When it became essential to add more storage space at the cabin, the Dahlstrom family decided to not just build a garage but to build out the area above the garage as well. And what began as a simple, and rather ordinary, building project, soon became a delightful journey through family memories and an exploration of their Swedish heritage. Their property, which is located on Ten Mile Lake near Hackensack, MN, has been in the family since 1942 and has been the source of many family memories for Gail, her husband Don, their four daughters and their families. It now reflects their Swedish heritage as well.
In building out the space above the garage, Gail and her daughters served as the design team. They in turn enlisted the help of 2 well-known local contractors, Kevin Larson Construction Inc. and Jack Carder’s Earth Moving, Excavating and Sewer Company. Together they were able to craft a simple Swedish “stuga” (cabin), complete with Swedish style hand crafted woodwork and cabinetry, cupboard beds and a ladder staircase that leads to an open loft where their children can play. The completed space has lots of natural light that serves to highlight the color selections of the tile and the intricate detail of the woodwork and cabinetry. The final look is simple, clean and inviting.
The final step was to decorate the space with the many family heirlooms that had been collected through the years. Each piece holds a memory and therefore reflects a value well beyond its monetary worth. The now completed space is both humble and elegant, reflecting the legacy of a previous generation. The journey began with a practical need for more storage area and ended with a space that reflects some of the most valuable treasures in all of life, family memories and legacy.
