Pillsbury Castle Reveal: Living Spaces

All images by Spacecrafting

Built in 1903 for Alfred F. Pillsbury, the son of Pillsbury co-founder John S. Pillsbury, the Pillsbury Castle is a testament to the history of Minneapolis. This 12,000-square-foot home was purchased by Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson in March of 2023 with the goal of preserving it, preventing it from becoming another of the period mansions being demolished in and around Minneapolis. They intend to raise their family, gather the community, and honor the Pillsburys by serving as stewards of the property, ensuring it stands for another 120 years.

After 10 months of renovation, the Pillsbury Castle Project opened its doors to the public for three weeks in July 2024, serving as the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) Design Home 2024 in collaboration with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Between September 2023 and July 2024, 30 designers and eight remodelers transformed the home, culminating in a public tour that showcased the best in remodeling inspiration, interior design, and preservation craft.

Aside from the kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and beyond, the home underwent a transformation in the living spaces as well. Discover each of these rooms including descriptions from designers and remodelers and revealing before and after images.

Main Level: Vestibule and Great Hall

DESIGNER: Kimberly Scanlon, ASID, NCIDQ | Kate Sutton | Rebecca Compton-Allen | Megan Edstrom, Vela Interior Design
REMODELER: Quality Cut Design | Remodel (Vestibule) + OA Design+Build (Great Hall)

Vela Interior Design took on the task of designing the Vestibule and Great Hall on the Main Floor. They perfectly combined classical grandeur with contemporary sophistication. Quality Cut Design | Remodel refreshed the Vestibule while OA Design+Build worked in the Great Hall. All of the wood paneling in these rooms was left relatively untouched, allowing the original handcrafted artistry to speak for itself.

Before

After

In the vestibule, you’ll notice the intricate marble tile floor from Artistic Tile and the stunning hand-applied gold leaf ceiling by Aurora Decorative Finishes. Renovating this room began by removing the existing heavily damaged floor and installing radiant in-floor heating with a new custom tile layout. These elements honor the castle’s rich heritage while stylish fixtures and a built-in bench add a touch of present-day comfort, making the space both elegant and welcoming. 

Entering the Great Hall, your gaze is immediately drawn upward to the ceiling. A masterpiece of design, the intricate plasterwork original to the Castle invites guests into the grand heart of the home. Custom marble tables by Stone Source draw on modern design elements, adding color and visual texture to the space. The space is anchored by a breathtaking two-story glass-blown light fixture from Hennepin Made anchors the room with its dramatic elegance. Straight ahead, a sweeping staircase with hand-carved banisters is a testament to old-world craftsmanship, beckoning you to explore the Castle's upper levels.

SCULPTURAL TABLES - Aqua Quartzite, Emerald Night Quartzite, and Aurora Borealis Quartzite, Stone Source
CHANDELIER (GREAT HALL) - Helena Chandelier, Hennepin Made
SCONCE (GREAT HALL) - Taku Sconce, Hennepin Made
CHANDELIER (VESTIBULE) - Keira Medium Chandelier by Thomas O’Brien, Visual Comfort
SCONCES (VESTIBULE) - Yale Large Sconce, Arteriors, Robinson Lighting
CEILING (VESTIBULE) - Custom Gold Leaf Ceiling, Aurora Decorative Finishes
RUG (GREAT HALL) - Salima, INTERSOURCE by STARK
HOME AUTOMATION - NorthStar Home Technologies
BENCH CUSHION FABRICATION (VESTIBULE AND GALLERY) - Drapes, Etc.

FLOORING (VESTIBULE) - Custom Mosaic in Verde Alpi Serpentine, Ming Classico, and Breccia Vino, Artistic Tile
BENCH FLUTING (VESTIBULE) - Profile 455 in White Oak, Surfacing Solution
BENCH FABRIC (VESTIBULE) - Performance Fabric, Bouton in Emerald - Maxwell
ART (GREAT HALL) - “Spring Green” by Donna Brunit, Douglas Flanders & Associates
BENCH (VESTIBULE) - Nest Woodworking

Click to read the Vestibule and Great Hall Sourcebook

Second + Third Level: Landing and Long Gallery

DESIGNER: Kimberly Scanlon, ASID, NCIDQ | Kate Sutton | Rebecca Compton-Allen | Megan Edstrom, Vela Interior Design
REMODELER: OA Design+Build (Landing) and Ohana Home & Design (Landing)

Vela Interior Design was also tasked with the interior design of the Landing on the second floor and the Long Gallery on the third floor. The second-floor landing was mostly restoration with a little bit of renovation, while the third-floor long gallery was totally transformed.

Before

After

Ascend the grand staircase to discover a sprawling mural by She She on the second-floor landing. This mural, filled with playful figures and stories from the homeowners’ lives, is painted in a modern style. It celebrates the homeowners’ "joie de vivre" while seamlessly blending with historical colors and whimsical sconces, adding a unique charm to the space.

Continue up to the third-floor Long Gallery, where you’re enveloped in warmth from carefully curated materials. A newly designed expansive bookcase by Plato Woodwork, installed by Ohana Home & Design, runs the length of the landing. It houses a treasure trove of books and curiosities while blending seamlessly with the original millwork. The wall panel design from the second floor carries over, giving the space a cohesive and continuous feel. A custom-carved wood screen by Rovan Handcrafted Furniture mirrors the motif adorning the stair banisters, adding an exquisite touch of unity to the space.

In the Long Gallery, the new cased openings feature meticulously recreated jack-mitered arched casing made from quartersawn white oak. Adding a touch of historical charm, the Honduran Mahogany cabinetry from the music room closet was salvaged. This exquisite cabinetry was carefully deconstructed, reconstructed, and modified to fit seamlessly into the new closet under the stairs, transforming it into a delightful unexpected treasure.

SCONCES (LANDING) - Ontologia One-Light Sconce in Amber + Oxblood Powder Coat and Black Patina + Sable, - Prospect Refuge + Victoria Sass, Hennepin Made
MURAL (LANDING) - Custom Painted Mural, by She She
MURAL BACKGROUND - Still Water, Sherwin Williams
MURAL LINEWORK - After the Storm, Sherwin Williams
PENDANTS (GALLERY) - Fatima Pendant, Arteriors, Robinson Lighting
CHANDELIER (GALLERY) - Florko, Arteriors, Robinson Lighting
PICTURE LIGHT (GALLERY) - Axis 18" Picture Light, Kelly Wearstler, Visual Comfort
BOOKCASE (GALLERY) - Custom, Ohana Home & Design
CUSTOM SCREENS (GALLERY) - Rovan Hand-Crafted Furniture
CUSTOM SOFA (GALLERY) - Custom, Vela Creative
RUNNER (LANDING) - Rafe Runner in Sapphire, INTERSOURCE by STARK
RUNNER (GALLERY) - Salima Runner, INTERSOURCE by STARK

Click to see Landing and Long Gallery Sourcebook.

Main Level: Stairway to Lower Level

DESIGNER: Terry Gustafson, Allied ASID, Terry Gustafson Interior Design LLC
and Sarah Conti, Allied ASID, SKC Designs LLC
REMODELER: Vujovich Design Build, Inc.

Designers Terry Gustafson, Allied ASID, of Terry Gustafson Interior Design LLC, and Sarah Conti, Allied ASID, of SKC Designs LLC, not only took on the Powder Room on the main floor and the adjoining nook but also the hallway and stairway to the lower level. It was important that this space saw continuity between the Great Hall and the lower level while also having its own character.

Before

After

The stairway serves as a transitional path from the main floor's reserved areas to the entertainment zones of the Speakeasy and Billiards rooms on the lower level. The goal was to honor the home's history while reflecting the contemporary tastes of the owners, creating a cohesive design that melded with the concepts of fellow designers and remodeling partners. They started by selecting wallpapers that evoked the luxury of a grand hotel, working within a rich color palette.

Descending the grand staircase, the restored original millwork is shown in its former glory. Ceilings painted deep gray enhance the textured wall panels, with wall sconce lighting and mirror panels reflecting light. At the bottom of the staircase, a lighted art niche (formerly a window) was crafted by combining the existing structure with a salvaged window frame from another part of the home. The lower-level landing was redesigned to include a closet for the Home Theater, reconfiguring the woodwork. A matching quartersawn white oak panelized opening to the Lounge created symmetry, and new custom milled random width walnut plank floors mimicked the original flooring.

CEILING PAINT (STAIRWAY) - Iron Ore, Sherwin Williams
ANTIQUE MIRRORS (STAIRS) - Minneapolis Glass
SCONCE (STAIRWAY) - Rain in Vintage, Restoration Hardware
WALLPAPER (HALLWAY) - W3641.8, Kravet

Click to see the Stairway Sourcebook.

Lower Level: Grand Entry

DESIGNER: Katie Brandt, Associate ASID, Katie Brandt Interiors
REMODELER: Vujovich Design Build, Inc.

A compact yet one of the most important parts of the home, the Lower Level Grand Entry was beautifully designed by Katie Brandt, Associate ASID, of Katie Brandt Interiors. This is where the homeowners will come and go while setting the tone for their day. Vujovich Design Build Inc. mindfully remodeled this room honoring the historic brick while working to make it more functional for today’s busy lifestyles. 

Before

After

The Lower-Level Grand Entry has transformed into a space that truly reflects its importance and elegance. With its location next to the tucked-under garage, this area serves as the main entry point every evening and the departure spot every morning. The designer was inspired by the original emerald green tile in the entryway, pairing it with black cabinetry that beautifully contrasts with the original brick. The strong, dark cabinets are complemented by elements of unlacquered brass and glossy handmade floor tiles from Clay Squared.

The room’s centerpiece is the stunning rock crystal chandelier from Visual Comfort, which adds a touch of beauty, elegance, and chic style, warmly saying, “Welcome Home.” The room boasts brand-new, stylish black cabinetry topped with a custom burnished antique brass countertop. A full-length mirror allows the family to take one final look before heading out the door, ensuring everyone is ready for the day.

CHANDELIER - Cora Large Semi-Flush Mount Chandelier, Visual Comfort
TILE FLOORS - Custom Tiles in Jade Moss, Clay Squared
CABINETS - Custom Timber in Burned Wood, Plato Woodwork, Ohana Home & Design
HOOK - Grand Chester Hanging Hook, Arhaus
GRILLES - Diamond Interwoven Grilles in Unlacquered Brass, Armac Martin, Knobbery Minneapolis
HOME AUTOMATION - Northstar Home Technologies
CABINET PULL - Atelier Pull in Lacquered Burnished Brass, Restoration Hardware
COUNTERTOP - Brass Countertop, Form From Form
MIRROR - Custom, GlassArt Design
ACCESSORIES - Books and Shelf Accessories, Katie Brandt Interiors
PRINT - Cherry and Spoon, Katie Brandt Interiors

Click to see Lower Level Grand Entry Sourcebook.

Second Level: The Study

DESIGNER: Tim Mohnkern, Allied ASID, TDM Designs
REMODELER: J3 Renovation & Design

Previously used as a guest bedroom, The Study was designed by Tim Mohnkern, Allied ASID, of TDM Designs. J3 Renovation and Design led the remodeling efforts of this private workspace. 

This room received new hardwood floors and all-new base trim milled to match the original profiles, while the original crown molding was carefully repaired and reused. The trim was prepped, primed, and painted a rich dark blue, adding to the room's sophisticated feel. This blend of past and present encourages creative business decisions and will foster lasting memories for years to come.

Before

After

Overall design drew inspiration from Kelly Wearstler to create the perfect space for one of the homeowners. This intimate room fit for a creative entrepreneur is a blend of both the homeowner's and the designer's styles. The homeowners worked closely with Tim to balance their evolving tastes, considering a variety of colors, textures, and styles. The result is a dynamic space that’s perfect for both work and play.

The denim animal-inspired Arte wallpaper, featuring bold orange and navy tones, pairs beautifully with fun furniture and décor, fostering a motivating environment for an entrepreneurial spirit. A custom walnut and orange wall unit, designed by Ohana Home and Design and Plato Woodwork, adds sophistication, whimsy, and humor to the room The ceiling over the cabinets was repaired to allow the walnut crown molding to fit perfectly, creating a polished look above the custom cabinets with integrated LED lighting. 

WALLPAPER - Indigo Macaque Wallcovering in Navy and Burnt Orange, Moooi
CEILING WALLPAPER - GIlded Heritage in Gold Rush, Arte
TRIM - Anchors Aweigh, Sherwin Williams
CABINET PAINT - Raucous Orange, Sherwin Williams
MISC PAINT COLORS - Aruric and Palm Leaf, Sherwin Williams
DESK STOOLS - Carbon Desk Stool, Moooi
ACCENT CHAIR - Fresno Swivel Chair in Sarsina Ochre Fabric, Arhaus
COFFEE TABLE - Cracked Egg, Phillips Collection
CONSOLE TABLE - Crazy Cut Console Table, Phillips Collection
SOFA - Custom Asymmetrical Sofa by Black Label Home, Tapis Décor
AREA RUG - Gefion in Azure, INTERSOURCE by STARK
BLINDS - HunterDouglas, Total Window Design
MINI FRIDGE - 24" Beverage Center, U-Line, Warners’ Stellian
WALLPAPER INSTALL - Cutting Edge, Inc.
SMART WHITEBOARD - Vibe Board
HOME AUTOMATION - NorthStar Home Technologies

CHANDELIER, PENDANT, DESK LIGHT - Monkey Light Collection, Seletti

Click to see the Study Sourcebook.

Third Level: Family Room and Kids’ Playroom

Every home needs a place where the entire family can enjoy each other’s company and make traditions, while also having a space for the kids to be imaginative. University of Minnesota College of Design Students Anneka Salstrom, Catja Peterson, Gage Vizecky, Hannah Schneider, and Lucia Jurado devised a practical layout for the Family Room and Kids’ Playroom under the guidance of Lecturer Anne Farniok.

Once an entirely open room, Ohana Home and Design transformed this area of the floor into two defined spaces on either side of the staircase. The Family Room is a zone that was created to be a welcoming haven for everyone — a place where families can relax, play, and socialize. Designers envisioned it as the heart of the home, where laughter fills the air, memories are made, and comfort is key. The design features playful art that sparks conversation, a variety of textures and finishes that add depth, and a color palette that blends warm neutrals with vibrant pops of color, creating a lively yet soothing environment.

Before (Family Room)

After (Family Room)

To maximize the small Family Room space, the students creatively arranged and repurposed the homeowners’ existing sectional, offering diverse seating options and enhancing the room's openness. Modern elements are seamlessly integrated including a striking textured Arte wallcovering that also improves acoustics. Gleaming hardwood floors and new base trim milled to match the original profiles anchor the bright room.

A clever bespoke wall unit was created for the television ideal for movie-lovers. Whether it's game nights, impromptu dance-offs, or cozy storytime, every detail is thoughtfully curated to foster togetherness and joy. Behind the Family Room lies a brand-new kitchenette. Remodelers repurposed a former bathroom to create a kitchenette complete with a Monogram pizza oven and all the other conveniences a family with young children will appreciate. Beautiful walnut-lined Plato Woodwork cabinets create an elevated style with marble countertops fabricated by Aztek Countertops.

BUILT-INS - Custom, Ohana Home & Design
WET BAR SLAB - Stone Source fabricated by Aztek Countertops
COOKTOP - 200 Series Vario Induction, Gaggenau, Warners’ Stellian
FAUCET - Purist in Polished Chrome, Kohler, Ferguson
SINK - Ideal Workstation 2C, The Galley, Belle Kitchen
SIDE CHAIRS - Knitty Chair in Pearl Taupe, Moooi
BAR STOOLS - Gage Faux Leather Swivel Stool in Cashmere, Arhaus
COFFEE TABLES - Cameron Ombre Bunching Table and Perry Bunching Table, Four Hands
CHANDELIER - Arrow Bronze Chandelier, Arhaus
SCONCES - Arrow Bronze Sconce, Arhaus
WALLCOVERING - Mimic Moth in Sage, Arte
PAINT - Warm Pewter, Sherwin Williams
RUG - Haldis in Marble 10' X 14', INTERSOURCE by STARK
BLINDS - Hunter Douglas, Total Window Design
PIZZA OVEN - Monogram 30" Hearth Oven, Monogram, Warners’ Stellian
DISHWASHER - Integrated Single DishDrawer, Fisher & Paykel, Warners’ Stellian
REFRIGERATOR - Freedom® 24 inch UC Refrigerator Freezer, Thermador, Warners’ Stellian
MICROWAVE - 400 Series Combi-Microwave Oven, Gaggenau, Warners’ Stellian
“Deniability” - Jill Greenberg | End Times, CLAMP
“Undecided” - Jill Greenberg | End Times, CLAMP
WALLPAPER INSTALL - Cutting Edge, Inc.
HOME AUTOMATION - NorthStar Home Technologies
SOFA - Owners’ Collection
CABINET PULLS - Atelier Collection, Restoration Hardware

CLick to see Family Room Sourcebook.

Before (Kids’ Playroom)

After (Kids’ Playroom)

Inspired by the whimsy of a circus, designers envisioned the Kids’Playroom as an infinite world of fun and mysticism, where every corner sparks creativity. Their vision centered on creating a spectacle — picture-trained animals, stage lights, and even the sensation of flying! They added a twist to the classic carnival color palette by introducing blues alongside reds, whites, and yellows, resulting in a vibrant mix of primary colors perfect for a kids’ playroom.

Instead of cluttering the room with furniture, the team focused on creating ample space for play. They designed a custom-built unit around the window in collaboration with Plato Woodwork and Ohana Home & Design, cleverly serving as both a bench and storage. Cut-out arches in the walls offer hidden crawl spaces that add to the element of imagination, while marquee lights around them dim and blink like stage mirrors. Furnishings include a starred rug from INTERSOURCE by STARK and custom pillows featuring whimsical animals and pom-pom trim.

CABINETRY - Custom, Plato Woodwork, Ohana Home & Design
TRIM, STORAGE, AND ARCH PAINT - Sealskin, Sherwin Williams
NOOK PAINT - Azure Tide, Sherwin Williams
RUG - Starling in Charcoal Grey, INTERSOURCE by STARK
ROCKING ELEPHANT - Wooden Rocking Elephant, Arhaus
ROCKING HORSE - Decorative Antique Rocking Horse, Arhaus
WALLPAPER INSTALL - Cutting Edge, Inc.
FABRICATION - Seams Like a Good Idea
HOME AUTOMATION - NorthStar Home Technologies
TENT FABRICATION - University of Minnesota College of Design - Anne Farniok, Gage Vizecky, Lucia Jurado, Catja Peterson, and Anneka Salstrom
PILLOW - Fabric in Star - Sunshine, Schumacher with Trim in Cirque Pom Fringe in Cherry, Samuel & Sons
PILLOW - Fabric in Parade - Blueberry/Ocean, Schumacher with Trim in Julienne Piping, Goji, Samuel & Sons
BENCH SEAT - Fabric in Volterra - Amber, Francis King
TENTED CEILING - Circus Red Yellow Strips, Spoonflower
WALLCOVERING - Drapery in Bone, Schumacher
CABINET PULL - Atelier Collection, Restoration Hardware

Click to see Kids’ Playroom Sourcebook.