Designing a home in Minnesota comes with unique challenges and opportunities. We have four distinct seasons (sometimes all in one week), specific architectural styles ranging from St. Paul Victorians to North Loop lofts, and a lifestyle that values both practicality and comfort.
As a local business serving the Twin Cities for over three decades, I’ve noticed that what works here is often different from what you see in national design magazines. Here are the custom closet and storage trends specifically taking over Minneapolis and St. Paul homes.
1. The “Minnesota Mudroom” Revolution
In California, a mudroom is a nice-to-have. In Minnesota, it’s a survival tool.
We are seeing a massive shift towards treating the mudroom (or entry closet) as a primary design priority. It’s no longer just hooks on a wall.
The Trend:
- Individual Lockers: Designated zones for each family member to contain the chaos of boots, coats, and hockey bags.
- Heated Floors: Integrated into the storage design for drying wet boots.
- Ventilated Storage: Mesh-front cabinets to let damp winter gear breathe while staying hidden.
- Bench Seating: Essential for putting on and taking off winter boots.
2. Old Home Retrofits (St. Paul & South Minneapolis)
Our cities are full of beautiful, historic homes—with tiny, non-functional closets.
The Trend:
Homeowners are preserving the historic charm of their bedrooms while creating modern functionality inside the closet. We’re doing this by:
- Using every vertical inch: Old homes often have high ceilings even in small closets.
- Custom built-ins: Replacing bulky dressers with built-in drawers inside the closet to free up bedroom floor space.
- Lighting upgrades: Adding LED lighting to these traditionally dark, deep spaces.
3. The “Edina Luxury” Aesthetic
In new construction and major renovations, particularly in the western suburbs like Edina, Wayzata, and Minnetonka, the master closet is becoming a true room of its own.
The Trend:
- Boutique Styling: Glass-front cabinets, center islands with stone countertops, and chandelier lighting.
- Sitting Areas: A comfortable chair or ottoman for a “dressing room” feel.
- Display Storage: Open shelving for shoe collections and handbag displays.
4. Condo & Loft Efficiency (North Loop & Downtown)
As downtown living grows, so does the need for ultra-efficient storage in open-concept spaces.
The Trend:
- Concealed Storage: sleek, minimal doors that blend into the wall, hiding the clutter of daily life.
- Multi-purpose Systems: Closets that also house a fold-down desk or laundry unit.
- Industrial Finishes: Metal accents and darker wood tones that complement exposed brick and ductwork.
5. Cabin & Lake Home Storage
“Up North” style is influencing city homes, and vice versa.
The Trend:
- Natural Materials: Wood textures (walnut, maple) that feel organic and warm.
- Guest-Ready Spaces: Closets designed specifically for visitors, with designated space for suitcases and extra linens.
- Durability: Materials that can withstand humidity fluctuations and heavy gear.
Why Local Expertise Matters
A national franchise might sell you a “standard” closet system. But will they know that you need extra height for winter parkas? Will they understand the quirks of a 1920s plaster wall in Mac-Groveland?
At Diseño Closets, we don’t just know closets—we know *Minnesota* closets. We design for our weather, our homes, and our lifestyle.
Living in the Twin Cities? Let’s design a space that works for you.
Call Delia at 651-646-0319.