The Minne Stuga
Original Series
People
History & Vision
Melissa Coleman sees herself as a creator. She is a designer but enjoys making things in various ways. She started her online journey with her blog, The Faux Martha, where she shared her baking and recipes. Over time, her Instagram following grew, and her content evolved to include home design projects and glimpses of her family life. As she gained more followers, Melissa wanted to share authentically while keeping some parts private. She aimed to inspire others to disconnect and create their own memories through experiences, not just by consuming her content. This inspiration turned into a cabin renovation project in northern Minnesota.
After a year of searching, Melissa and her husband Kevin found the ideal cabin in Grand Marais, MN. They viewed it as an investment and a place for their family and others to reconnect with nature, especially valuable as remote work increases. From a design standpoint, Melissa aimed to blend the cabin's unique character with modern touches. She planned to preserve and reinforce the existing structure for greater sustainability and efficiency. To help realize her vision, she collaborated with Anton Moody of Taiga Design + Build, a local expert in the area.
Design & Construction Photos
Obstacles
Anton noticed early in the project that the cabin's structure was solid, but the exterior needed significant improvements. The roof, made of 50-year-old cedar, was beautiful but rotting and allowed water to leak inside. The existing windows connected the cabin to nature but were unstable and required replacement. The deck was also decaying, and some siding needed updates. Inside, the cabin had outdated green and orange carpet. Melissa recognized that these changes would require much effort but saw the cabin's potential.
Melissa and Anton exchanged design ideas, which can be tricky when two creatives collaborate, as they can have different perspectives. Also, keeping the project within budget was tough. In the end, they combined their styles to create a unique design plan.
However, just as plans were ready and construction was about to start, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delaying everything. Melissa had to help her daughter with online schooling, while her husband worked from home. Supply chain problems also made it hard for Anton to get necessary materials. Although this was frustrating, it made the eventual start of construction even more exciting. After a long wait, their dream was finally becoming a reality.
Standout Features
Melissa named the cabin "The Minne Stuga," combining "Minne," meaning "by the water" from Minnesota, and "Stuga," the Swedish word for "cottage." This name reflects the cabin's lakeside location and its Nordic design influences.
The design team focused on blending old and new materials. When structural updates were needed, cedar planks from the walls were reused in other areas instead of being replaced, maintaining the cabin's character and sustainability.
A standout feature is the sit-in window box that protrudes from the cabin, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. It allows guests to enjoy nature, watch wildlife, and experience seasonal changes, effectively connecting the interior with the outdoors.
Every material was carefully chosen for both appearance and durability. Kebony modified wood was selected for the cladding and decking, as it complements Melissa's vision of mixing old and new while ensuring long-lasting quality.