Last week, Housing First Minnesota held our quarterly Members Only event at the Cambria Gallery on 7th in Minneapolis. Typically, these events are exclusively for current association members; however, for this particular event, we invited members to bring along any non-member colleagues. This was a great opportunity for them to explore the event and learn more about what Housing First Minnesota offers.
Nearly 100 members and their guests came to the latest installment. The aim of these events is to connect members both new and old in a casual environment in addition to an insightful panel discussion on a variety of topics aimed at helping to grow their businesses.
The panel discussion for this latest event focused on the world of luxury design and the elements and dynamics that go along with it. The discussion, moderated by Summer Kath of Cambria included Danielle Loven, Vivid Home; Melissa Musgjerd, Studio M; and Jen Stockwell, Stockwell Homes.
The design process can be complex. Balancing client needs, timelines, budgets, and other elements can create unforseen delays or challenges. However, as the panel shared, these instances can also be opportunities to make the project even better.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Loven shared a story of a home she was working on that called for black windows to complement the home’s carefully curated exterior palette. When the windows arrived, they were white. With $150,000 already invested in the windows, replacing them wasn’t an option. Instead of letting this setback derail the project, the designer saw it as an opportunity to reimagine the home’s exterior.
The solution involved a full redesign to harmonize with the white windows. The team adjusted nearly every detail of the original plan, from changing the front door color and stone materials to revisiting wood finishes and lighting fixtures. Despite the initial nerves from the builders, the designer embraced the challenge, quickly pulling together a new, cohesive vision. With collaboration and bold decision-making, the team transformed the exterior into something fresh and unexpected—all while staying on budget.
The outcome exceeded expectations. The redesigned exterior was not only a solution to the problem but also a creative improvement over the original concept. Even the realtor remarked that the new vision elevated the home’s appeal. This story highlights the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and calm leadership when faced with challenges. In the designer’s words, “It was meant to be.”
Balancing Quality and Budget
High quality materials can make a huge difference in the design space. From look and feel to durability over time, designers like Stockwell understand the importance of incoporating these materials into projects. However, balancing this with budget constraints can sometimes be a high-wire act.
Stockwell shared with the panel her practical approach to navigating these complexities when they pop up in a project. She emphasized the importance of transparency from the outset, advocating for presenting clients with categorical budget details rather than overwhelming line-item breakdowns.
At the project kickoff meeting, she asks bold questions about their perspectives on money and spending, which helps set the tone for collaboration. She highlighted the importance of addressing potential budget adjustments early, rather than succumbing to last-minute changes that often derail projects. This proactive approach allows for realistic planning and prevents the stress of scrambling to make cuts just before construction begins.
Details Matter
When it comes to the finer details of design, members of the panel shared how thoughtful choices can transform a room’ design. Drawing an analogy to fashion, Musgjerd likened design accents to jewelry –small but impactful elements that bring a space to life. Light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and wallpaper were highlighted as her go-to finishing touches.
By focusing on details like mirrors, lighting, and cabinetry in smaller spaces, she ensures these elements elevate the overall feel of a home without overspending. “It’s not that much money to spend when you’re talking about two or three pulls on a powder room vanity versus 75 pulls in a kitchen,” she explained.
