12 Minnesota Decorating Choices That Always Work
Bringing Minnesota’s natural beauty and cultural heritage into your home creates spaces that feel both timeless and personal.
Whether you’re living in a downtown Minneapolis loft or a cabin up north, certain decorating elements just belong in Minnesota homes.
I’ve gathered 12 foolproof decorating choices that capture our state’s essence while creating warm, inviting spaces that stand the test of time.
1. Cozy Plaid Accents
Nothing says Minnesota quite like buffalo plaid! Red and black checked patterns bring instant warmth to any room, especially during our legendary winters.
I’ve found that incorporating plaid through throw pillows, blankets, or even curtains creates that perfect north woods feeling without overwhelming your space. You don’t need to go overboard – even small touches like plaid napkins or a single throw blanket can transform a room.
My favorite approach is mixing different plaid scales, pairing a bold buffalo check with a more subtle tartan pattern. Plaid works especially well against neutral backgrounds and natural materials like wood and stone. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of cabin coziness even if you’re miles from the nearest lake.
2. Rustic Wood Finishes
Weathered wood elements bring authentic Minnesota character into any home. From reclaimed barn wood shelving to knotty pine accent walls, these natural textures honor our state’s logging heritage while creating visual warmth.
When I renovated my dining room, I installed a locally-sourced pine farmhouse table with a natural finish that showcases every beautiful grain pattern. The imperfections tell a story! Rustic wood works in any decorating style even modern spaces benefit from the organic contrast.
For smaller commitments, try wooden picture frames, serving trays, or a statement piece like a live-edge coffee table. The key is keeping finishes natural rather than glossy, allowing the wood’s character to speak for itself while connecting your home to Minnesota’s forested landscape.
3. Stone Fireplace Features
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, highlighting it with natural stone creates an instant Minnesota focal point. River rock, fieldstone, or our native limestone all bring the outdoors in while providing texture and visual interest that paint simply can’t match.
My own fireplace renovation using tumbled river stones transformed our living room from forgettable to fantastic. The varied colors and shapes create a meditative quality that’s especially welcome during long winter evenings.
Don’t have a fireplace? Stone veneer can create stunning accent walls or kitchen backsplashes with the same effect. The weight and permanence of stone grounds a space while reflecting Minnesota’s glacial landscape – perfect for creating that “forever home” feeling we all crave.
4. Nordic-Inspired Textiles
Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage shines through in our love for Nordic-inspired textiles. Simple patterns in blue, red, and white bring cultural connections and visual interest to any room. I’ve collected several handwoven table runners that instantly elevate my dining space.
Traditional motifs like snowflakes, stars, and geometric patterns work beautifully year-round, not just during holidays. Try incorporating these elements through throw pillows, blankets, or even framed textile art pieces.
What makes these textiles special is their timeless quality – they never feel trendy or dated. They connect us to Minnesota’s immigrant history while providing clean, graphic patterns that complement both modern and traditional interiors. Plus, they’re perfect partners for those long Minnesota winters!
5. Warm Neutral Walls
Soft, warm neutrals create the perfect backdrop for Minnesota living. I’ve painted most of my walls in creamy whites, soft taupes, and gentle grays that reflect our natural light beautifully through all four seasons. These shades feel cozy during winter without being dark or heavy.
Warm neutrals also showcase artwork and furniture without competing for attention. My living room’s warm beige walls make the perfect gallery for local landscape paintings while complementing both wood tones and colorful textiles.
The trick is choosing neutrals with subtle undertones that respond to changing light throughout the day. Avoid stark whites or cool grays that can feel clinical in our northern climate. Instead, opt for neutrals with hints of yellow, red, or brown that create that welcoming Minnesota vibe we all love.
6. Birch and Pine Décor
Birch and pine elements bring instant Minnesota woodland charm into any space. These iconic trees represent our state’s natural beauty, and incorporating them through decorative touches creates authentic northern style.
My entryway features a cluster of white birch logs in a simple ceramic vase an arrangement that works year-round. Look for opportunities to showcase these materials through candleholders, picture frames, or even wallpaper with subtle birch patterns. During holidays, birch bark ornaments and pine cone arrangements feel especially appropriate without being cliché.
What’s wonderful about these elements is their versatility they work equally well in rustic cabins or sleek urban apartments. Their organic textures and neutral colors complement any color scheme while maintaining that distinctly Minnesota connection to our beloved forests and landscapes.
7. Nature-Themed Artwork
Celebrating Minnesota’s spectacular landscapes through artwork creates powerful connections to place. Local scenes of lakes, forests, prairies, or cityscapes ground your home in its environment. I’ve collected several pieces from Minnesota artists featuring
North Shore vistas that transport me to Lake Superior even in midwinter. Photography, paintings, prints all work beautifully as long as they capture something authentically Minnesotan. Look beyond tourist scenes to find pieces that speak to your personal connection with our state.
Grouping smaller pieces into thoughtful galleries creates bigger impact while allowing you to showcase different aspects of Minnesota’s beauty. Don’t forget about changing seasons! Having artwork that reflects different times of year helps embrace our dramatic seasonal shifts rather than fighting against them – perfect for our ever-changing landscape.
8. Layered Area Rugs
Layering rugs creates instant warmth while defining spaces in our open-concept Minnesota homes. I’ve discovered that combining textures like placing a smaller patterned wool rug over a larger jute base adds visual interest while keeping floors cozy during cold months.
This approach works particularly well for seasonal transitions. During winter, I add thick, plush rugs that welcome bare feet on chilly mornings. Come summer, I can remove layers for a lighter feel without completely redesigning the space.
Rugs with subtle patterns inspired by nature like birch bark textures or lake ripples connect interior spaces to Minnesota’s outdoors. The layered approach also protects wood floors from snow boots and sand from summer lake trips. It’s a practical choice that happens to look beautiful while making Minnesota homes feel instantly more welcoming.
9. Vintage Cabin Pieces
Incorporating vintage cabin elements adds authentic character that new items simply can’t match. Old fishing creels, wooden water skis, or classic enamelware bring nostalgic charm while telling stories of Minnesota’s recreational heritage.
My favorite find is a 1940s tackle box repurposed as unique bathroom storage. Antique shops in small Minnesota towns offer treasures that connect us to earlier generations of lake life and outdoor adventure. Even in urban settings, these pieces create warmth through their history and craftsmanship.
The key is balance one or two statement pieces per room prevents the “theme park” feel while still honoring cabin traditions. Look for items with beautiful patina and genuine wear that speaks to years of use. These conversation starters bring personality to your space while preserving pieces of Minnesota’s past for future generations.
10. Soft Ambient Lighting
During our long winter evenings, thoughtful lighting transforms Minnesota homes from dark to delightful. I’ve learned that layering different light sources table lamps, floor lamps, and candles creates the perfect cozy atmosphere that fights winter blues.
Warm-toned bulbs (2700-3000K) cast a golden glow that makes everyone look their best while creating that hygge feeling we crave. Avoid harsh overhead lighting in favor of multiple softer sources placed at different heights throughout the room.
String lights aren’t just for holidays! I keep copper wire lights in clear glass containers year-round for gentle illumination during dark afternoons. Lighting with natural elements – like birch-wrapped candles or stone lamp bases – further connects indoor spaces to Minnesota’s landscape while creating the perfect ambiance for gathering with friends during our famous “indoor seasons.”
11. Lake-Inspired Colors
Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes provide perfect color inspiration for timeless interiors. Soft blues, sandy beiges, and forest greens create peaceful spaces that feel connected to our beloved waterscapes. My kitchen’s lake-blue backsplash tiles remind me of summer swims even during January blizzards!
These colors work beautifully together or as accents against neutral backgrounds. Try incorporating them through painted furniture, textiles, or even collections of blue and green glass displayed where light can shine through.
Lake-inspired colors have staying power because they’re drawn from nature rather than passing trends. They create spaces that feel simultaneously fresh and grounded. For maximum impact, match the specific blue of your favorite Minnesota lake whether it’s Superior’s deep indigo or the turquoise waters of a favorite swimming hole, these personal connections make your color choices meaningful.
12. Woven Baskets
Practical and beautiful, woven baskets bring natural texture while solving storage challenges in Minnesota homes. From corralling winter gear in entryways to organizing lake toys in summer, these versatile containers blend function with style.
I use a collection of varied baskets to manage everything from firewood to throw blankets. Natural materials like water hyacinth, seagrass, and rattan add organic warmth to any space. Their neutral tones complement any color scheme while their textural interest creates visual depth against smooth surfaces like painted walls.
Beyond storage, baskets make perfect planters for houseplants that brighten winter months. Look for varied shapes, sizes, and weaving patterns to create interest when grouping several together. This simple addition connects to Minnesota’s crafting traditions while providing practical solutions for real-life living in our seasonal state.
