Are geodesic domes the perfect modern architecture solution? Natural Spaces Domes thinks so. They shared this photo of a dome currently under construction in Afton, Minn. The dome features a two story extension as well as a garage.
Source: Natural Spaces Domes
Houzz’s feature on Small Space Living takes a hint from the Minnesota design scene: pictured in their stylish set-up are pieces from both Eastvold and Blu Dot.
Source: Houzz
The Creative Many Michigan House is a home away from home for the Great Lake State’s hard-earned style and legacy of creativity. Outfitted in an expertly curated collection of Michigan-Made furniture, art, and design, the House serves as the host site for four days of Michigan-centric programming, dialogue, connecting, and entertainment during South by Southwest.
Source: Creative Many Michigan House
This cabin sits on a 40-acre site in Mazama, Washington, but we think it would be perfect for the Upper Midwest. The structure is “virtually indestructible” with a steel exterior, and is designed to be completely shuttered when not in use. Tour the thoroughly modern and experimental interior on Arch Daily.
Source: Arch Daily
Shinola is hosting their latest Maker Series event at their Minneapolis store. Nathan O’Malley of Leather Works Minnesota will be on-hand to talk about his belt making process and what it means to be an American maker. Provisions will be provided by The Minnesota Spoon. Stop by 228 Washington Ave N on Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Source: Leather Works Minnesota
Did you bike on Winter Bike to Work Day? The Minneapolis Bike Coalition shared this photo of some of the frosty two-wheeled travelers who made it despite the weather.
Source: Minneapolis Bike Coalition
It’s definitely scarf weather–but Argaman & Defiance’s handmade scarves make an ideal fashion touch all year round. These 100% silk, hand-dyed scarves continue to catch our eye.
Source: Argaman & Defiance
Visitors have been drawn to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see Diego Rivera’s murals for decades. A new film was just unearthed showing the painting process from start to finish. Much of the footage has never been showed to the public, but the DIA will screen it for audiences beginning this March.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Amy Thielen’s latest book The New Midwestern Table serves up a delicious array of heartland-inspired dishes, including this recipe for Old-Fashion Potato Doughnuts. Midwest Living has the recipe, based on Thielen’s grandmother’s farmhouse cooking. Cook up your own!
Source: Midwest Living
This home is a game-change: its the first ever detached, single-family home in Illinois to receive full LEED certification. It was finished in 2008 and features a unique design based on six, exposed steel columns that support the structure. The exterior is crafted from glass and stained cedar cladding. The interior shows just how much warmth you can add to steel: see the inside with Jetson Green.
Source: Jetson Green
For cocktail enthusiasts, Crucial Detail has the perfect accessory: the Porthole Infusers. These oh-so-stylish liquor vessels let you add all kinds of unique flavors to your spirits. They’re a favorite of The Aviary in Chicago, routinely voted one of the best bars in the country.
Source: Crucial Detail
Eccentric Prism highlights the work of Minneapolis-based artist Jennifer Davis, who captures surreal and fascinating scenes in her colorful paintings. See the full profile of Davis work on Eccentric Prism.
Source: Eccentric Prism
A much-awaited farmers market is coming to the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. The Corktown Farmers Market will open in May between the Lodge Service Drive and Detroit Institute of Bagels. Can’t wait to see what delicious treats local food stands will offer.
Source: Model D Media
Apartment Therapy released their list of American Makers To Watch and one of our favorites out of Kansas City made the cut. Easy, Tiger makes cards, glassware, shirts and more, all with a wild sense of humor and keen eye for design. Check out Apartment Therapy’s full list.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Chicago artist Annie Feldmeier Adams organizes installations of donated chairs, each painted and designed by community members, graffiti artists and passersby. The installation is called “People Tend To Sit Where There Are Places To Sit” and aims to encourage conversation in community spaces.
Source: ANNIE FELDMEIER ADAMS
Don’t read this while you’re hungry: Food & Wine has released their list of America’s Best Doughnuts. Chicago has three entries on the list: Glazed & Infused nabs a spot with their Maple Bacon Long John, Do-Rite can do no wrong, and the Doughnut Vault gets some love for their sweet treats as well. St. Louis also shines with The Donut Stop and apple fritters. Road trip, anyone? See the complete list.
Source: Food & Wine
The Awesome Mitten, a blog covering all things delightful in Michigan, just released their Vintage Lover’s Guide to Detroit. There’s many great finds in the Motor City, including Lost and Found Vintage and the Peacock Room. To plan your next vintage shopping spree, consult the full list.
Source: Awesome Mitten
Merida highlights four companies revitalizing American manufacturing, two of whom call the Midwest home. Detroit’s Shinola and Minnesota’s Faribault Woolen Mills made list for their respective expertise in watch construction and wool blankets. To tour their factories, see the full feature from Merida.
Source: Merida
11 Wells is releasing their latest—a wheat whiskey handcrafted in Saint Paul. Mix yourself a cocktail with a little Midwestern flavor!
Source: 11 Wells
Sota Clothing, one of our favorite Minnesota outfitters, has this winter-rific print available now on their site. Who doesn’t want to head up North with a pile of firewood for the weekend? Bring the cabin times home with this print.
Source: Sota Clothing
Would you like to live in the Skyway? Now’s your chance. CityDeskStudio is giving away a decommissioned section of the downtown Minneapolis skyway. The catch: you have to move it. The bonus: they’ll give you $5,000 to do it. The architects have whipped up some renderings of what your future home could look like.
Source: Star Tribune
We love this furniture flashback. Designed by George Nelson and manufactured by Herman Miller, meet the Marshmallow Sofa from 1956. We can picture see the mod piece into many living rooms today.
Source: Be Original America
Swedish meatballs from The Bachelor Farmer, pancakes at Al’s Breakfast, Jucy Lucys at Matt’s Bar, cured salmon at FIKA at the Swedish Institute—Minneapolis Eater has collected Minneapolis’s iconic dishes. They list eight must-try entrees around town. Do you agree? What are they missing? Check out their full list.
Source: Minneapolis Eater
Lake Okoboji sits in the middle of what Min | Day Architects calls ‘the Midwestern corn desert.’ The picturesque lake resort offers spectacular views of surrounding oak trees, open water and fields. They designed this home to capitalize on outdoor space; the first floor opens up almost completely, turning the lakeshore into a living room.
Source: Min | Day Architects
This is 880 square feet of happiness, tucked away in the Wisconsin woods. Milwaukee-based Johnsen Schmaling Architects designed the modern cabin to capitalize on the view. The tower overlooks the valley below. To tour the interior, visit Trendir.
Source: Trendir