Designing for Refined Durability

Andréa Dixon and Jen Ziemer of design-build firm Fiddlehead Design Group had worked with the owners of this new home in Wayzata, MN, before—so they had a common design language in place. For this project, “They were coming from a very traditional home and wanted to dip their toes into a more modern look, but it still had to be very warm,” says Dixon. To create that perfect balance for these empty nesters, their three adult sons, and their dogs, the design team combined a clean-lined approach with plenty of warm wood, natural stone, mixed metals, and strategic touches of black.

In the kitchen, they used two wood species and finishes—rift-cut white oak in a lighter stain and clear alder in a darker stain—to lend interest and texture to the cabinets and island base. Cambria’s Brittanicca covers the island and countertops and extends all the way up the perimeter walls—a design element made easy with Cambria’s assortment of quartz designs available in 1cm. Brass and bronze on the range hood and light fixtures repeat the warm/cool tones and add subtle dimension to focal-point areas.

While many of the main kitchen elements have a traditional look, the designers took care to incorporate just enough bold, modern accents to keep the overall effect fresh and new. For example, the bar that adjoins the kitchen has a high-impact geometric backsplash in white, black, and gold, with black and gold hardware. Black also shows up on window and door frames throughout the house, as well as on metal railings, tiles, and various accents—subtle but intentional touches that add just enough edge.

Because this is a hardworking family home for a couple that loves to cook, the designers planned the kitchen carefully, being sure to maximize not only style but function and durability. “Cambria was the natural choice there because it has that no-worry beauty,” says Ziemer. The designers used Cambria in several other rooms, as well. The Brittanicca quartz design continues from the kitchen into the butler’s pantry, where it pairs well with the dark alder cabinets and a dramatic backsplash of patterned tile. 

The laundry/gift-wrapping room features Cambria’s Mersey on the island paired with a lighter design on the counter around the sink.

In the primary bath, Cambria’s Ella design provides a luxe marble look on the vanity. “It’s a great counterpoint to the black and white patterned tile on the floor,” says Dixon.