Room & Board provided Ann with modern cabin furniture in exchange for promotion. We partner with people who are already fans of our brand for the most meaningful connections. All opinions expressed are their own.

Ann Kim’s just a little busy. Known for her inspiring journey—immigrating with her parents from Busan, South Korea and working as an aspiring actress to owning four nationally recognized restaurants and being the first woman and person of color from Minneapolis to receive the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest—Ann’s schedule has been and continues to be packed. So when it’s time to unwind, she needs physical distance and a serene retreat from her work. 

That need was the impetus behind her purchase of a modern cabin on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. Ann shares: “It can be difficult to fully separate myself from work and make time for self-care. I even find myself working when I’m traveling on vacation. But the one place where I can truly escape the day-to-day demands of running restaurants is at the cabin, where I connect with nature. And Chuck, my beloved beagle-mix rescue. My blood pressure literally drops the minute I step onto the property.” 

Her home in the woods was owned by an architect who apprenticed under Frank Lloyd Wright, so when Ann purchased it, she inherited a charming structure filled with character and history—as well as a hodgepodge of furniture. “The cabin is designed with Wright’s philosophy in mind, integrating it seamlessly with the site and in harmony with its natural surroundings.” 

After a few years, however, Ann was ready for a modern cabin refresh. “The previous owners left their original furnishings at the cabin, and although it was convenient to move in right away, the pieces never felt like ours—and they weren’t very comfortable,” Ann recalls. As a supporter of companies with local roots and that commit to sustainable, U.S.-made products, Ann partnered with Room & Board to craft a fine-tuned retreat from the bustle of her work life.  

Cooking Up Plans Together 

By her side through the entire process was Design Associate Heather H. “Our first steps were ones I take with every client: I asked her to join me at a showroom, where we looked at pieces, went through fabrics, and talked about how she intended to use her spaces,” said Heather. “For instance, for Ann, entertaining typically means cooking for family and friends. So we needed to plan for that, but also make places for her to read, cozy up, and turn her brain off,” said Heather.  

Early conversations also revealed another specific objective that Ann had for her modern cabin refresh: Every element had to work with the architectural style of the cabin and its stunning natural surroundings, including the expansive lake view. Heather set to work, identifying furnishings that would coordinate within the distinctively designed space, and also harmonize with the natural beauty around. “The upstairs of the cabin is wrapped in windows, and she didn’t want anything to block that view,” recalls Heather. “So we used Room & Board’s space planning tools to show we could adjust sightlines, place furniture, and try out different arrangements until it was just right.” 

Says Ann: “I chose modern furniture pieces, durable enough to withstand casual cabin living yet comfortable enough for hours of lounging with a good book. We incorporated a mix of fabrics and leather for visual and textural contrast, along with natural elements like wood for the dining table and stone tops on accent tables to tie the interior to the outdoors. I love how the changing light throughout the day shifts the appearance of the furniture.” 

Natural Selections 

Natural elements became a key unifier through all the pieces that Ann selected for her modern cabin refresh. “We chose wood finishes, wool carpets, and lovely artwork that added tones to the mix that felt like the landscape outside,” says Heather. “By going a little more monochromatic, we made the space calm and soothing, as well as welcoming to guests.” 

The process of identifying just the right dining table and chairs was an opportunity for Heather to see the detail-oriented chef in Ann come out, with an appreciation for the full-sensory experience of eating guiding the final selection: “When we were discussing tabletop materials, I suggested stone because it’s easy to maintain. But Ann chose a wood top not just because of the warmth in color, but also because of the soft sound it makes when you set a plate on it. Every detail, every sense mattered,” recalls Heather. Ann adds: “I chose white oak because it’s a beautiful honey color that blends nicely with the natural woodwork of the built-in features. The oak is solid, should last for generations, and will continue to develop a warmer tone as it ages.” 

The assortment that came together for the open living space included a low-back sectional with modern chunky arms, upholstered in a light, durable nubby boucle. “It’s cozy without being too casual,” comments Heather, “plus, with the view being so spectacular, we intentionally wanted everything indoors to play second string and stay in neutral tones.”  

Ann’s personal favorite detail about the sectional couch: “My husband is 6’3″, and we can both stretch out comfortably to nap, read, or just stare out at the lake. We’ve even used it as a second bed when my nieces stay over. Plus, the upholstery is pet-friendly as well as beautiful. Our dog, Chuck, has logged countless hours napping and snuggling on it with us—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. He loves it just as much as we do” 

Designing your own modern cabin refresh or interested in finding the perfect ingredients for your space? Get personalized help from a from a Design Associate virtually, by phone or in person at our stores.