Nordic meets New London

If you never been to New London it truly is one of the most charming small towns in West Central, Minnesota. New London Real Estate has occupied its main street since 1968, so when the team at NLRE contacted me to help them remodel their current office space, I was over-the-moon. There is something about the opportunity to give new life to an old building that drives my design energy in a very passionate way. I love seeing commercial and residential clients reuse properties whenever possible and this project promised to be a dream concept.

New London Real Estate | Before

The team at NLRE is composed of six key people with three of them as owners. The owners of New London Real Estate had a vision in mind of a Nordic/Scandinavian inspired office space that was hip yet masculine and a reflection of their generation of the business. In addition to their vision, they gave me complete design freedom. Let me tell you, this doesn’t happen often but when it does, I don’t hold back.

Scandinavian Interior Design is known for its minimalist color palettes, abundance of natural light, cozy accessories, and modern day furnishings. The first objective with the existing NLRE office space was to optimize the space plan, encourage ample window additions, and improve the schematics of the floor plan.  This was exciting as the new design concept promised lots of floor to ceiling glass windows and doors to ensure traffic and sight lines moved naturally and light was generous.

This specific design style is so simple in its formality that a strong design shell is absolutely required to be successful with the execution of the concept. I was able to work closely with the team at AUM Wood Products on the front reception desk, the fireplace wall in the lobby, and the back wet bar/bench in the conference room. AUM helped direct me with the finishing materials to complete my design concept and the end result was perfection.

The furniture and finishes occupied a color palette of soft blues to compliment the business brand and the nostalgia of the lakeside community. Including accenting accessories of muted tones in ivory and black with pops of warm woods and Copenhagen leathers. Modern furniture elements were added with bold lighting fixtures for striking statement pieces that still feel cozy and welcoming.

Tucked in the back was a small bathroom that I didn’t hold back from showing a little love. The ‘guys’ decided they liked the idea of a farm house light for the application in this space. Sometimes you have to work with the clients wants too but this was sure a tiny challenge for me. I had drafted two pendants on each side of the mirror as my design vision, but as it turns out I love how this farm house sconce added a bit of flare yet maintained the minimal simplicity of the design concept. How about this floating vanity too? AUM Wood Products rocked this custom feature for a fraction of the cost I could find online. The blue wallpaper, sink, and faucet were another local find from Floor to Ceiling. Stunning.

As an Interior Designer I’m passionate about all design styles. I find beauty and function in each of them and there simply isn’t one I could ever say is my favorite, but this trendy office space takes the cake for my 2020 design year. As much as there were challenges, there were more triumphs and the completed design concept met my wildest expectations. It was a gift to work with such wonderful clients and crew, please take note of the talented team of pros listed below that made this space come together and stay tuned . . . there is so many behind the scenes highlights about this project that will surface on future blogs. Cheers.

Local Pros

Construction + Contracting | Lake Region Construction

Cabinetry, Wood Products, and Custom Shiplap | AUM Wood Products

Professional Painting | Green Lake Paint

Signage | Print Masters

Electrician | Kings Electric

Products

Flooring, Carpet, Wallpaper, Furniture | Floor to Ceiling

Fireplace | Fireside Hearth & Home

Appliances | Cullen’s Home Center

Trim, Doors, Materials | Perkins Lumber

Lobby Furniture | Slumberland

Photography | Xsperience Photography + New London Real Estate