In 2021, Emily and John Sturdy – owners of Bay View lifestyle boutique URSA – began sprucing up a home they’d just bought in Michigan. They’ve now opened it up to others.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
They dubbed the rental URSA Minor (lower level, with two bedrooms and one bath) and URSA Major (upper level, three bedrooms and 1.5 baths). The project preserved the late-’70s chalet’s fluted fascia on the roof line and wood-panel siding while blending Scandinavian with Northwoods cabin design.
They replaced the wraparound deck, repaired the foundation and painted the exterior black. Inside, the Sturdys swapped carpet for tile and vinyl plank flooring, created an accent wall and bathroom ceiling from cedar planking, and brightened up dark-wood paneled walls with white paint. One fireplace now sports a river-rock facade – among Emily Sturdy’s favorite features. An outdoor hot tub and wood-fired sauna further drive home the chalet aesthetic.
