Building a Heritage-Inspired Home
Rooms, heirlooms, travels, and handmade details that inspire both our home and my designs.
Great Room
With its timber-framed ceiling and sweeping views of the farm, the Great Room is architecturally striking—but the objects gathered within it are what make me fully enjoy living here.
Textiles from India, artwork connected to travel, inherited quilts, old trunks, handcrafted furniture, and small reminders of faith surround us with memories of people, places, and experiences for which I am deeply grateful. Beauty makes a room lovely to look at. Meaning adds love, gratitude, and peace to the experience of being there.
A room can become beautiful very quickly. What cannot be purchased all at once is the personal meaning carried by the objects within it. These pieces remind me of places the Lord has allowed me to visit, people I love, family history entrusted to us, and the many gifts woven through our life. They create a deep sense of gratitude and make this room peaceful to my soul.
Objects gathered during travel are more than souvenirs. They become daily reminders of places experienced, people encountered, and the privilege of seeing more of God’s world.
Highlights of the room:
• Exposed timber framing that gives the room warmth, structure, and a sense of craftsmanship
• Textiles and carved objects gathered during meaningful travels
• Family quilts and inherited pieces that keep loved ones and family history close
• Antique trunks and furnishings chosen for both beauty and story
• Sweeping farm views that connect the interior to the surrounding landscape
Old trunks and handmade quilts carry evidence of the hands, homes, and generations that came before us. Their age and imperfections bring a kind of beauty that cannot be manufactured.
The room is still evolving, but each meaningful addition continues to shape both our home and the designs that grow from it.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where much of everyday life unfolds. Meals are prepared, conversations linger around the island, flowers from the family farm brighten the counters, and memories from LIFE experiences quietly surround us. Like the rest of our home, this room has been shaped over time, becoming a place where gratitude, hospitality, and daily life come together. Every object has found its place slowly, reminding us daily of the Lord's faithfulness and the many gifts He has graciously woven into our story.
Our travels through Morocco left a lasting impression on the way I see craftsmanship, texture, and light. Although these hand-forged sconces weren't purchased during that trip, they were created by a Moroccan artisan and remind us daily of the beauty and artistry we encountered there.
Every June, peonies from the original family farmhouse find their way into the kitchen. Their fragrance, color, and short season remind us that some of life's greatest gifts are also its most fleeting.
Tiny reminders of India and Egypt sit quietly on the kitchen windowsill. They rarely attract much attention, yet they tell the story of places that continue to shape the colors, patterns, and textures I bring into my work.
Throughout the kitchen are simple reminders that quietly redirect my attention throughout the day. Some encourage serving others with Christ's affection. Others remind me to pray, offer love freely, and entrust difficult circumstances to God's providential care. These aren't decorations as much as daily anchors that gently point my heart back to what matters most.
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in our home, yet it's also one of the most peaceful. Morning light, fresh flowers, meaningful keepsakes, and reminders of God's faithfulness have gradually transformed it into more than a place to prepare meals. The kitchen nourishes far more than our family—it nourishes our memories.
I was drawn to tile that feels handmade rather than perfectly uniform. The subtle variations in glaze and texture give the kitchen warmth and character. While riad-style tile may be having a moment, I chose it because I've always loved the timeless craftsmanship found in old homes around the world.
OUR mornings often begin with Tanganda tea from Zimbabwe, enjoyed in hand-painted mugs that reminds us of the country's extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Small rituals like these keep meaningful places close, even from thousands of miles away.
These colorful ceramic plaques came home with us from the beginning of our honeymoon in Italy. They remind us not only of the vibrant villages of Cinque Terre, but also of the first adventure we shared as husband and wife. Years later, they continue to fill our kitchen with joyful color and treasured memories.
One of my favorite features is one many people never notice. Instead of the typical recessed toe kick, our cabinetmaker created a furniture-style base with a shaped foot. It gives the cabinetry the feeling of handcrafted furniture rather than built-in boxes. Details like these quietly shape the character of a room.
Not every favorite spot belongs to us. These two have claimed the sunniest chair in the kitchen, spending quiet afternoons watching birds, napping together, and reminding us that home is meant to be lived in.
Like every SPACE in our home, the kitchen continues to evolve. New memories are made around the island, fresh flowers appear with the changing seasons, and small treasures gathered over many years continue finding their place. I'm grateful for each reminder that beauty isn't created all at once—it is gathered slowly through God's faithful provision, one story at a time.
Master Suite
This room is still becoming, but it already feels like home. Every choice has been guided by comfort, craftsmanship, and meaningful pieces collected over time—from hand-finished linens and a treasured silk rug purchased in India to wide windows that frame the rolling hills beyond. Rather than chasing perfection, we're creating a place that encourages rest, gratitude, and quiet beauty, one thoughtful layer at a time.
Some of the smallest details become our favorites. The delicate crocheted edging reminds me that craftsmanship and beauty are often found in quiet places—qualities that continue to inspire so much of Raspberry Tapestry.
The adjoining bath continues the same warm, understated palette with Douglas Fir cabinetry, quartz countertops, Oiled bronze fixtures, and a spacious walk-in shower. A vintage-inspired rug introduces another layer of color and history.
The room continues to evolve. One of the next additions will be a starched fabric wall using one of my own surface pattern designs—a way to weave my creative work directly into the spaces where our family lives every day.
The first thing we see each morning is the countryside stretching beyond our windows. It is a daily reminder to begin slowly, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty God has placed just beyond our doorstep.
This capiz shell chandelier traveled home from Bali after a visit with my sister and her family. Beside it is a stained-glass heart she found and gave me. I've discovered that the most meaningful rooms aren't built all at once—they're gathered over time, one story at a time.
This silk rug traveled home with us from India after our trip around the world as newlyweds. Years later, it still carries those memories—and has quietly become our dog's favorite place to spend an afternoon.
Designed as a place of rest, our master suite blends handcrafted details, meaningful keepsakes, and expansive views of the Minnesota countryside. Every treasured piece tells part of our story, creating a retreat that feels both peaceful and deeply personal.
Study
Part office, part guest room, and part quiet retreat, this study is one of my favorite spaces in our home. Filled with family heirlooms and meaningful details, it reflects the heritage, creativity, and hospitality that inspire both our life and my work.
This quilt traveled from Norway with my husband's great-great-grandmother and became the inspiration for the room's color palette and a coordinating home décor collection.
This thrifted chair is being reupholstered in one of my own fabrics and will eventually become a favorite place to read, dream, and sketch new ideas.
Highlights of the room:
• A Norwegian FAMILY heirloom quilt that inspired the room's teal and gold color palette
• A hand-painted folk art hutch that has been part of my family history for fifty years
• A future reading nook featuring an old ReStore chair being reupholstered in Raspberry Tapestry fabric
• Space for Bible studY, handwritten notes, creative planning, and welcoming overnight guests
DESIGNING FOR THE ROOM
BEFORE CHOOSING A FINAL COLOR, I PINNED SIX VERSIONS OF ONE OF MY RASPBERRY TAPESTRY PATTERNS TO THE WALL AND LIVED WITH THEM IN THE CHANGING LIGHT.
THE SMALL VELVET SWATCH IS FOR THE CHAIR BEING REUPHOLSTERED — ANOTHER PIECE OF THE ROOM'S DEEP TEAL, GOLD, WOOD, AND TEXTURE STORY.
Painted decades ago by Pipka, a Minneapolis artist and shop owner, this family piece carries memories of both my mother and sister.
Every room in our home tells part of our family's story. The Study is where those stories inspire new ideas, creative work, and quiet moments of reflection.
A Home of Faith
Faith is not something I want tucked away for certain days or certain rooms. I want reminders of God’s truth woven naturally into the places where everyday life happens—in words we see, objects we treasure, conversations around the table, and the rhythms of home. Some are beautiful, some are practical, and some simply remind us to turn our attention back to God.
This framed prayer, attributed to St. Columba, sits on our mudroom counter—a fitting place for words about going out into the day. The mudroom is where shoes go on, bags are gathered, doors open, and people leave home for whatever is ahead.
I love having words of faith in ordinary places like this. They don't need to be grand or prominently displayed. Sometimes their purpose is simply to catch our eye and redirect our thoughts before we walk out the door.
A home of faith is built over time, often in small and quiet ways. As our home continues to take shape, I hope to gather more of those stories here—the Scriptures, prayers, traditions, objects, and everyday practices that help turn our hearts toward God.
Stair Railing Inspired by Norway
During a visit to Norway, my husband and I spent time exploring Fresvik, a village that holds deep family significance. Surrounded by mountains, fjords, and historic architecture, we found inspiration in the craftsmanship and details that have endured for generations.
Years later, as we designed our Minnesota farmhouse, a decorative carving we noticed at the village church helped inspire our custom stair railing. Rather than creating an exact replica, we adapted the idea into a design that feels at home in our own space.
Historic architecture and thoughtful craftsmanship can be found throughout the region.
Comparing the template with the finished railing reveals how the design evolved from inspiration into a permanent feature of our home.
A favorite perch for one curious household inspector.
The village of Fresvik, nestled between mountains and the Sognefjord. The church that inspired our railing can be seen in the valley below.
Our railing pattern was refined through sketches and full-scale cardboard templates before construction began.
Small details often carry the strongest connection to history and place.
Throughout our home, you'll find details inspired by family history, meaningful travel, traditional craftsmanship, and the beauty of old-world design. This stair railing is one example of how those influences continue to shape the spaces we live in every day.
Back Deck
One of my favorite places in our new home is the covered back deck. Overlooking rolling farmland, wooded hillsides, and future garden spaces, it has become a place for both gathering and quiet reflection. On most mornings, you'll find me here with a cup of Tanganda tea from Zimbabwe, listening to birdsong and watching the countryside wake up.
With sweeping views across the family farm, this has become a favorite place to begin the day. Surrounded by the sounds of birds, wildlife, and rustling leaves, the landscape stretches for miles and offers a daily reminder of God's goodness and provision.
On warm summer days, the deck becomes the perfect place to air and clean rugs before bringing them back indoors. The covered roof provides shelter from the sun while the open countryside breeze helps freshen treasured textiles collected over many years.
Surrounded by beauty, quiet, and reminders of God's faithfulness, the deck is a place for both gathering and reflection. Whether enjoying a peaceful morning or sharing time with family and friends, it has quickly become one of the most cherished spaces in our home.
Some of our favorite moments happen just beyond the back door. From quiet mornings with tea to evenings watching the sun slip behind the hills, the deck has become one of our favorite places to slow down, gather, and give thanks for God's beautiful creation.
Gathering Around the Table • Celebrating Life Together
Some of my favorite design projects aren't permanent rooms at all—they're temporary spaces created for celebrating life's most meaningful moments. Whether gathering family in the barn on our farm, honoring generations of faithful marriages, or creating keepsakes that become family traditions, I love using pattern, heirloom pieces, flowers, and handmade details to help people feel welcomed, remembered, and loved.
A favorite Scripture, an engagement photograph, and fresh roses welcomed guests while quietly pointing beyond the celebration itself. Thoughtful details can help create an atmosphere that reflects what matters most.
Guests were invited to write postcards that I'll mail to the newlyweds throughout their first year of marriage. It's one of my favorite traditions because encouragement continues long after the wedding day has passed.
Many of the dishes on these tables belonged to our family long before this wedding. The groom asked to serve Indian food—our family's favorite takeout—so I layered heirloom china with colorful sarongs I had shipped from India, along with fresh flowers and candlelight, to create a table that felt both personal and welcoming.
Our son wanted to celebrate with family and friends in the barn on our farm, creating an evening centered on hospitality, conversation, and preparing our hearts for the wedding day.
Wedding photographs from several generations honored marriages the Lord has faithfully sustained through the years—a reminder that a beautiful wedding is only the beginning of a lifelong covenant.
Just before the ceremony, Groomsmen gathered to pray over the groom. It's one of my favorite photographs from the entire wedding because it reminds me that the strongest homes—and the strongest marriages—are built on foundations that can't be seen.
Whether decorating a room, setting a table, or creating a meaningful tradition, my hope is always the same: to help create spaces where conversations linger, faith is shared, families are strengthened, and ordinary moments become lasting memories.
The Story Continues
This farmhouse is still becoming home. As rooms continue to evolve, heirlooms find new places to be enjoyed, traditions are added, and Raspberry Tapestry collections slowly become part of our everyday life, I'll continue sharing the stories along the way. I hope they inspire you to create a home filled with beauty, hospitality, and memories that will be treasured for generations.