Farmhouse. Cape Cod. Tudor. Ranch. Midcentury modern. And the list keeps going. Each architectural style brings its own personality, history, and unmistakable appeal — and for most homeowners, that distinct character is exactly what made you fall in love in the first place. So when it’s time to remodel or refresh your space, honoring that original charm and making sure every update fits the home’s style isn’t just important, it’s essential.
“You can tell when something just doesn’t fit,” explains Matt Cook, president at Sawhill Custom Kitchen and Design. “When a style or design just doesn’t feel right or doesn’t belong in the home. Take a newer home, for example. When the home already has all modern elements, putting in a Vintage French range would look completely out of place.”
As experts in custom luxury design and home remodeling, the award-winning Sawhill team understands the power of intentional, thoughtful design — and they know immediately when it’s missing. “We’ve gone into homes built in the ’40s and ’50s with some questionable kitchen or bathroom remodel choices from the ’70s that current homeowners want to change,” Matt shares, “because the aesthetics, function, and flow do not fit the home’s architectural style and era.”
However, if you’re drawn to a design that doesn’t naturally align with your home’s architecture, not to worry. Matt assures there are countless ways to thoughtfully weave a style into the space and make it feel right at home.
“There are a few key elements you’ll want to keep consistent with the home’s architecture to create that cohesive feel,” shares Matt. “To start, whether your home has a plastered texture or or smooth sheet-rock walls, you’ll generally want to keep that large scale element the same. The next feature is the millwork. Is the trim really thick? Does it have character? Is it painted or stained? Doors also make a major statement and help define the overall look and feel of a home. Flooring is the final piece you’ll want to keep consistent throughout the home, but from there, you can have a lot of fun and get creative!”
That’s where your personal style comes in, allowing your personality and vision to shine while still honoring the home’s unique character.
“One of our clients loved a piece of art they bought that had an Italian, Tuscan food theme. That artwork became the inspiration for their entire kitchen design,” shares Matt. “We used a merlot, plum-colored tile, reclaimed wood beams, stucco art over the oven, a range style inspired by the artwork, and imported tile with each one featuring one-of-a-kind hand-drawn designs by an artist. It turned out amazing.”
But sometimes personal touches aren’t always visible. They’re behind the cabinet doors and are tailored to what the homeowner needs from a functional standpoint. “The kitchen, for example, can showcase that unseen personal design,” says Matt. “Where does the homeowner prefer to store their pans? Where do they put their spices? We always ask the homeowner what features they love in the home and which stylistic and functional elements they don’t, and through that process, we have a nice foundation to build upon.”
From there, the Sawhill team creates drawings and provides the homeowner with a virtual rendering of the remodel's layout and flow to give a realistic visual. “We get feedback from the homeowner until we have a final working plan and then oversee the entire building process to ensure it all runs smoothly,” says Matt. “The process is really fun. We’re advisors and we are here to help give homeowners the best possible result.”
If you’re thinking of remodeling this year and looking for inspiration, Matt says he’s seeing a shift away from the stark black-and-white Modern Farmhouse style that has dominated the market for the last 10 years. “Homes in Lake Minnetonka are shifting into a Modern Cottage style that has warmer tones like tans and browns, with a softer design approach that includes more curves and arches. You’ll also see more antiques and vintage pieces, giving spaces a cozy, lived-in feel.”
Transforming your house into a home you love is what Matt and his team do best. “We often meet with homeowners who have completely resigned on the potential of their space,” Matt says. “We love when we can help them see that there’s so much more possible they can do with their home. We’re great listeners, open-minded, and here to bring your vision to life in a way that fits both your home’s character and your personal style.”