Designed from the Inside Out

Comfortable. Artsy. Colorful. Healing. These are words that Red and Linda Essig use to describe their unique home. And when you step inside or outside you’ll know exactly why.

By Trish Amundson Photography by Olive Juice Studios

The Essig’s contemporary home is nestled on the hillside in a peaceful, wooded tract of southwest Rochester. Surrounded by elaborate landscaping, abundant wildlife and breathtaking views, the property boasts a pleasant balance of abounding nature and vibrant art. Here, the couple created their little piece of paradise with modern, artsy furnishings, grandkid amenities and a modernistic philosophy of indoor/outdoor living.

New Era, New Style

In 2003, as Red and Linda were approaching 40 years of marriage and with two grown sons and a handful of grandkids they planned their home for their changing needs. The design was unlike their previous, more traditional homes. “We like different things we like personalization” says Linda, who used her artistic and design skills and was also able to capture unique ideas through hundreds of pictures, home shows and art shows. A red leather rug, circular design components, elegant lighting, off-set fixtures, unique works of art and an art niche these are a few elements that were incorporated into the home. The couple continues to enhance their living space with “odd but true things” that they repurpose, purchase and create. Linda has pictures of things she still wants to do. “She comes up with the designs and adapts them to our setting,” says Red.

Harmony in the Home

On the main level, heated, painted concrete floors are simple and clean. The kitchen includes a center island with a stainless steel-designed countertop, stainless steel appliances and complementing maple cabinetry and woodwork. This is where Linda “hangs out” in the center of an open floor plan and within footsteps of the barrel-ceilinged foyer, the modern dining room and an adjoining seating area that features a fireplace and TV. An outdoor garden living area is within plain view from every location.

Linda’s lives her passion by creating a relaxing, healing environment. Her creative mood inspires her to “change things around,” and Red never knows what to expect when he arrives home at the end of the day.

She also extends her passion to others by using Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Adjacent to the home office is a massage table where she occasionally administers hour-long treatments of “laying on the hands” and “life force energy” to help others heal through the body, mind and spirit.

Engaging Positive Energy

Red’s favorite place is the family area on the upper level, accessible by a glass-panel open staircase designed by Linda. Thick-padded wool carpet provides comfort underfoot in the space, which comprises a sleek, wallpapered pool/ping pong table, kitchenette/ dining area, fireplace, TV, windows offering bird’s-eye views, and, of course, art.

While Red and Linda relax nearby, the grandkids may run and throw balls with permission in the adjoining gymnasium. This one-of-a-kind room contains an indoor sport-court floor (thick, rubber tiles), non-damageable wood-panel walls, a vaulted ceiling, private music system and an adjustable, standard-height basketball hoop with plexi-glass backboard. A variety of options for physical enjoyment are available, including a bean bag toss, basketball and shuffle board courts, baseball pitching and hitting equipment, darts and balls galore. “No food or drink” is the only rule that is enforced. “We just want the grandkids to have fun when they’re here,” explain the Essigs. “They can watch TV anywhere.”

Connecting the Outdoors

Large windows overlook the garden patio and deck, and the functionality of the indoor and outdoor living areas is almost unlimited. Outdoors, patio seating, triangular-shaped canvas drapes, unique landscaping and cook-out capabilities create an inviting area for family gatherings. The option of relaxing quietness or piped-in music enhances the open-air living environment.

A rock-lined stream of water, cascading waterfalls and a pond provide tranquil areas and relaxing sounds on the property, which is frequented by birds, deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife. A pair of mallard ducks and several goldfish swim lazily, while the intrigued grandkids can watch from the small bridge and walkways. “We didn’t want our grandkids to be bored when they visit,” says Linda, as she recalls how they love to get their feet wet and catch tadpoles on warm summer days.

Art sculptures and garden ornamentals display cheery, healing colors such as red, purple and yellow “popping out” all year long amidst thick foliage or white snow. On the large circular patio, Linda designed and created a floor painting resembling the sun, moon and happiness, in brilliant colors. “We love color,” she says.

A Good Balance Yields Comfort

Summer is here, and so is a balance of comfortable indoor/ outdoor living for the Essig family. “In the spring, we begin working outside, and in the summer, we enjoy the fruits of our labor,” says Red. “We like change.” And what a change it is: from an ordinary hillside to a spectacular home that’s the epitome of great Minnesota living both inside and out.

Trish Amundson is a Rochester area freelance writer and Mayo Clinic employee who also enjoys decorating the interior and exterior of her rural home.