REVIVING
A LEGACY

 

The Grand Salon, Designer: Niosi Design, Remodeler: OA Design+Build

 

In the heart of Minneapolis, the historic Pillsbury Castle, once a cherished Tudor Revival home of Alfred F. Pillsbury, has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending the old-world artistry of the 20th century with modern, high-end design. Under the guidance of owners Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson, this architectural gem has become a beacon of craftsmanship and luxury, showcasing a design-driven reinterpretation achieved through collaborations with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Trettel and Hanson, entrepreneurs with a deep love for stories embedded in architecture, envisioned an homage to the home’s artisan roots while making it livable for modern life.

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The Pillsbury Castle Project celebrates the details of Tudor craftsmanship while honoring today’s artisans. Each room was meticulously curated, as seen in the vestibule’s custom mosaic flooring, leading into a great hall where carved wooden walls, staircases with delicate molding, and a classic Pan statue ground visitors in historical elegance. The addition of sculptural tables by Stone Source adds contemporary notes, blending Aqua, Emerald Night, and Aurora Borealis Quartzite with the hall’s vintage charm. Throughout the home, the focus remains on combining original features with contemporary materials, including luxurious rugs by INTERSOURCE by Stark, creating a narrative of evolution while maintaining reverence for the past.

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Standout spaces like the Peacock Lounge, reimagined by Edmanhill Interior Design, exemplify this delicate balance. Rich wall coverings with peacock motifs, dark wood paneling, and brass accents evoke a cocoon-like opulence, while modern lighting design casts a warm, sophisticated glow. The Grand Salon and Music Room, crafted with bespoke furnishings and custom finishes by designers like Kimberly Niosi, combine Antique Mirror Tiles, striking chandeliers, and intricate wall coverings to exude layered luxury. Wall coverings in the Peacock Lounge and Grand Salon are sourced from Arte International.

The kitchen and scullery, designed by Kate Roos in collaboration with Partners 4 Design, pair custom cabinetry with Silver Root Honed Marble and walnut butcher block accents, encapsulating a harmonious blend of rustic warmth and refined elegance. A highlight of this space is the Gaggenau appliances, which enhance both functionality and style. This marriage of function and aesthetics extends to the secondary staircase, a subdued yet artful space adorned with custom cabinetry and a bold wallpaper mural, ensuring even the passageways reflect the home’s grandeur.

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On the upper levels, a primary suite designed by Ethan Allen nods to the home’s history with its original fireplace, custom alligator leather lounge chairs, and brass chandeliers. A color palette of deep grays and metallics, punctuated by bespoke textiles, adds an inviting yet sophisticated tone. Additional rooms, such as the children’s bedrooms and guest suites, infuse whimsy and character through vintage-inspired décor, while maintaining the home’s cohesive luxury.

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Descending to the lower levels, the atmosphere shifts to one of leisure and entertainment, maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. The Grand Entry greets visitors with custom tile floors by Clay Squared, illuminated by a Cora Semi-Flush Mount Chandelier from Visual Comfort sets the tone for the exquisite spaces ahead. The Billiards Room, featuring custom-engineered walnut floors from Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring and a Daley LED Chandelier, offers a classic entertainment venue, while bespoke furniture from Gamma Italy and textured wall coverings from Inturi Vision Spain enhance its charm.

Further along, the Speakeasy conjures vintage allure, with a bar countertop by Abitare Design Studio and a sculptural chandelier casting a golden glow over intimate seating arrangements. Custom Gamma Italy furnishings and Blended Blue wallcoverings by Innovations add to the speakeasy’s clandestine ambiance, blending contemporary luxury with hints of Art Deco styling.

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The lower-level Lounge and Wet Bar exude refinement, featuring custom cabinetry from Plato Woodwork designed by Ohana Home & Design and a brass countertop by Form From Form, complemented by art by Richard Merchan. The space serves as both a relaxed retreat and an ideal setting for gatherings. The Home Theater, with custom leather wall and ceiling by Keleen Leathers and moss-toned drapery by Maxwell, creates a cozy, cocooned atmosphere perfect for immersive cinematic experiences. Plush seating and deep-toned upholstery further invite relaxation, making the theater an exceptional space within the castle’s lower levels.

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The Pillsbury Castle Project encapsulates more than just a luxurious residence; it stands as a testament to the possibility of revitalizing historic properties for modern families. With a respect for historical artisanship and a love for contemporary design, Trettel and Hanson’s labor of love has transformed this iconic Minneapolis estate into a timeless, forever home. Their journey inspires a reminder that historical homes, crafted by yesterday’s artisans and reimagined by today’s visionaries, can seamlessly weave the past and present into spaces of enduring beauty and functionality.

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