Home + Design

A Fresh Coat, Built to Last

Chileen Painting brings generations of craftsmanship, thoughtful preparation and a personalized approach to interior spaces. Article by Sarah Knieff A fresh coat of paint can completely shift the feeling of a home. It can brighten a room, highlight architectural details or simply make a familiar space feel new again. At Chileen Painting, however, transforming an interior is about more than choosing a color; it begins with careful preparation and craftsmanship designed to last. Painting has...

Home + Design

A Cottage Reimagined

OA Design+Build+Architecture transforms a piecemeal Minneapolis home into a warm, modern retreat for the future. Article by Sarah Knieff Some remodels begin with a grand vision. Others reveal their potential one decision at a time. For a Minneapolis home featured in the 2026 Artisan Home Tour, what began as a conversation about updating the kitchen and flooring ultimately became a nearly whole-home transformation. Located at 4925 Girard Ave. S, the approximately 3,000-square-foot home is one...

Arts + Culture

A Grand New Chapter

The Grand Hand Gallery brings art, history and community together in its new Grand Avenue home. Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick For more than two decades, The Grand Hand Gallery has been part of the creative fabric of St. Paul’s Grand Avenue. Now, owners Rachael Hartzler and Jim Jacobson are carrying that legacy a little farther west, welcoming visitors to the gallery’s new home at 1338 Grand Ave. The gallery opened in the new space in February, but the building’s story...

Life + Culture

A Place to Heal, Connect and Thrive

Magnus Veterans Foundation brings whole-person care, community and connection to Minnesota veterans and their families. Article by Sarah Knieff Tucked across 37 acres along Diamond Lake in Dayton, Minnesota, Magnus Veterans Foundation feels intentionally different from a traditional medical facility. Surrounded by nature, the campus is designed as a place where veterans and their families can find care, connection and a community that understands the many dimensions of life after military...

Shopping

2026 Holiday Gift Guide

Thoughtful finds, cozy comforts and special treats for everyone. Article by Sarah Knieff Animal Print Faux Fur Throw Cozy meets luxury with Harbor House Living’s Botswana Faux Fur Throw, featuring ultra-plush texture, animal-inspired prints and a soft velvet backing. harborhouseliving.com . Starting at $349.99.   Elevated Press-On Manicures Give the gift of a flawless manicure with Nail Reformation’s reusable, salon-quality press-on nails, featuring fashion-forward designs for...

Fitness

The Case for HIIT

It was all the rage a few years ago: high intensity interval training, aka, HIIT. It seemed like it was mostly young fit people trying to destroy themselves - intense exercise, lots of sweat, and promises of big results in less time. It seemed like just another fitness fad. But as it turns out, there was some pretty good science behind HIIT, and it’s actually pretty fun.What exactly is HIIT?  HIIT is short bursts of high intensity exercise followed by rest.  It was developed using...

Fitness

A Case for the Gym

I am noticing that my conversations with friends are changing.  I go for a walk with a friend, and I’m talking about how that last run made my hip hurt or how I can hear my knees when I walk upstairs or do lunges, or how I tweaked my back…for no reason!  Are you noticing this?!Arthritis, joint stiffness, unexplained aches and pains.  It’s happening.  We’re getting older, but some of the most important changes that come with aging are ones we can train...

Food + Beverage

A Little Piece of Paris in Minneapolis

At Maison Margaux, Chef David Fhima brings French tradition to the North Loop. Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick Stepping inside Maison Margaux is meant to feel a little like leaving Minneapolis behind. From the elegant French brasserie to the dramatic underground Salon Rouge, chef and owner David Fhima designed the North Loop restaurant as an experience – one that transports guests to Paris without requiring a plane ticket. For Fhima, Maison Margaux is also the realization...

Event Planning + Services

Raise a Glass to Gathering at the Cave

From intimate dinners to rooftop celebrations, Bear Cave Brewing offers flexible spaces, creative menus and a personalized approach to private events. Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Andrew Vick There is something about gathering at a brewery that immediately sets a different tone. The atmosphere feels relaxed, the drinks are already flowing and guests can settle in without the formality that sometimes comes with a traditional event venue. At Bear Cave Brewing in Hopkins, that...

Life + Culture

A Taste of Home

For Cari Ann Carter, the simple ritual of preparing a Sunday pot roast offers a delicious reason to slow down, gather together and savor the season. Article by Sarah Knieff | Photography by Christine Armbruster When autumn arrives in Minnesota, home begins to feel a little different. Windows close against the crisp air, evenings arrive earlier and the kitchen once again becomes a natural gathering place. For Cari Ann Carter, founder of the Cari Ann Carter Group and the voice behind Fresh Roots...