BEFORE IMAGE by Spacecrafting

Entering the lower level offers a myriad of gems throughout. The new stewards of the home plan to use this floor for entertaining where guests can choose their own adventure. We begin with the Lounge, Wet Bar, and Home Theater all designed by Julie Tuerk, Allied ASID, of Julie Tuerk Interior Design. Vujovich Design Build Inc. was up for the task of remodeling these two rooms.

The Lounge in the lower level of Pillsbury Castle is a perfect blend of tradition and personal style. The brick walls, curved hallway, and arched pass-throughs provide an authentic period backdrop to showcase the owners’ sharp design sensibility. The vision was medieval sophistication for the modern era, with an avant-garde touch. Lush, velvet-like polyester fabrics by Maxwell were chosen for the midnight blue banquette upholstery and deep black drapery. A custom asymmetrical round banquette by Randy’s Booth Co. anchors the room, paired with a custom table by Rovan, surrounded by tambour inlaid with antique glass.

The round ceiling medallion highlights the Arteriors waterfall chandelier, flanked by Alexander McQueen-inspired wire ponytail sconces. Visual Comfort crystal fixtures illuminate the hallway and wet bar, complemented by a hanging corner pendant by Sean Lavin. A unique bench in dusty linen sits atop a dramatic abstract perimeter rug from INTERSOURCE by STARK, while original Richard Merchan paintings adorn the walls. The lower level was filled with piping and mechanicals that were either eliminated or relocated.

The Lounge now features a wallpapered ceiling with ebony oak medallion and LED lighting that creates the illusion that the ceiling is floating within the space. The 120-year-old concrete floor was removed to allow for new in-floor heat and floor lights, strategically located within the existing granite stone footings. The Home Theater is designed to be both functional and sophisticated, seamlessly connecting to the adjacent Lounge. It serves as a perfect spot for entertaining guests and cozy family movie nights. A custom millwork wall with a concave profile tambour, stained deep ebony, conceals the TV behind sliding doors.

Zippered wall tiles by Keleen Leathers add acoustic support and an edgy aesthetic, complemented by a staggered depth leather design on the ceiling. Arteriors sconces from Robinson Lighting provide the perfect low-light ambiance for gatherings or movie-watching. A plush sectional upholstered in performance Maxwell fabric offers lounging space, while Mongolian sheepskin ottomans provide extra seating around a custom ROVAN coffee table. The cherry on top - literally - is the custom candy closet executed by the team and Twin Cities Closet Company complete with a luxe gold cherry chandelier. 

These rooms were made possible by the contributions of Warners’ Stellian, Twin Cities Closet Company, Stone Source, Visual Comfort & Co, INTERSOURCE by STARK, Ferguson, Plato Woodwork, Ohana Home & Design, Total Window Design, Hunter Douglas, Arte, The Knobbery Minneapolis, Armac Martin, Robinson Lighting, Arteriors, Aztek Countertops, Cutting Edge, Sherwin Williams, Belle Kitchen, The Galley, Northstar Home Technologies, Keleen Leathers, Seams Like a Good Idea, Eull Woodwork, Laura Margo Murals and Custom Art, Artgirls, Randy’s Booth Company, Maxwell, Twin Cities Upholstery, and Rovan Hand-Crafted Furniture.