Once obscured beneath decades of commercial use, a 1920s Minneapolis mansion has been lovingly rediscovered and reimagined by Liz Gardner. Instead of erasing its history, she let the building’s character guide her restoration, blending vintage details with modern design to craft a home and studio full of soul and life.
- Original 1920s features uncovered beneath commercial alterations
- Blends historic character with thoughtful modern interventions
- A flexible space for family life, creativity, and social gatherings
What happened
Liz Gardner encountered a Minneapolis mansion from the 1920s that had long been altered through commercial use, concealing much of its original charm beneath carpets, drop ceilings, and other modern additions. Instead of starting fresh, she chose to listen carefully to the building’s existing elements, uncovering a wealth of authentic architectural details including original floors, moldings, and window openings.
The house was designed by Ernest Kennedy, and despite years of changes, its structure and light quality remained largely intact. Liz embraced these historical layers, seeing them not as flaws but as stories that reveal a life already lived. This approach framed the restoration, focusing on preservation and thoughtful adaptation rather than replacement.
Why it feels good
The restoration approach reveals why Maison Bodega feels alive and welcoming — it’s a home that reflects both its past and present simultaneously. Rather than erasing time, Liz’s method preserves layers that accumulate meaning, creating a palpable sense of history and warmth. Contemporary design elements such as unlacquered brass cabinetry and bespoke terrazzo flooring speak honestly about the present and complement the historic bones without competing with them.
Liz’s philosophy embraces curiosity and discovery, allowing eclectic furnishings and artwork to coexist with architectural details. This creates intimate conversations between old and new, where individual pieces carry their own stories and resonate with the home’s character. The resulting space feels both rooted in history and vibrantly evolving.
What to enjoy or watch next
Maison Bodega functions as both a family home and a dynamic creative studio, easily shifting between daily living, entertaining dinners, exhibitions, and photoshoots. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy curated vintage furnishings alongside original architectural features like a 1930s Parisian bar and barrel ceilings, blending character with contemporary practicalities.
For those inspired by historic restoration, ecological preservation, or creatively curated interiors, keeping an eye on Liz Gardner’s work through her creative studio Bodega Ltd. offers a window into ongoing projects that honor artistic curiosity and architectural storytelling in modern life.