New-fashioned Craftsman in Woodbury highlights current trends on Parade of Homes

Dustin and Jessica Teigen's twin boys can take credit for their family's new Craftsman-inspired two-story in Woodbury. The couple and their young son had been content in their 1980s split-level in Cottage Grove since 2008. "When we found out we were going to have twins, we knew we needed a lot more room," said Jessica.

The Teigens started searching for their future family-focused home at spring and fall Parade of Homes tours and before long were impressed with the work of Custom One Homes, a builder based in Cottage Grove.

After touring several east metro developments, they discovered Autumn Ridge in Woodbury, where Custom One was offering 1- to 3-acre homesites. The couple snapped up a nearly 2-acre lot with "plenty of room for the boys to run," said Jessica. "The back of the property faces west, and the sunsets are breathtaking," she added.

The setting feels private and rural, but it's just off Radio Drive, with miles of shopping and easy-to-reach freeways. Plus, the Woodbury location is a quicker trip for family members living in Eau Claire, Wis.

The couple were excited to begin with a blank slate. They worked with Dave Zweber, designer and president of David Charlez Designs. The layout and design elements in the five-bedroom home are tailor-made for the Teigens' daily life with three small boys and their au pair — as well as looking ahead to when the boys are teenagers.

The home's aesthetic, both interior and exterior, was guided by the Teigens' taste for "rustic farmhouse with some clean, modern touches," said Jessica.

For the main living areas, the couple chose oil-finished wide-plank black walnut flooring to contrast against crisp white woodwork and trim. The interiors are accented with Craftsman-style details, including a knotty alder entertainment center — to house a 75-inch TV — spanning a great room wall. Columns wrapped in wood reveal knots and other imperfections.

"The dark-stained alder columns leave the sightlines open while defining spaces, and give it warm character," said Zweber. Industrial-look metal light fixtures deliver a modern edge.

The couple moved the birch furniture from their old house into the new four-season porch clad in knotty pine, creating an Up North cabin vibe.

"I really like the stones cut from Montana," said Dustin, referring to the floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Although most formal dining rooms have been swallowed up by oversized eat-in kitchens, the Teigens chose to make space for a separate casual dining room to host family gatherings. But they nixed the dramatic vaulted ceilings so they could add another bedroom upstairs.

The 6,300-square-foot home also includes a designated craft area and kids' playroom on the second floor and an exercise room and indoor sport court in the finished lower level. For the Teigens, the sport court was "worth the extra cost, with three boys and the long Minnesota winters," said Jessica.

Finally, the home's Old World rustic elements are balanced with today's high-tech components, including a home automation system designed by Dustin, co-owner of Revolution Systems Inc.

Seven touch-screen panels throughout the house control temperature, security, lights, music, door locks and intercom. When the doorbell rings, Dustin and Jessica can see who's at the door, even from inside the master bathroom. "We can lock the doors from anywhere in the house," he said.

Dustin also has installed cameras in strategic areas — from the sport court to the lower-level bar. "We'll be able to keep an eye on the boys in the future," said Jessica.

The $1.4 million home, decorated and furnished, is #172 on the Parade.

Inside you'll see popular features found in many new homes today, including:

Family-style kitchen: Massive island that seats up to five with a distressed wood base to evoke an old piece of furniture. Black honed-granite counters to hide kids' fingerprints. Metallic subway-tile backsplash is a backdrop to a sleek induction cooktop "that saves energy and is safer for kids," said Dustin. The supersized refrigerator will hold plenty of groceries for three growing boys but is disguised behind wood-paneled doors.

Pocket office: Instead of a formal office, Zweber designed an L-shaped long perimeter desk with storage cabinets a few steps away from the kitchen. It's where the couple can work on a laptop, kids can do homework and electronics can be charged. "You get work space for multiple users without taking up a lot of square footage," he said.

Big walk-in pantry: An alcove of floor-to-ceiling shelves corrals kitchen clutter behind a space-saving pocket door.

Family entry from the garage: Must-have mudroom serves as a drop zone with hooks, storage cubbies and lockers.

Upstairs laundry room: The Teigens placed the washer and dryer near the bedrooms — and dirty clothes. "The pullout drying racks are the best," said Jessica. That seems to be the popular choice — 90 percent of Zweber's clients ask for second-floor laundry rooms.

Spa-style master bathroom: The couple's "rustic Aspen" retreat features heated floors, soaking tub, oversized shower with a pebble stone floor and double sinks below a rock ledge wall.

Rugged rec room: The lower-level walkout boasts heated floors covered with durable wood-look vinyl and a wet bar topped with reclaimed timber.

Fitness central: The exercise room has a rubber floor and is equipped with a mirror and a TV.

Specialty rooms: Bonus space above the garage was converted into a kids' TV/playroom and craft room for Jessica and the boys to do scrapbooking and art projects. A sliding barn door divides the two spaces.

All-weather play: Multipurpose sport court with a regulation three-point line for basketball. "More clients have asked for them in the last five years," said Zweber. "It's a good value for the amount of space."

Lynn Underwood • 612-673-7619