After life on the road traveling with Cirque du Soleil for 25 years, Robert and Kristina were ready to set down roots and enjoy family life. The community of Lake Ridge Crossing in Lake Elmo, Minnesota felt like the right place to do just that. And so, with their young son, they began the journey of planning a custom-built home that suits their style and day-to-day routines. 

Lake Ridge Crossing Family Photo

At first, Kristina and Robert contacted Derrick Custom Homes to start talking about their options and whether they wanted to buy a newly-built home in the community, purchase the land and work with a different design-build team, or work with the team at Derrick Custom Homes to build a home that checked off every box on their must-have list. They chose to work with Derrick Custom Homes because, after their first conversation with the team, they knew they could trust the experience and care they bring to the process of custom home design and construction. 

The top design priority on their list? A space that’s bright and open. Watching the sunrise over coffee is an important part of their daily routine, so the couple requested the biggest windows possible to let in the maximum amount of natural light. The windows were an upgrade that was well worth the investment. As for making their home feel open and spacious, tray ceilings were just the feature to make that happen. 

Robert and Kristina also expressed their preference for a modern interior design style. Carefully chosen modern home features can be found throughout the home. The dove gray color chosen for the walls is calming, stylish, and helps to carry natural light through every space. As for the flooring, the high-end ash-blonde luxury vinyl tile is also incredibly durable. It’s a fresh take on the modern coastal style that’s gained popularity over the last couple of years. 

Kristina and Robert appreciated the opportunity to work with our design team to find the best layout for their family. This was also the case for deciding the design of their cabinets. The custom cabinet shop at Derrick Custom Homes affords the homeowner more control over the design of their cabinets because the Derrick team creates custom-made cabinetry on site

Throughout the design process, Kristina and Robert felt like their ideas and concerns came first. The design team was able to offer guidance and advice along the way, but the couple always had the final decision. Robert and Kristina also felt like the team's honesty kept the process from feeling like one big upsell. The Derrick team was also fully transparent when the couple had questions or concerns, responding quickly and thoroughly. 

Lake Ridge Crossing Bedroom Photo

Most custom home projects, whether it’s new construction or a home remodeling project, will have a challenge at some point during the process. For this custom home build project, a delivery delay caused some uncertainty and frustration. There was also a weather event that kept the team from being able to lay the sod and pour the driveway. But in the end, everything came together beautifully and we were able to deliver a very special custom home to a very happy family. 

The friendliness and engagement the Derrick team offers our clients create a professional relationship built on trust, communication, and consistency. Our goal is to create a professional relationship that helps the process of designing and building a custom home be a smooth and easy one. 

We pride ourselves on being an excellent first stop in helping you discuss your options in custom home building and remodeling. Our design team has many years of experience with interior renovations, whole home remodels, and new home construction projects. If this sounds like the experience you’ve been looking for in your home construction project, call us to set up a consultation today

New Home Guide - Derrick Custom Homes