Staff Directory 6370606

Kim Palmer

Reporter, Editor | Home+Garden | Homes
Phone: 612-673-4784

Kim Palmer is editor/reporter for the Homes section of the Star Tribune. Previous coverage areas include city government, real estate and arts and entertainment 


Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Palmer currently lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, Jim. She graduated from St. Olaf College with majors in English and Psychology. After many years as a hockey/figure-skating mom, she now spends her leisure time singing in choirs.
Recent content from Kim Palmer
A porch added to a Milwaukee Avenue house in Minneapolis offers a pleasant seating area as well as storage space.

New porch complements Victorian home in Minneapolis historic district

Milwaukee Avenue homeowner designed a replacement for his crumbling side porch, but waited nearly three decades to tackle the project.
Instead of flipping a Wayzata cottage (top), Beth Trautman and David Rusciano made it their home. Sharon and Rick Dahlstrom renovated a Victorian cott

Victorian house in Excelsior transformed from teardown target to charming home

Empty nesters didn't want to dramatically change the house's scale or character.
Patty Burley Home in Wayzata

Designer's own Wayzata fixer-upper gets makeover that 'marries old and new'

A fixer-upper to sell becomes home for keeps.
Carolyn Davidson worked at the cutting table of her new quilting room. Her husband, Dennis Davidson, laid the distinctive wood floor using reclaimed l

Dark unfinished attic in Minneapolis is transformed into airy hobby room

Empty nesters enjoy quilting and playing music.
Hector Fernandez watched as his wife, Celia Kohrman, and their son, Vincent, 11, patted their dog, Zazou, on the updated porch.

Front porch is now light-filled living space in small Minneapolis house

Homeowner used time after layoff and construction skills to make "the nicest space in the house."
Drafty front porch is now a cozy room for all seasons

Drafty front porch is now a cozy room for all seasons

Handy homeowner increased the livable space in his Minneapolis home.
Carolyn Davidson worked on the cutting table in her new quilt room.

Dark unfinished attic in Minneapolis is now airy quilt room

DIY chevron wood floors and new windows highlight light-filled space.
The FlatPak House in Minneapolis near Cedar Lake was a case study in modern prefabricated architecture. Designed by architect Charlie Lazor, it’s on

Groundbreaking FlatPak House in Minneapolis is on market for first time at $1.1M

The architect's house, featured magazines and newspapers after it was built in 2004, was a case study in modern prefab construction.
providedGrowing beets in PVC tubes

Edina author's new book explains how to grow food year-round in Minnesota

Author updates an American garden tradition for today's locavores with a new how-to guidebook.
Funmi Okanla-Falade and Wale Falade in their St. Paul home.

DIY project creates modern owners' suite in 1937 St. Paul home

An architect and his wife created a spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet with hard work and "a lot of YouTube videos."
Jasper Lazor
FlatPak House

See iconic Minneapolis house featured in Dwell magazine

Architect's FlatPak house near Cedar Lake was case study for modern prefab construction.
Edina author and Master Gardener Larry Cipolla is an advocate for integrating hydroponic gardening, pictured, with traditional gardening in soil.

Victory gardens for the 21st century

Edina author advocates integration of traditional gardening in soil and year-round hydroponic gardening in water.
First peek at next 12 Home of the Month projects

First peek at next 12 Home of the Month projects

Projects range from cabins to remodels to new homes.
Beard Avenue Urban  Albertsson Hansen Architecture

See the next 12 Home of the Month projects by Minnesota architects

The upcoming Home of the Month projects made their owners' dreams come true.
The living room has a dramatic two-sided brick fireplace with a cantilevered hearth.

It's still 1970 in this 'time capsule' Minnetonka home

Midcentury modern house looks just like it did when noted architect designed it.
This 1970 home in Minnetonka was designed by architect Arthur Dickey. (Pictured soon after it was completed).

Minnetonka home is time capsule from 1970

Architect-designed modern house has atrium and indoor pool
Architect Ali Awad designed this lake home for his family in Burnsville. The three-level home includes a room with a garage door that opens to the lak

New lake house in Burnsville is home and cabin in one

Architect's new house, on "unbuildable" lot in Burnsville, doubles as his family's lake retreat.
You’ll get a sneak peek at photos of upcoming AIA Home of the Month winners, like this past winner.

Dreaming of a new home or remodel? Learn about home design at this virtual event

Gain ideas and inspiration at a virtual AIA Minnesota home design event.
This historic bed and breakfast, the A.G. Thomson House in Duluth, is on the market for $1.35 million.

Historic, highly rated Duluth B&B on market for $1.35M

Colonial mansion has fireplaces in every guest room
Bee friendly plants at the Friends School Plant sale at the State Fair Grandstand in Falcon Heights, Minn., on Thursday, May 5, 2016.  ] RENEE JONES S

Minnesotans are desperately seeking garden supplies and outdoor spaces

Looking forward to digging in the dirt and enjoying your yard? You've got lots of company.
Bud Burge, top photo, was seated inside the Garage Bar behind his home in Uptown Minneapolis. Above, he was photographed in the mirror of a rolling ta

DIY Garage Bar in Uptown created a 'practical and versatile man cave'

Minneapolis homeowner's project made the perfect pandemic-era gathering spot.
Bud Burge (in window) turned his Uptown garage into his Garage Bar. He and his wife, Sallie Watson Burge, right, hosted friends for a happy hour.

See a DIY garage bar in Uptown

Backyard watering hole is perfect for pandemic-era socializing
This 1977 split-entry house in west Bloomington has 2,978 square feet and three bedrooms. It’s close to Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

See the '70s home in Bloomington that got 32 offers in 'perfect storm'

A 1970s split-entry contemporary in west Bloomington sparked a buyer frenzy.
Randy Hoepner

Edina empty nesters transform their '50s home for today's casual living

With grandkids living across the street, couple love the bright open spaces of their newly improved home.
Beverly and Craig Claflin recently remodeled their longtime home in Edina with help from designer Annette Wildenauer, Design Mode Studio.

Empty nesters in Edina reinvent their longtime home

New open floor plan and repurposed spaces enhance casual modern living.
Lake house Up North is 'a home, not a cabin'

Lake house Up North is 'a home, not a cabin'

Architect-designed dwelling makes the most of its views and the light.
See the house that everyone wanted

See the house that everyone wanted

'70s split-entry home in west Bloomington received 32 offers
Spacecrafting This Queen Anne Victorian near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis underwent a renovation that was “a labor of love.”

$2M Victorian home near Lake of the Isles is renovated jewel

A grand Victorian house with turret, art glass windows and six fireplaces has been renovated to perfection.
The owner of Mantis Design + Build gave his own home in Bryn Mawr an exterior makeover inspired by Bali.

Minneapolis home is an homage to Bali

Vintage Craftsman-style house was transformed with Indonesian-inspired makeover.
Paul Linnebach Linnebach’s entry, Bryn Mawr

'Simple Minnesota house' gets 'magical' Balinese makeover

Owner was inspired by a memorable trip to transform his 1920s Craftsman into a Shangri La for his family.
Two lifelong friends wanted a shared retreat to enjoy together and with their individual families, and they built it to feel like a modest Minnesota r

3 Midwest lake homes designed to fulfill their owners' vacation dreams

From bright and bold to Scandi simple, these getaway homes suit each family's ideal retreat.
This St. Paul home has a new three-story addition in back.

Three-story addition breathes new life into 100-year-old St. Paul home on Remodelers Showcase tour

A three-story addition breathes new life into a century-old St. Paul home that will be open during the Remodelers Showcase.
Two lifelong friends wanted a shared retreat to enjoy together and with their individual families. It was designed by Albertsson Hansen Architecture t

See a lake home inspired by vintage fish camps

Main cabin, guest cabin and recreational building are shared by two families.
See a simple Scandinavian cabin

See a simple Scandinavian cabin

Lake home was inspired by Norwegian country houses.
This lake home in Okoboji, Iowa, was redesigned by Rehkamp Larson Architects for clients who love vibrant color. “The goal was to create a joyful ho

See a Crayola bright lake home

Vibrant colors and repurposed materials create a joyful space.
A 1928 Tudor-style house just off Minnehaha Creek in south Minneapolis has an accessory dwelling unit above the garage.

Classic Minneapolis Tudor home with modern ADU hits market for $630K

Two homes on one lot with shared patio are just steps from Minnehaha Creek.
Bachman'sSpring Ideas House

Bachman's showcases ideas and inspiration for Minnesota outdoor living

Annual Spring Ideas House will focus on porches, patios and decks at Bachman's south Minneapolis store.
Instagram influencer Kate Chipinski and her husband Mike in their Northfield home.

How a DIY Minnesota home designer became an accidental Instagram star

A Northfield stay-at-home mom has become a "macro influencer," thanks to a thrifty re-do of a 1980s rambler.
This $2.4 million lake home in Plymouth is owned by singer/songwriter Jan Edwards.

Musician's $2.4 million home in Plymouth comes with its own wildly imaginative concert venue

'Music room' includes stage, bar and light/sound system.
The new kitchen (top) on the walkout lower level of the split-level home is now fresh and inviting.

Dark split-level home in Deephaven is now light, fresh and open

Makeover makes the most of a suburban split-level with an unusual layout.
With two decks, a wraparound deck off the living room and a private deck off the owner’s bedroom, a Stillwater home makes the most of its river bluf

$1.3M home on Stillwater's St. Croix River bluff offers panoramic views

A local architect designed a Prairie School house "tucked away" on a wooded lot near downtown Stillwater.
This house in Stillwater is set on a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River.

The Bluff House in Stillwater has panoramic views of St. Croix River

Home's design was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright
This modern Tudor home built and designed by Katie and Jesse Kath of Jkath Design Build + Reinvent, will be featured on Parade of Homes.       ] GLEN

Tour a $1.255M Minneapolis dream home during Parade of Homes

The couple behind Jkath Design Build + Reinvent made their Tudor-inspired "forever home."
This modern Tudor home overlooking Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis by Jkath Design Build + Reinvent will be open for touring during the Parade of Homes

Tour a Parade of Homes Dream Home

Modern Tudor in Minneapolis is design/build couple's own dream home.
Sharing space Gail Runge, center, plans to build an ADU at the Minneapolis home of daughter Rya Priede and son-in-law Karl Harber.

Pandemic prompts Minnesotans to make room for grandparents

Concerns about child care, finances and family togetherness have accelerated the trend to multigenerational living.
This home in Deephaven is on the market for $2.575 million.

$2.575M home in Deephaven was designed for entertaining

Home sits on almost an acre of wooded land
Andy Lapham in the community garden he tends on a formerly vacant lot in Minneapolis. He later bought the house next door, extended the garden and add

Minneapolis gardener transformed gritty city lot into productive urban farm

Resourceful Minneapolis gardener produces a bounty and sows sustainability in the heart of the city.
Ryan Companies The Design Center for Eleven on the River showcases full kitchens and room vignettes that display the three curated design packages ava

New luxury condo tower in Minneapolis is the height of home design

Eleven on the River has a New York pedigree and a Minnesota accent.
Located near Loring Park in Minneapolis, 510 Groveland was built in 1927 as a residence hotel.

$1M unit in swanky Mpls. co-op is 'like living on the Upper East Side'

With 24/7 concierge service and a restaurant and bar on the first floor, 510 Groveland offers a taste of Manhattan in Minneapolis.
Lacey Olson, Laura Weber, Tom Vick, Christopher Vick and Jake (to come) toasted at an outdoor Ice bar at the home of ChristopherÕs parents Tom and He

How Minnesotans are finding ways to socialize outdoors, even in winter

Patio heaters, hot tubs, ice bars and more create winter outdoor gathering spots.
Phil and Jayme Hanson and their children Vera, 4, and Otis, 2, sat on the stairs inside their remodeled home. They returned to it from living in Denma

St. Paul rambler gets a Danish-inspired makeover

Living in Denmark inspired a couple to reinvent their St. Paul rambler for their growing family.
SpacecraftingHouse on Lake Harriet

'Legendary' $1.55M Lake Harriet house is Old World in front, modern in back

The distinctive house with two contrasting aesthetics is an iconic home overlooking Lake Harriet.
This French country estate in Nowthen is now on the market.

See a French country estate inspired medieval castles

$2 million property includes 50 acres and a winding brook
Kitchen trends include big islands with plenty of storage.

Latest kitchen trends tracked in Houzz

Storage on steroids, with bigger pantries and more cabinets, is among trends tracked by Houzz.
Courtney ConkHouse on Grand Hill, St. Paul

Historic $1.55M St. Paul home was hangout for a young F. Scott Fitzgerald

The author wrote about his friends' grand house with 11 bedrooms and 11 fireplaces.
Modern Tudor home in Lakeville Spacecrafting

Lakeville home is a modern take on traditional English Tudor style

Tudor architecture is lightened, brightened and updated for 21st-century living.
Alyssa Lee Photography

A room swap transforms a century-old Minneapolis home

Flip-flopping the kitchen and a spare bedroom made a family's Kingfield home "cozy, homey and connected."
Christine Schom/Christine Photography Stone house near Jordan

$1.125M historic stone home near Jordan comes with 30 acres, guest house, barn, orchard

The original stone house was built in about 1860 by an immigrant family from Luxembourg.
Architect Charles Stinson, with his wife, Carol Eastlund, designed their home on Lake Minnetonka’s Shady Island. “It connects us to nature and to

Camp-inspired home on Lake Minnetonka was designed for family, nature

Architect Charles Stinson designed his own Lake Minnetonka home to welcome loved ones.
Devin Brown grew vegetables in her yard to help feed residents of her North Minneapolis neighborhood. “North Minneapolis is already a food desert,�

Twin Cities gardeners grow food for their neighbors on city boulevards

During a difficult summer, city dwellers transformed urban boulevards into gardens to create a source of food and connection.
Paul Johnson/Lakes Sotheby's RealtyHouse on Enchanted Island

$1.985M home on Enchanted Island offers panoramic water views

Cape Cod-inspired house on Lake Minnetonka has panoramic water views.
Pops of color can enhance the backdrop for video calls in a home office.

10 home trends to enhance your space for the winter ahead

10 ideas to help enhance your living space during the pandemic winter.
Spacecrafting Bedroom, home in Eden Prairie

$1.5 million home in Eden Prairie is a stargazer's delight

Home in Eden Prairie is now on the market
This modern kitchen is part of an addition to a century-old home in St. Paul.

Ultra-modern addition updates a Craftsman-style house in St. Paul

"We didn't want to mimic the Craftsman style," said the owner. "We wanted to keep the original as original and add the new as new."
This new home in Minneapolis was designed by Peterssen/Keller Architecture.

They found an empty lot facing the Mississippi River and built a modern dream home

A new modern house in Minneapolis embraces movement, light and its connection to the Mississippi River.
Xiomara “Sami” Ugarte decorates her Wayzata home for Christmas in a big way, with multiple trees and other vignettes to set the stage for holiday

Christmas enthusiast creates a holiday wonderland in her Wayzata home

Even though she can't host parties and fundraisers, a Christmas enthusiast still sets the scene for the season.
Two windows and a radiator limited where the bed could go, so a low spindle headboard was chosen to avoid blocking light from the windows.

Creating a modern-day owners' suite in an old Minneapolis house

New bedroom and bathroom complement vintage character of a 1906 Minneapolis home.
Lars Peterssen

Minneapolis architect Lars Peterssen dies at 64

Lars Peterssen started his professional life working on supercomputers. Then a lecture on design inspired him to change careers. He earned a master's degree in…
providedConverted church home in Wis.

$288K home is converted church with domed ceilings, stained-glass windows

Catholic church, built in 1885, is now a home with domed ceilings, stained-glass windows and an owners' suite in the former choir loft.
A Thanksgiving meal like this can be cooked and readied to be enjoyed in multiple homes and connected via Zoom, or virtually, during this year’s Tha

How Minnesotans are rethinking Thanksgiving during the pandemic

How to reduce risk and keep your loved ones safe over the holidays.
Holiday mantel decor on display at Bachman’s.

Holiday Ideas House moves to Bachman's Minneapolis store this year

Self-guided tours will follow one-way path and have limited visitors per time slot.
To make room for a mudroom and pantry, the family gave up a formal dining room.

Swedish-inspired makeover transforms modest-sized St. Anthony home

A Scandinavian-inspired remodeling transformed a modest-sized '60s house.
SpacecraftingCedarhurst mansion

Historic Cottage Grove mansion with ballroom now on market for $1.95M

Grand country estate with 26 rooms including a ballroom has hosted weddings and afternoon teas.
A new island top lightens the kitchen.

Basic builder home in Woodbury now makes personal style statement

After buying a basic builder home, a young family makes it their own.
Jes LahayMichele Vig

Professional organizer shares her strategies for decluttering the holistic way

Michele Vig of Edina creates order in your home, your schedule and your mind.