It’s not a Dan + Shay song, it’s a shouse!!! I have been waiting for some time to share this beautiful project with y’all, it was hands down a favorite in 2022. Not just because of its unique design concept but mostly in part due to this incredible family. The Schammel family gave me full design freedom with this entire project from the ground up. [Cue the title!] The reveal is exquisite.

Our initial design consultation literally took place on this empty lot in the beautiful rolling countryside of New London, Minnesota on a profound windy day. The couple provided me with a wish list of goals to include with the design plans, gave me freedom to choose the construction teams, and sent me on my way. Fun Fact: Professional Interior Designers graduate as draftsmen. This is the difference between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators and was key for me in this entire project as I quickly took to my drafting table to begin schematics, floor plans, and elevations. Space planning is one of the most important aspects of design for any project. Function and flow of space are critical in good design and set the tone for the success of the entire project.

Photography | Xsperience Photography

A shouse you say? I confess, this was my first shouse and by the looks of it for 2023 it certainly won’t be my last. The Schammel’s wish list was a sizeable assignment and really spun my creative gears into motion. The main objective of the initial drawings was designed around a 13’ garage door that allowed for pontoon and trailer storage. In addition to the extra-large door was intention for living quarters suited for family gatherings, a full bathroom, gaming space, tv area, a full kitchen, outdoor living space and a golf simulator. I was able to accommodate and include everything except the golf simulator. In the end, the clearance and requirements needed for the simulator was just too much of a space request and the storage for the pontoon and trailer was of most importance.

Following the approval of the initial building and design plans we got to team up with Danielson Home Co. to begin the construction process. I can’t tell y’all enough how having the right team of pros in place can make or break a project, especially a new construction. I simply adored this entire team, and the results speak for themselves. Michael was able to take my plans and adjust them accordingly to fit trussing requirements and coding specifications needed in order to clear the 13’ garage door while providing living quarters above. This was my second time working with Michael, as I originally met him when he built my she-shed. She-shed and shouses, what’s next? Upon Michaels adjustments and re-evaluation of plans we hit the ground . . . digging.

I could rap your ear off about allll the beautiful design details with this fun project, but I’ll let the photos do the talking. I took a Scandinavian approach with the material + decor details of the space and really focused on a minimal, clean design that combines function and beauty. Scandinavian style aims for light spaces and simple lines. I married those elements together and packed a little punch of color to add character and appeal for the Schammel family and their three daughters.

The lower level living of the shouse features 10’ ceilings (oh my!), a modest entry space, a hidden washer + dryer closet, storage closet, full bath, and a rear entry designed for garden essentials and tools in the summer months. The flooring featured through the shouse is this luxury vinyl plank that is waterproof, scratch resistant, and stain resistant making it perfectly suitable for children and fur friends of all capacities.

The stairway access to the second level living + entertaining quarters was designed extra wide to keep movement and flow comfortable and spacious.

Blinded by the light! (I’ll stop quoting song lyrics someday, just not today.) The second level of the shouse is an open concept living area with beautiful windows that allow for loads of natural light. This lot, set in the New London countryside, is a stunner. I totally crush on these gorgeous views and the simple clean lines of sheetrock return windows.

Image: New London Real Estate | Brady Lindquist

To install a concrete fireplace surround was a beast for a second level application so we opted for faux. Michael from Danielson Home Co., is a talented craftsman that executed this finish flawlessly. Tip: Faux concrete is much more cost efficient than the real deal! This area of the shouse is the main focal point of the space that encourages gathering + rest.

We maximized this empty space with use of an art corner. Ikea Hack: These two ikea desks missed the mark by an inch to fit the space properly so our team simply removed a leg and bolted the two together. Perfecto!

So much love for this full concept kitchen plan! We managed to include all the bells and whistles regardless of the small footprint. Complete with refrigerator drawers to keep the space open and airy and Cafe Kitchen Appliances for a luxury touch. This is the second project that I chose this wood grain laminate for the cabinetry from AUM Wood Products. The dark contrast of the licorice cabinets compliment the lighter elements of the living space admirably.

Flow & Function. The loft space was designed to accommodate the large ceilings below it needed for the pontoon and trailer storage. This space is a designated guest + kid zone complete with private sleeping quarters and custom trundle beds to maximize sleeping capacity. Go bold or go home right? I must confess how many sleepless nights I had over doing a custom bookshelf in this adventurous color. So much so that I didn’t hesitate to paint a wall in my own house this beautiful Salamander green to ensure it was a good selection. High fives to AUM Wood Products for these custom install applications done flawlessly.

[This is how we do it… this is how we do it.. ] Not just Montell Jordan lyrics but legit. It truly takes a dream team to execute a project quickly, effortlessly, and beautifully. Please take note of the incredible team of professionals noted below and this wonderful family for trusting the design process and having patience to let it unveil beautifully. Gratitude.

Love & Light.

Meet the Pros | Local Love

Construction + Contracting | Danielson Home Co.

Flooring, Carpet + Tile | Floor to Ceiling

Custom Cabinetry | AUM Wood Products

Quartz Countertops | Granite Creations

Cafe Kitchen Appliances | Halvorson Company

Fireplace | Fireside Hearth & Home

Garage Doors | American Door Works

Furniture + Decor | All Modern + West Elm

Photography | Xsperience Photography + New London Real Estate | Brady Lindquist

Flooring | The Home Depot

From the Ground Up

Modern Cottage

Washroom Revival