If you’re like us, you might be sitting in amazement that 2023 has come and nearly gone! We recently stumbled upon a video about the importance of recognizing moments of joy as they arise. The main point was that we all should do more to take the time to stand in wonder at the moment rather than thinking to ourselves that we’ll get around to appreciating it later. And so, we’re using this month to do exactly that! Join us as we take a journey through 2023, reflecting back on just a few of the moments that brought a smile to our faces while contributing to a wonderful year at White Birch Design.
A Notable Anniversary
In January, we celebrated the five-year anniversary of White Birch Design. Marking the occasion with a delicious catered dinner was a fabulous way to start the year with a team that feels more like family than co-workers.
Spring Parade of Homes
The end of March brought not just the first hints of spring, but the Spring Parade of Homes as well! Our entry on the Remodelers Showcase tour was a kitchen remodel in Lakeville, MN. Featuring a 10’ island, double pantries and light grey cabinetry with a walnut island, this remodel was a lovely example of how to seamlessly meld a new design with the rest of the home. One of our favorite things about the Remodelers Showcase is simply getting to talk about our work in a casual atmosphere that encourages people to ask questions. We met so many new people on the tour including a few that would go on to become clients!
Turning Up the Heat
Come April, we really turned up the heat (literally!), revealing our Finn Sisu basement and bathroom remodel. With a showstopping combination sauna and shower, this project would quickly become the belle of the ball, both during its reveal and during awards season later in the year. But honestly, we had so much fun designing this up-north-inspired home spa retreat. We would do it again in a heartbeat.
A Fresh New Look
As summer approached, we were busy working on a new website. We were amazed at how our website design team was able to translate our vague thoughts (open feeling, brighter, showcase our work) into a beautiful design that feels refreshed and reflective of who we are. It was also fun to see the parallels with home remodeling and realize that just like our clients, we loved knowing that our project was in the hands of a team who could take our ideas and turn them into a beautiful reality! We officially revealed the new website on June 1. Six months later, we are still in love with how effortlessly the website showcases our work.
Embracing Color
Summer passed in the blink of an eye with several project reveals including our Midcentury Roots Kitchen Remodel and our Martinis and Monopoly basement finishing projects and soon, the Fall 2023 Remodelers Showcase was upon us. Our project on the tour, an Eagan, MN kitchen remodel was delightfully playful – a bright & updated space characterized by hints of a joyful Scandinavian-inspired blue. A perfect balance of not too much or too little!
A Fond Farewell
October had us saying a heartfelt goodbye to Scott Miller (at center), who decided to finally hang up his toolbelt for sunny weather and more free time – otherwise known as retirement! Loved by all and never without a smile, Scott was an invaluable part of the White Birch team, always bringing his expertise, charm and good nature to our job sites.
Award Season
We do this work because we love what we do but we admit that an award or two (or four!) does feel good! Our Finn Sisu Basement/Bathroom project earned both a 2023 ROMA award and two 2023 NARI-MN CotY awards and our Feather and Stone Prior Lake kitchen remodel also won a ROMA award. We thank both organizations for putting on spectacular events and our team for their hard work and dedication. There is so much talent here in the Twin Cities so to be recognized truly does feel like an honor.
Looking Ahead to 2024
And that brings us to today! Of course, there were innumerable other moments throughout the year that brought smiles to our faces. From Houzz features to our first steam shower and so many more, we are amazingly grateful for the many milestones in 2023. And now, as we turn our attention to 2024, we can’t wait for what is to come. From those first conversations with a homeowner to seeing the sparkle in their eyes the first moment they truly see the transformation starting to take hold, there is so much to love about the work we do. Thank you to our clients who chose to put their faith in us and to our team and vendors who work hard every single day to bring our ideas to reality. It truly has been an honor.
Cheers to loving where you live in 2024! The best is yet to come!
