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Studio Day, a Minneapolis-based design firm known for its thoughtful work preserving historic homes, recently celebrated its seventh anniversary—a major milestone for Principal and Lead Designer Deidre Webster.
Seven years ago, Webster left her full-time role at an architecture firm to launch her own studio. “I was really happy at the firm, but I started to dabble in a couple residential side projects, and it just took off,” she says. “I was busy in both areas and needed to decide which avenue to take.”
It’s safe to say her decision paid off. Since then, Studio Day has grown into a collaborative team of designers taking on everything from small remodels to full-home designs across the country. “From the first time I got to use a certain product line and my first remote project in Los Angeles to getting published and winning a design award, it feels like each year has had a big moment that moves us forward,” she shares.
In honor of the firm’s birthday, Webster shared seven of her favorite projects on Instagram—reminiscing on some of the work she’s most proud of. Here, we take a closer look at each one and discover the stories behind them.
1935 Mediterranean Bungalow
Los Angeles, CA
Photography: Taylor Hall O’Brien
“This was my first out-of-state project, and I was terrified to pursue it,” Webster recalls. “I almost said no, [but] it turned out great for the client and their family.”
1972 Retro Cabin
Deer River, MN
Photography: Taylor Hall O’Brien
More than a normal design project, this cabin became a personal experiment for Webster and her husband in what it takes to run a rental property. “We bought this perfect pandemic cabin and leaned into the ’70s vibe,” she says. “We created a space where people could go to get away from the daily noise of life. We wanted everything to feel collected throughout the decades of the home’s existence.”
1890 Queen Anne
St. Paul, MN
Photography: Taylor Hall O’Brien
Build: Edgerton & Co.
Cabinetry: Helianthus Woodworks
This project taught Webster the value of designing for joy, not just practicality. “At one point, the client was making a decision, and she said, ‘I just want this because it’s pretty. I don’t care if it’s impractical,’” she recalls. “It shifted my perspective from feeling like everything had to have a functional reason, to allowing us—and encouraging clients—to make some decisions that simply brought them joy for no other reason than aesthetics.”
1886 Farmhouse
Stillwater, MN
Photography: Taylor Hall O’Brien
Wall Coverings: Stylie Studios
Designing for a fellow industry pro is always a special experience. In this case, the client was Michelle Lillicrap of Dwellness Feng Shui, who desired a space full of color and pattern. “Michelle is the type of client who puts all their trust in you while also pushing you to be your most creative self,” Webster says. “She understood the vision from day one, and with her expertise in Feng Shui, it made everything come together harmoniously.”
1905 Turn of the Century
Minneapolis, MN
Photography: Wing Ho
Styling: Carrie Valentine
Paint: Brushed Monkey
This home was the first of Studio Day’s projects to be published in print. Webster and her husband nearly bought it themselves, because the minute they walked in, she saw its potential. But after passing on the opportunity, she got a call from the new owners, asking her to help with the design. “It honestly turned out better than I imagined because the client has great taste!” she exclaims. “We are currently remodeling their kitchen—the final piece to their lovely home.”
1935 Tudor
Plymouth, MN
Photography: Wing Ho
Styling: Carrie Valentine
Build: Heritage Construction
When first walking through this historic home, the client turned to Webster and said, “We need your help. We know we should love the original blue bathroom, but we hate it.” “It felt like I was designing a home with my best friends,” Webster says. “I am forever grateful for them.”
1920 Craftsman
Minneapolis, MN
Photography: Taylor Hall O’Brien
Build: Houlihan Building Co.
“This project is an example of how smaller changes can have a huge impact,” Webster says. Some of those changes included adding era-appropriate cabinetry in the living room, updating the kitchen for better function, and shifting the opening to the living room for improved flow. “All these things had a huge overall impact.”
