One Renovation, work together to bring visions to life. This year, their efforts earned us two top honors at the prestigious 2024 Midwest Home Design Awards, a testament to our dedication to transforming homes inside and out.

MORERN ELEGANCE ON WOODLANE:
A RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN MASTERPIECE AWARD

3RD PLACE RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
2024 MIDWEST HOME DESIGN AWARDS

2024 Midwest Home Design Awards - Modern Elegance on Woodlane - 3rd Place

Custom One Landscaping & Custom One Homes

In 2024, Custom One Landscaping and Custom One Homes collaborated to create Modern Elegance on Woodlane, a stunning transformation of a residential property in Woodbury. The design blends contemporary style with functional elements, resulting in an outdoor retreat that captivates both day and night.

FRONT YARD ELEGANCE

A basalt column water feature, accented by Mexican pebbles and gray trap rock, offers a striking focal point, perfectly complementing the home’s vibrant façade.

Modern Elegance on Woodlane, Autumn Bluff, Woodbury MN - Front Landscaping 03
Modern Elegance on Woodlane, Autumn Bluff, Woodbury MN - Backyard Landscaping 14

BACKYARD SERENITY

The pièce de résistance, a rain wall, mimics a rain curtain, complete with illuminated scuppers framed by a trellis. This feature delights the senses, creating a soothing ambiance visible from the upper deck.

DYNAMIC PLANTINGS AND MATERIALS

Mature trees, colorful hydrangeasBelgard pavers, and synthetic turf provide a low-maintenance yet vibrant environment, enhanced by sleek square stepping stones.

Modern Elegance on Woodlane, Autumn Bluff, Woodbury MN - Backyard Landscaping Hardscape 22
Modern Elegance on Woodlane, Autumn Bluff, Woodbury MN - Backyard Landscaping Hardscape Patio 25

LIGHTING BRILLIANCE

Under-track lighting and well-placed illumination elevate the outdoor experience, blending functionality with an enchanting nighttime aesthetic.

EXPLORE THE PROJECT

To view more photos, visit Modern Elegance on Woodlane.

TANNIN TREASURE:
A SOPHISTICATED WINE ROOM RENOVATION

3RD PLACE WINE ROOM
2024 MIDWEST HOME DESIGN AWARDS

2024 Midwest Home Design Awards - Tannin Treasure Wine Room - 3rd Place

Custom One Renovation

Completed in 2023, Tannin Treasure showcases Custom One Renovation’s ability to transform a modest space into a luxurious wine cellar. This project marries functionality and elegance, creating an intimate retreat for wine enthusiasts while honoring timeless design principles.

SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Custom cabinetry lines two walls, showcasing wine bottles with label-forward display rows. Floating shelves provide space for stemware, while closed storage keeps essentials tidy and within reach.

brown wine cellar holder for wine
brown stone wine cellar

CENTRAL TESTING TABLE

A custom LED-backlit granite table serves as the room’s centerpiece, blending style with practicality for tastings and gatherings.

OLD-WORLD CHARM

Rich wood tones, brick-style herringbone tiles, a stone web wall, and a loose river rock border evoke the ambiance of a classic European wine cellar.

brown wine cellar
living room with an entrance to a brown wine cellar

MODERN MEETS RUSTIC

custom arched wine door ensures temperature control, while rough-edged countertops add a rustic, historic touch.

LIGHTING VERSATILITY

The room’s lighting design allows for customizable moods, enhancing its functionality as both a storage space and a luxurious retreat.

brown wine cellar

EXPLORE THE PROJECT

To view more photos, visit Tannin Treasure.

LOOKING AHEAD

These awards in the 2024 Midwest Home Design Awards honors not just the projects but the passion and dedication of our teams at Custom One Landscaping and Custom One Renovation. Their ability to bring innovative ideas to life, whether outdoors or indoors, reflects the depth of our expertise.

DISCOVER MORE

Ready to elevate your home’s design? Whether it’s creating a stunning outdoor retreat with Custom One Landscaping or transforming interiors with timeless elegance through Custom One Renovation, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Contact Us Today to learn more about how our award-winning teams can help turn your dream project into reality.

Roofing and Siding Contractor - Annika - Custom One Exteriors

Custom One Renovation

Custom One Landscaping

2024 Fall Parade of Homes

Explore the exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs of Custom One Homes’ luxury builds and a comprehensive whole home renovation by Custom One Renovation at the 2024 Fall Parade of Homes. From Orono to Eagan, find your sanctuary in prestigious locations.

Event Details:
Dates: September 6th – September 29th
Viewing Times: Fridays to Sundays, 12pm-6pm

Special Viewing:
Custom One Renovation‘s main-level renovation project at 4300 Courtland Road, Minnetonka,
will be open for viewing during the last weekend only (September 27th – 29th).

7972 207th Street E, Credit River | Home #103

A New Construction Project by Custom One Homes

Introducing the “Serenity” model by Custom One Homes, a perfect blend of modern design and rustic elegance situated in Credit River’s exclusive development, The Ranch at Credit River. This luxurious home features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 6,194 square feet of living space, highlighted by 10-foot main-level ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and a private owner’s suite. The home is designed for both comfort and entertainment, with an upper-level kids’ lounge, a sports court, an exercise room, and a chic lower-level bar. Nestled in a tranquil setting, yet close to top-rated schools and amenities, the Serenity model offers the ideal balance of luxury and everyday living.

As part of our September Splendor, we invite you to join us for exclusive events that complement the elegance of the Serenity model. Enhance your fall hosting skills at our Hosting with Style, featuring a fall mixologist and charcuterie board demonstration. Additionally, garden enthusiasts can enjoy our Fall Planting Masterclass, led by Cindi Olson from Gertens and Jim Bever from Custom One Landscaping, to learn expert tips for sprucing up your front porch this season.

Custom One Home - 7835 146TH TERRACE, SAVAGE

7835 146th Terrace, Savage | Home #153

A New Construction Project by Custom One Homes

Welcome to Eagleview, a luxury villa community in Savage, Minnesota, where comfort, convenience, and modern living come together in perfect harmony. These detached, single-level homes offer the ultimate ease of living with a zero-entry slab-on-grade foundation, a main-level primary suite, and two additional bedrooms. As part of an association-maintained community, Eagleview residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle in a serene, picturesque setting. Located in the tranquil suburb of Savage, Eagleview provides easy access to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and abundant recreational opportunities, offering the perfect blend of suburban peace and urban convenience.

As part of our September Splendor series, we invite you to enhance your fall hosting skills at our Hosting with Style event. Join us for an exclusive experience featuring a fall mixologist and a charcuterie board demonstration, designed to elevate your entertaining game this season. After the event, take the opportunity to tour our luxurious homes in Eagleview and discover the perfect place to call home.

Custom One Homes - Wayzata Gable Enclave - New Construction

126 Benton Avenue, Wayzata | Home #173

A New Construction Project by Custom One Homes

Welcome to a stunning new build by Custom One Homes, an award-winning builder, in collaboration with David Charlez Designs and Brick + Linen. Nestled on a charming lot in the heart of Wayzata, this custom home perfectly blends luxury and functionality. The bright, open floor plan is designed for seamless entertaining, featuring a spacious gourmet kitchen with a grand center island, custom cabinetry, designer lighting, and a walk-in pantry that flows effortlessly into the great room and a desirable screened porch. Main-level living is a dream with a luxurious owner’s suite and a private office, while the lower level offers additional space with a family/rec room and a fourth bedroom. The upper level includes two generous bedrooms, a cozy loft, and a 3/4 bath. The inviting front porch and backyard patio are perfect for gatherings, all just steps away from the charming offerings of downtown Wayzata.

As part of our September Splendor series, we invite you to join us for exclusive events that complement the elegance of this custom home. Enhance your fall hosting skills at our Hosting with Style event, featuring a fall mixologist and charcuterie board demonstration. This event is designed to inspire your entertaining game and offer a firsthand look at the exceptional design and craftsmanship that Custom One Homes is known for.

4300 Courtland Road, Minnetonka | Home #R6

A Main-Level Renovation Project by Custom One Renovation

This stunning renovation project, completed by Custom One Renovation, has transformed a long-time residence into a modern, open-concept space perfect for entertaining. Our talented Sales Design Consultant led the design, ensuring every detail was carefully considered. The main level underwent a dramatic change, including the removal of a load-bearing wall to create a seamless flow between the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Vaulted ceilings were introduced by replacing the roof and trusses, adding a sense of spaciousness. The kitchen now features a pro-series appliance package and offers easy access to a newly built outdoor deck. The exterior has been updated with a sleek, modern look, while the interior balances clean lines with warmth. Andersen Windows 400 series flood the space with natural light, and the fireplace was converted to gas and elegantly clad with Dekton. This renovation not only modernizes the home but also significantly enhances its potential for entertaining. Don’t miss your chance to explore this incredible transformation—open for a limited time, one weekend only, September 27th – September 29th, from 12pm to 6pm.

Luxury Appliances: Colors, Features, and Trending Items

Are you a homeowner who wants to upgrade your kitchen with the latest appliances? Look no further than luxury appliances! From steam ovens to hidden paneling that seamlessly blends in with your kitchen, these high-end appliances not only have cutting-edge features but also come in a wide range of colors to fit your unique style. And it’s not just about the inside of your house – outdoor cooking equipment like pizza ovens and grills can add a new level of excitement to your summer barbecues. Read on to learn more about luxury appliances and how they can enhance your home.

One of the biggest advantages of luxury appliances is their advanced features. Take steam ovens, for example. Not only can they cook food faster and more evenly, but they also promote healthier eating by retaining more nutrients and reducing the need for added oils and fats. And if you’re worried about maintenance, there’s no need to fret – many steam ovens are self-cleaning, making them easy to maintain and keep spotless.

Stylish Options

Steam Oven in White Kitchen - Woodlane Alcove MN

Another noteworthy aspect of luxury appliances is their stylish options. Whether you prefer bold colors or subtle hues, there’s a luxury appliance out there for you. Stainless steel has long been a popular choice, but now it’s easier than ever to match your appliances to your home decor. Hidden paneling, for instance, allows your appliances to blend in seamlessly with your cabinets for a cohesive look.

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Experience

In addition to indoor appliances, you can also elevate your outdoor living experience with luxury cooking equipment. From built-in grills to pizza ovens, outdoor cooking gear can transform your backyard into a chef’s paradise.

Imagine firing up a wood-fired pizza and enjoying it under the stars – it’s the perfect way to enjoy the Minnesota summer season.

Outdoor Kitchen - White Oak Drive MN

Luxury Refrigerators

And let’s not forget about refrigeration. Properly storing your food extends its life and reduces waste, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. With luxury refrigerators, you can ensure that your food stays fresh for longer. For example, some refrigerators have separate compartments for fruits and vegetables, which helps prolong their freshness. Others have built-in air filtration systems to minimize odors and prevent the spread of bacteria.

Luxury Refrigerator - Woodlane Alcove MN

Why Upgrade Your Appliances to Luxury Models

Upgrading your appliances to luxury models is not just a step towards modernization; it’s an investment in both your home and your wellbeing. These high-end appliances come with cutting-edge features and stylish options that can significantly enhance your day-to-day life. They’re not limited to the indoors, either; luxury appliances can also elevate your outdoor living experience and help prolong the lifespan of your food.

For more inspiration and expert advice on choosing the perfect luxury appliance for your home, consider visiting one of All, Inc.‘s showrooms. Here, you’ll find a myriad of options tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

But why stop there? Dive deeper into the world of luxury appliances with our podcast ‘Roof to Curb.’ In our latest episode, ‘ALL IN with All, Inc.,’ we discuss all things appliances in more detail. We’ll guide you through the latest trends, features, and color options, helping you make the most informed decision for your home. Whether you’re a foodie looking to upgrade your kitchen or a homeowner wanting to enhance your outdoor living experience, there’s something for everyone in our podcast.

Roof to Curb Podcast - Episode 10

So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about how luxury appliances can transform your living space. Tune in to the ‘ALL IN with All, Inc.’ episode of ‘Roof to Curb’ today!

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