In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Anne McDonald is the interior designer to call for refreshing old homes. She spent nearly a decade working with her father on the building side of the industry, so she pays special attention to the architectural details that need to be maintained or restored—and she knows what colors and materials to introduce that will make the historical features sing.
Anne recently worked her magic on a 1920s Craftsman bungalow that was lackluster and cluttered, using its original dark-stained red oak trim and millwork as the inspiration for a moody palette of rich browns and ambers. Then she balanced the warmth with dusty blues and deep greens that highlight the leafy views through the windows.
Botanical motifs and earthy textures can be found throughout, nodding to the homeowner’s affinity for nature. “They have this beautiful cabin where they spend a lot of time in the woods in Wisconsin, so they really wanted to have this connection to something natural and grounded in their city home, too,” says Anne.
Let’s take a tour (and scroll down for a look at the place before).
Photography by Taylor Hall O’Brien.
After
![the front porch was once overflowing with sports equipment and other odds and e 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-1-733x489.jpeg)
![anne upgraded the porch by ripping out the old vinyl tiles and replacing them w 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-3-733x1109.jpeg)
![in the living room, anne played up the original molding and brick fireplace wit 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-4-733x489.jpeg)
![an antique rug mingles with an embroidered footstool and a glass topped magazin 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-5-733x1100.jpeg)
![behind a federico leather wingback chair from cisco home, anne fitted built in 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-6-733x1099.jpeg)
![the adjacent dining room is papered in cole & son\2\17;s royal ferne 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-7-733x489.jpeg)
![the homeowners wanted to keep their oak pedestal table, so anne paired it with 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-10-733x1102.jpeg)
![since the house has small proportions, anne made the hallway into a moment with 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-11-733x1028.jpeg)
![the bathroom has a new dark wood vanity, a recessed medicine cabinet, and gloss 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-15-733x916.jpeg)
![in a kid\2\17;s room, anne kept the original wood door and added subtly 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-12-733x1100.jpeg)
![at the top of the stairs, anne created an immersive office with a jacobean insp 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-14-733x842.jpeg)
![anne designed the built in desk to fit into the compact space. the rolling chai 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-072423-13-733x916.jpeg)
Before
![\2\20;the porch was basically used as a landing zone for all sorts of th 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-before-3-733x550.jpeg)
![all the furniture was too small for the living room, so no one ever wanted to s 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-before-2-733x550.jpeg)
![the old bathroom was devoid of personality, but the original hexagonal tile and 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/anne-mcdonald-before-1-733x977.jpeg)
More satisfying before-and-afters:
- “This Is the House I’d Leave Amsterdam For”: A Family’s Airy, Springy 1893 Quarters in Haarlem
- Before & After: Architect Pat Bernatz’s Reimagined House on the Hill in East LA
- Before & After: A 1924 Spanish-Style Villa in Laurel Canyon Gets an Update, 99 Years On
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the article?
The source of the article is Remodelista.com.
What type of house is featured in the article?
The article features a 1920s Minneapolis Craftsman house.
What changes were made to the house during the makeover?
The house underwent a moody makeover with changes to the interior design, paint colors, and furniture.
What style was chosen for the interior design of the house?
The interior design of the house was designed in a moody style, incorporating darker tones and rich textures.
What is the objective of the makeover?
The objective of the makeover was to transform the house into a moody and welcoming space with a unique aesthetic.
Where can I find more before and after photos of the house?
You can find more before and after photos of the house on the Remodelista.com website.
Who is the designer or firm responsible for the makeover?
The designer or firm responsible for the makeover is not specified in the article.
Are there any specific details or features highlighted in the article?
Yes, the article highlights specific details like the new fireplace, the kitchen update, and the painted wood paneling.
Can I get information about the article author?
The article author's information is not provided in the article.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation