As winter fades and spring begins to take hold here in Minnesota, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about new beginnings—both inside and outside your home. The longer days and warmer weather make this an ideal season to start planning those building and remodeling projects you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re considering a kitchen refresh, a home addition, or an outdoor upgrade, now is the time to get ahead of the busy season.
In this issue, we’ll explain ADU’s and why you might want one, highlight some more design trends we’re seeing in 2025 and share creative home storage ideas to help you get organized. We’re excited to hear from you about your next project, but in the meantime, enjoy the warmer weather and all that spring has to offer!
~Mike, Mark & the entire Laurel Builders Team
Exciting News! Laurel Builders Awarded 2025 Regional Remodeler of the Year!
In November 2024, Laurel Builders was honored with the Silver Remodeler of the Year award in the Residential Kitchen $100-$150K category by the Minnesota National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). The excitement didn’t stop there—this February, NARI also named Laurel Builders the 2025 North Central Regional Remodeler of the Year (RotY™) in the same category as part of its annual awards competition. We’re proud to be one of only six winners in this category nationwide!
Receiving both the Minnesota Chapter award and the regional award for the entire North Central Region of the U.S. is a tremendous honor. We take great pride in the work we do for our clients, and it’s incredibly rewarding to have that work recognized by industry professionals. This prestigious recognition reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to our clients. We’re excited to showcase this project and continue creating beautiful, functional spaces for our clients. Click here to see more details on the project including before/after photos and a gallery of the beautiful new kitchen!
ADU's Explained: What are they and why would I want one?
We had quite a bit of interest on our posts about Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) so we went into more detail about them for you. ADUs exist on the same property as a primary single-family home, but with a private entrance, complete kitchen (with large appliances), and usable bathroom. An ADU must also must have its own separate and lockable entrance door.
ADUs are known by many names: carriage or coach houses, accessory apartments, garden apartments, mother-in-law suites, granny flats, backyard cottages and secondary dwelling units. Whatever it is called, an ADU is smaller than the primary or main house on the same lot.
ADUs are a wonderful choice for multi-generational living or as a way to generate extra rental income. Find out more and if your city allows ADUs here>>
Project Inspiration: Fighting the Clutter
Docking drawers: Tired of tangled cords and cluttered bathroom counters? Docking drawers are the perfect solution! These innovative drawers come equipped with built-in outlets, allowing you to safely power and store everyday essentials like hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, shavers, and more—all while keeping your countertops clean and organized.
With a docking drawer, you can create a dedicated spot for your grooming tools and personal care items, keeping them charged and ready to use without the mess of visible cords. The sleek design helps maintain a clean, spa-like feel in your bathroom while adding a touch of modern convenience.
Pop up outlets: Pop-up outlets are a game-changer when it comes to keeping your countertops clear and your kitchen looking clean and modern. These hidden outlets stay tucked away when not in use, preserving the sleek look of your walls and countertops. When you need them, they conveniently pop up to provide easy access to power for appliances, chargers, and more—without the clutter of visible cords and bulky outlets. Perfect for kitchen islands and workspaces, pop-up outlets offer both style and functionality, helping you maintain a clean, streamlined look while adding convenience to your daily routine.
Creative storage: We love finding creative ways to make the most of every space—even the ones that are often overlooked! Hidden cabinets, shelving, and nooks are perfect for adding extra storage without compromising the look and feel of your home. Whether it’s a secret pull-out spice rack in the kitchen, built-in shelving tucked into a hallway nook, or a hidden compartment behind a mirror in the bathroom, these clever solutions help you keep your home organized and clutter-free. Creative storage isn’t just about function—it’s about seamlessly blending convenience with design. Custom cabinets and shelving can be tailored to fit your lifestyle, giving you easy access to essentials while maintaining a clean, polished look.
Storage Rooms:We love creating storage spaces tailored to your specific needs—whether it’s a pantry for food, a toy storage area, or a spot for art supplies. Let us help you organize the clutter and create a space that works for you!
Designer's Corner: Organic Curves-The Resurgence of Arches in Design
In a world of minimalist and contemporary design that often leans towards clean lines, there’s been a noticeable shift back towards curved elements. Architectural arches emerge as a transformative element that enriches both aesthetics and functionality. These graceful curves can create an illusion of space, drawing the eye upwards and encouraging light to cascade through the room. Organic curves boost a room’s visual appeal by creating a soft inviting look and feel to modern spaces. In addition to architectural arches, a simple and easy way to incorporate the interest and appeal of curves into your space is by adding furniture with curved elements—maybe a chair with a curved back, a round accent table or a great mirror with curves.
Ready to bring the elegance of curves into your home? Contact us today to start designing a home that blends clean lines with soft, organic touches!
In Our Next Issue...
Our next quarterly newsletter will include more tips and design inspiration as well as photos from not one, but TWO, of our recent projects. Stay tuned!
