DESIGNING a Feeling

Two cousins collaborate to create an American farmhouse in Minnesota with dreamy European inspiration

- EMILY IRBY

Working with family can either be immensely successful or a complete mess, so designer Emily Pueringer, of Emily Pueringer Design Studio, was wary when her cousin Margaux approached her about designing her family's new build Minnesota home. Knowing what an important undertaking it was to do a project for a beloved family member, Emily initially said no. But after much convincing, Emily eventually came around and began what became a beautiful collaboration. "Margaux was the one who said, 'Let's make this house amazing," Emily says. "And I just went for it."

BEST FRIEND PERKS

The cousins' task was easier because they were so close to begin with. Margaux would describe to Emily a vibe, mood or feeling she wanted the home to convey, rather than specific design details. Because of their close relationship, Emily was able to suss out what her cousin wanted. "She said she wanted every day living there to feel like Christmas," Emily says. "[Margaux] was describing a feeling." That didn't mean installing year-round garland or a Christmas tree in every room. Instead, it meant the careful arrangement of handmade tiles, shopping for interesting wallpaper, and finding fresh ways to use classic motifs so the home felt joyful and welcoming. "Something about our synergy together really worked," says Emily.

TIMELESS DESIGN

A large part of the new build's charm is that it feels timeless. "One aspect of the house that has been brought to my attention, and I think people really love, is that there's so much that's traditional and familiar, and yet some of the choices are so fresh and bold," Emily says. Many elements hearken back not just to a time long ago, but also a distance far away, with elegant European elements like white oak archways, exposed wood beams and tile designs in multiple rooms.