Interior Impressions Opens the Door to the North Shore

by Zoe Yates | Oct 2025

The kitchen showcases a modern take on a cabin aesthetic. The soft white cabinets (Sherwin-Williams Pure White) and island (Corian Quartz Valene Pearl) center the space, while rustic elements, like the natural wood on the island and black light fixtures with leather straps, invite a classic North Shore look. Hand-painted tile from Tabarka Studio in Los Angeles brings interest to the cooktop and beverage center backsplash. “We customized [the color] just to bring in a really soft look but have a pop of pattern to break up the white,” Amy Leferink says. Photo: Interior Impressions Kitchen

At a Valley family’s second home in Finland, Minnesota, modern design meets rustic charm.

Baytown Township residents Dave and Heidi Hove weren’t in the market for a second home, but when they found their dream setting—42.5 acres on the Baptism River in Finland, Minnesota—everything fell into place.

It was a sun-drenched day in mid-September when the pair set out to view the property for the first time. As soon as the Hoves turned onto the lane, where golden leaves swirled down from birch trees under a deep blue sky, they were sold. “I joke and say, ‘I think [Dave] set me up with this,’” Heidi says. “We were looking for a place to build a garage, and we came across this property.”

In the laundry room, warmth is introduced with a wall of custom-colored Tabarka Studio tile and brushed brass hardware. The floor’s porcelain herringbone tile, made to resemble old-world brick, extends into the hallway. “Real brick sheds little pebbles all the time. This is a smooth porcelain that’s easy to clean [with] zero maintenance,” Amy Leferink says. A dog-washing station is mounted at the perfect height for the Hoves to care for their dog, Oscar, and is finished with white shiplap.

The Hoves already had strong roots on the North Shore. Heidi’s parents, longtime cabin-goers, permanently relocated to Beaver Bay from Afton in the 2010s, and her father, Kent Shamblin, even served as the city’s mayor. Following his passing in 2015, the Hoves purchased the Beaver Bay property and began using it as a “blessing house” for their community, offering up stays for respite and to raise funds for local causes. “As we were looking toward more full-time retirement for my husband, we didn’t want to let go of that. We still wanted to use that property as a blessing house to others, but yet we wanted to spend time up on the North Shore,” Heidi says.

The screened porch includes an Eze-Breeze window system, allowing paneled vinyl windows to stack and shift to make the most of the weather in all seasons. The space’s furnishings, including a bistro table and chairs, feature woven rope detailing. Organically shaped wood nesting tables add a fun element to the room. “It’s a great place to have coffee in the morning. The sun comes through, and you look out at the river flowing … I could stay all day,” Heidi Hove says.

It was their first experience working with a builder and interior design team to create a custom home, but the two-year process was well worth the wait. Interior Impressions lead designer Kierstyn Timmers and owner Amy Leferink worked alongside Mike Hoops at MD Hoops Construction & Contracting on the four-bed, three-and-a-half bath home. “We couldn’t even have imagined how great it would turn out,” Heidi says.

The 4,160-square-foot dwelling, nestled on a curve of the Baptism River, exudes serenity. A muted color palette of greens, blues and creams blends with cozy textures and natural materials, ensuring each room feels like an extension of the home’s picturesque setting. When asked about her favorite part, Heidi says, “Oh, where do you even begin? Wherever I am is currently my favorite place.”

The main living space features natural materials and a subtle color palette to draw the eyes outdoors and create a relaxed feeling. The hearth, made from HanStone Quartz in Uptown Grey, contrasts with a chiseled reclaimed wood mantel. Above, wood beams add a rustic feel that extends throughout the home. “I think the key to elevating the look is layering textures and also keeping a softer color scheme,” Amy Leferink says. “We’re not throwing really bold, strong colors into the room, which lets the outdoors [in].”

The space is designed for the Hoves’ daily life, welcoming the couple and their Pembroke Welsh corgi, Oscar, in all seasons. “Winter is my favorite time to be there,” Heidi says. It’s also an ideal setting for entertaining guests, with a walk-out lower level that features guest rooms, a living area and a bar. On the main floor, the spacious kitchen—with a roomy center island and custom dining table by Dusty Lyle at Resurrected Furniture & Cabinetry—is well-suited to Heidi, a self-described “foodie” who loves to host friends and family for dinner.

Brewster Parliament Charcoal Owl wallpaper adds interest to the powder room. “I love doing wallpaper in powder bathrooms or toilet rooms just because it’s a fun little surprise,” Amy Leferink says.

The balanced design of the space makes it a sanctuary for the Hoves.“[It’s] beyond our wildest imagination. We’re just so very pleased with it,” Heidi says. “… We’re up there as much as we can.”

Now, they’re working with Interior Impressions on a refresh of their Baytown Township home. “We want to love our place down here as much as we love our place up there,” Heidi says.

In the primary bathroom, the walk-in shower is the pièce de résistance. A colorful patterned tile on one wall of the shower makes a statement. “I just love how big [the shower] is and how that pattern makes it almost feel like wallpaper in there,” Amy Leferink says.

The Hoves’ Guide to the North Shore

Heidi and Dave Hove have enjoyed visiting the North Shore for decades, long enough to solidify their go-to spots. “We get to be creatures of habit … You can go on the same hike, the same trail, but different seasons, and you see very different things,” Heidi says.

For first-timers, Heidi suggests checking out Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Palisade Head. But don’t miss some of the hidden treasures along the way. Heidi shares that many bridges and overpasses are home to epic, easily accessible waterfalls and streams.

“There are activities and things to do for people of all abilities,” Heidi says. “There are hikes that are very accessible for people who can’t walk, and one of our favorite ones is 0.2 miles round trip, and that’s lllgen Falls [located in Tettegouche State Park].”

Other suggestions include Cascade River State Park, Caribou Falls and Temperance River State Park. “We love sharing the beauty of the North Shore with other people,” Heidi says.

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