High-End Mudrooms and "Paw-Washes": Designing for the 4-Season Minnesota Athlete & Pet

 

No matter the season, Minnesotans can often be found enjoying the great outdoors! Our state is lucky enough to experience all four seasons and every kind of weather in between; however, that doesn’t always feel like an advantage… All of that weather and outdoor fun can also lead to messes.

From hockey bags and muddy spring hiking gear to wet dogs coming back from the park and kids unloading their gear from a day on the lake, our mudrooms have to be ready for anything! Keep reading to learn more about the evolution of the luxury mudroom as a heavy-duty transition zone, and our favorite high-end mudroom upgrades.

  • Pet Care Stations
    Furry friends are more than just pets; they are a part of the family. Of course, pet care has become more integrated into modern mudroom design - they’re going inside and outside all day! Homeowners are installing high-end pet washes/showers, custom feeding stations, and storage for all of their gear.

  • Elevated Drop Zones
    A well-designed mudroom keeps up with your daily routine and eases busy transition times. Think an elevated drop zone for after-school and post-activity drop-offs, or individual storage lockers and cubbies, so everyone’s bags, outerwear, shoes, and accessories are ready and waiting in one spot!

  • Sports Gear Upgrades
    If there’s one thing hearty Minnesotans love, it’s a winter weather sport. However, all that wet gear is a lot less fun. Upgrade to custom heated flooring for fast boot drying, integrated ventilation for hockey/sports gear, and keep the laundry area nearby to avoid smelly uniforms!

  • Hidden Charging Station
    We probably don’t need to mention that tech integration is in everything now, from sports to hobbies to general health and wellness monitoring. Whether you’re charging smart outdoor gear, personal devices, or other gadgets, hidden charging stations will serve the whole family well. Not to mention, no one wants to detangle cords or fight over dead batteries when you could be out enjoying the great outdoors!

Want to see more high-end mudroom inspiration? Scroll below to explore a gallery of our clients' gorgeous homes! Each space is thoughtful, organized, and designed for busy family life.

 

Inspiring Interior Trends: Color Drenching

 

In the fall, our team predicted the design trends that would rise to the top in 2026. Throughout the year, we’ve been breaking down each trend on the blog. So far, we’ve discussed the influence of wellness culture on interiors and how owners foster a connection with nature in their homes. Today, we’re featuring a gorgeous interior design trend, color drenching.

Whether you love or loathe them, stark whites have dominated homes in recent years. In 2026, minimalist aesthetics are falling to the wayside in favor of maximalism. This embrace of more includes everything: more patterns, more textiles, more color, more tile, more furnishings. A perfect example of this trend is color drenching, which covers every detail of a space with a single shade, from walls to trim to ceilings. The result? A striking space that leaves an impression!

Ready to explore a few of our favorite color-loving client spaces? Scroll below for a feast of colorful home inspiration!

 

Connection to Nature in Home Design

 

Around the holidays, our team predicted the design trends that would rise to the top in 2026. As the year unfolds, we thought it would be fun to spotlight each trend on the blog. We’ve already covered the influence of wellness culture on interiors; today, we’re discussing how to foster a connection to nature in your home’s design.

Few things restore the body and soul like nature - like a plant, we’re wired for soaking in fresh air and sunshine! As our lives become increasingly fast-paced and demanding, homeowners are craving the calming pace of the outdoors. Some days, that connection comes through things like hikes and bike rides, while on others it looks like porch time and opening the French doors.

Inside homes, this trend manifests in many ways, from materials to lighting to plants to finishes. Our clients, in particular, love sunrooms, oversized windows, French doors, porches, and patios that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. No matter your lifestyle or design taste, we’ll find the design option that complements your family and home.

Ready to explore a few of our favorite spaces that let nature in? Scroll below to view our clients’ fabulous homes!

 

Fresh Sales & New Beginnings: The Spring Market is Heating Up

 
 

The birds are chirping, the snow has melted, and the spring home market hasn’t just arrived—it’s officially sprung! We’ve been busy helping clients find their dream homes in some of Edina’s most sought-after corners.

Here is the latest look at what’s moving and what’s still waiting for you to call "home."

Sold: Congratulations to Our New Clients!

We are thrilled to announce two new builds for some truly wonderful clients.

  • 5009 Bruce Avenue: Located in the heart of the coveted South Harriet Park neighborhood.

  • 5232 Kellogg Avenue: A beautiful property near Arden Park.

Available Now in South Harriet Park

While the market is moving fast, the good news is that we still have two incredible opportunities for you to plant roots in South Harriet Park. Whether you want to move in tomorrow or make your own selections, we have you covered.

Property Status Highlights

  • 5224 Oaklawn Avenue: Move-In Ready

    Our stunning Spring Parade model. Skip the wait and move right into luxury! See photos here.

 
 
  • 5428 Oaklawn Avenue: Available

    A blank canvas! Bring your ideas and work with us to customize this space to your exact lifestyle. More details here.

 
 

Why South Harriet Park?

There is a reason homes in this pocket of Edina go so quickly. Between the tree-lined streets, the proximity to 50th & France, and the top-tier schools, it represents the very best of Twin Cities living.

Ready to make a move? Don’t let the spring market pass you by. Contact the REFINED team today to tour 5224 Oaklawn Avenue or to start dreaming up your plans for 5428 Oaklawn Avenue.