Elly Johnson
"I love creating homes and spaces that reflect my clients' dreams and needs, through purposeful and creative design. I am dedicated to providing clients with a functional and beautiful home as the foundation to enriches their lives."
I think understanding the functionality of the space has to come first. And so, I've worked with many clients who feel like they have to tell me exactly how the space will look at the end. And that's great and fine and we need to understand that eventually. But if behind closed doors, behind your beautiful new white cabinets or sage green cabinets or whatever color it is that you're drawn towards, if behind those doors you don't have the systems in place to store the things you need to store or to use the space, how it needs to be used.
So then we've just bandaid it, right? We've just covered it up and not made your space more functional. We haven't made your space serve you better and I think that's doing a disservice. If so, if we jump right to the colors and the finishes and selections of everything, we've missed a big portion of what good design is founded on and some of those basic principles.
So, we will get there. We always get to that piece, but we want to start with the function.
Featured Remodeling Projects
Fall Showcase 2022 kitchen/addition in Golden Valley
This young family of four needed more natural light, more rooms, and a reconfiguration of space inside and out to fully live the life they envisioned.
Details
Universal Design Master Bath remodel in Chanhassen
If we had a dime for every monster jacuzzi we removed…
1892 Porch Remodel Protects Architectural Integrity
Turning an unusable porch into a brand new 130 year-old looking veranda!
2023 Spring Remodelers Showcase Home features multi-level remodel
Our homeowners wanted to make this walk-out rambler their own while staying faithful to the character of this architect-designed, mid-century modern, Brooklyn Center residence.
Details
Tuck Under Porch with a View in Maple Grove
Open air living with protection from the elements
St. Paul Whole House Renovation
Interior and exterior renovations to a classic turn of the century St. Paul home
A remodel for the long haul in Oak Grove
Young couple with twins plans to stay and grow in place.
Enchanted deck/patio revitalization on Lake Minnetonka
A new and much larger deck with underneath patio by the pool.
Master Bath Reconfiguration in Champlin
Removing a built-in tub, moving walls, combining vanities, altering a window—all part of this master bath project
Woodbury Porch Addition; Exterior Remodel
A Porch to Entertain; a facade you will never forget
Saving Grace — Wayzata Whole House Renovation
Optimism prevailed when this expectant Wayzata couple bought the previously “remuddled” house and set out to save it from a tear down.
West St. Paul Exterior Re-Design
Comprehensive update & re-design of roof-line, siding, windows
Solving the 1980's Split-Level Syndrome
Adding a main floor addition off the kitchen solved everything
Lower Level reimagined in Ham lake
A simple change of colors & materials makes a big difference
St. Paul Addition Makes Room for Larger Kitchen
Let There Be Room! 2017 Remodelers Showcase Kitchen Remodel Entry.
Colorful Eden Prairie Kitchen Remodel
From a storage stingy kitchen peninsula to a wide and wonderful baker's island
2021 Fall Showcase Main Floor Renovation in Minnetonka
What started as a kitchen remodel led to an entire transformation of the main floor in this Minnetonka executive home.
1965 Fridley split gets a whole new kitchen & living room
After waiting years this couple finally got the design and remodel they wanted
Magnificent Walkout Basement Entertains Everyone
Plymouth Couple Raises Lower Level Entertainment to New Heights.
Spring 2018 Remodelers Showcase Home
Contemporary addition & kitchen update in Vadnais Heights MN
Main Floor Remodel in Eden Prairie
From a new staircase entry to a completely updated kitchen and guest bath!
Brooklyn Center remodel features architectural baths
Our homeowners wanted to make this walk-out rambler their own while staying faithful to the character of this architect-designed, mid-century modern, Brooklyn Center residence.
Details
Whole House remodel honors architect in Brooklyn Center
Our homeowners wanted to make this walk-out rambler their own while staying faithful to the character of this architect-designed, mid-century modern, Brooklyn Center residence.
Details
Sophisticated Basement & Kitchen Transformation in Lino Lakes
Sophisticated Basement & Kitchen Transformation in Lino Lakes becomes complete entertainment center for all.
Larger modern kitchen remodel in Mahtomedi
From a tight galley with a peninsula to an open concept kitchen and a 9-foot island—what a transformation!
Basement workout room remodel in Minnetonka
Marathon runner gets basement workout room with all the bells and whistles of fuctionality and coolness.
Before & After Project Gallery
Dramatic before and after project images in the last year by Murphy Bros.
Lino Lakes Screen Porch Retreat
Backyard mosquito sun bake turned bug-free shady retreat with style
Plymouth Dual Bath Remodel
It was going to be a simple bath remodel, and then life happened. We can't always know where our journeys will take us, especially when it comes to the world of remodeling. However, the important thing is that they end up where we most want to go.
Third time is still a charm!
Kitchen remodel features Cambria waterfall in this 1926 Mpls. story and a half home.
Master Bath Update in Edina In this bath remodel a little innovation goes a long way
A cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic was always part of this bathroom update in Edina.
Double Bathroom Remodel in Blaine Removes Jacuzzi
Updated and far more functional, both the kids and master bath now have the style and amenities they've always wanted. Well, the kids bath didn't get the heated floors, but they'll survive.
Delano kitchen remodel has a bold new look
Custom solid wood countertops makes an elegant statement
Details
Eden Prairie 2-tiered deck/porch
Have your cake and eat it too with a 3-season porch topped with an open air deck
Homeowners Insurance Claims & Restoration Plus
We don't look at homeowner disasters in the same way other companies do. We look for ways to make it better than it was.
Master Suite & Walk-in Closet Remodel in Ham Lake
These homeowners wanted a nice walk-in closet with lots of organization, and they also wanted a larger shower, and heated floors.
Aging in Place in Style — A Shoreview Remodel
More and more seniors are remodeling bathrooms for safety and efficiency that serves their unique physical needs. It is called aging in place and this remodel features just such a design.
Details
Charming St. Anthony Kitchen Remodel
Protecting the architectural charm of this mid-century home required detailed craftsmanship
2021 Spring Remodelers Showcase Home in Eagan
This was our Contractor of the Year (CotY) project entry.
"My Own Little Spa" Remodel in Eagan
"I don't worry about my bathroom anymore. I don't hate taking a shower anymore. I love going into my bathroom. It makes me feel like I've walked into my very own little spa, and makes me very grateful".
Details
2024 Fall Showcase Home
This dysfunctional outdated 1980s kitchen and main floor gets a total makeover with some unique personal touches. Full kitchen pull and replace, new walk-thru butler’s pantry, laundry (w/dog kennel), closets, new French door entryway system, fireplace, flooring throughout, and LED lighting upgrades along with additional undercabinet, decorative, and countertop lighting. Cambria everywhere.
Details
Renovating a 95-year-old kitchen in Richfield
Blending a respect for history with the beauty and efficiencies of today's surfaces.
Custom Homes
Whether it is a trear down and rebuild or a new build on your own lot we have the expertise to design precisly what you want.
Large Deck Remodel in Minnetonka
What started as a 3 or 4-season porch expansion, turned into a large deck project with a minor porch and front entry update. Sometimes the budget causes redirection that still reaches the home life improvement goal.
Details
Aging in Place Remodel in Eden Prairie
Aging-in-place remodel in Eden Prairie for this wheel-chair bound homeowner brings peace of mind and improved access to every room on the main floor.
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Painting & Pre-Finishing
30 + years of Professional Residential House Painting & Pre-finishing. A division of Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel serving, homeowners, cabinet makers and our own remodeling clients.
Laundry & Bath Makeover in Vadnais Heights
A laundry-mudroom merger with a full master bath makeover
Main Floor Transformation in Otsego
What started as a basic kitchen remodel soon developed into a main floor transformation involving the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry.
Details
The tale of the kitchen that didn't fit
How moving and removing walls made all the difference in this Ham Lake kitchen remodel
Universal design master bath in Andover
Designing 2 baths for aging in place seniors upgrades look and safety.
Complete Kitchen Restructure in Maple Grove
When everything is in the wrong place and nothing works well
Details
The Dishwasher Strikes Again in Chanhassen!
When the dishwasher rinse cycle turned into a river last winter this Chanhassen couple turned to Murphy Bros. to handle both the insurance aspect and the restoration efforts, which developed into a much larger project.
Details
Open Concept Kitchen Remodel in Egan
This Eagan couple liked what they saw at our recent Remodelers Showcase home and decided now was the time to make a big change.
Details
Blaine Couple Stays Put and Transforms Home into Dream Kitchen Blaine Couple Stays Put and Transforms Home into Dream Kitchen
Remodeling Success Story: Blaine Couple Turns Home into Dream Oasis
Ham Lake Kitchen Gets New Life for Beekeeper Owners
Local beekeepers redesign new kitchen for more space
3-Toned Kitchen Remodel In Apple Valley
These homeowners originally approached us for a dual-bathroom remodel. However, once we sat down with them and went through the discovery process of asking key questions, we uncovered that a kitchen was the priority. Sometimes clients dream bigger than their budgets can afford. Well, actually, they always do, but hey, nothing wrong with being an optimist, right?
Beautiful Kitchen Happy Wife!
When these homeowners moved from a newer home to an older home they knew some changes were needed. The problem was would it be the kitchen, the bathrooms, or the laundry? The list was long and everything seemed important. How did it turn out? Well, we chose it for our 2020 Fall Remodelers Showcase entry (October 2-4) so that should give you a hint.
Details
Dramatic Kitchen and Bath Transformation in Minneapolis
This compact mid 50's story and a half needed new life in both the kitchen and the main floor bath. While expanding the footprint wasn't really a viable option, restructuring the layout and removing two walls made all the difference.
West Suburban Kitchen Expansion
With eight grandchildren and more on the way, homeowners Pat and her husband Ed finally concluded their cramped kitchen was no match for her expanding family of 22—especially during the many holidays.
Home Services & Repairs
Quick and simple home improvement services performed by highly experienced pros for small jobs projects in Minneapolis & St. Paul, that can be done in an hour, a day or a week.
Remodelers Showcase Fall 2016 Turning a dishwasher flood into a whole new kitchen
Turning a dishwasher flood into a whole new kitchen.
Coon Rapids Whole House Remodel Revolves Around Kitchen
The Fall 2023 Remodelers Showcase Home Tour features this remarkable remodel radiating charm and warmth from the heart of the home—the kitchen.
Details
Dishwasher Leak Ruins Kitchen in Elk River
There are many universal laws. Gravity is one. Your dishwasher springing a massive leak only when you are gone for the weekend or on vacation, that’s another. And that’s exactly what happened to this homeowner nearly a year ago, when he had his own “A River Runs Through It” adventure.
The Italian Job — A Coon Rapids Galley Kitchen Remodel
A small galley kitchen in Coon Rapids has a complete makeover with a design nod to the homeowner's country of origin Italy.
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Rural Kitchen Remodel—Catching up to life in 2024
What do you do when you realize the honeymoon with your home is over? You could walk away and find a new love, or you could get honest with what is no longer working and fix it. That's what this couple did in this main floor remodel.
Restoring Blaine main floor kitchen after disastrous dishwasher leak
This is the story of a dishwasher leak that turned this Blaine residence into a disaster area and how Murphy Bros. came to the rescue by working with their insurance company to restore their main floor kitchen while adding further improvements to the living room and entry.
Details
“Forever” multi-room main floor remodel in Ham Lake
The second phase of a main floor remodel to transform this home into a "forever" home, with a new kitchen, flooring, fireplace, laundry, pantry and stairs.
Flipping the kitchen and the living room remodel
When functionality is the main issue, drastic measures must be considered to correct the problems. In this Hugo remodel, we did a 180-degree transformation, moving the kitchen to where the living room and fireplace used to be and visa verse.
Details
More Cooks in the Kitchen—A Lino Lakes Remodel
When functionality is the main issue, drastic measures must be considered to correct the problems. In this Hugo remodel, we did a 180-degree transformation, moving the kitchen to where the living room and fireplace used to be and visa-verse.
Details
Butler's Pantry remodel in Chanhassen
A multi-room remodel on two floors, which involved new hardwood flooring, wall removal, new cabinets, more storage, attractive beamed ceiling, stairs, more lighting and a butler's pantry.
Details
Sustainable Glass Deck on Lake Minnewashta
This sustainable, biophilic-designed deck remodel features glass railings, thermally treated Arbor decking, an outdoor shower, sauna, and a lower-level feature wall with a cherry arch, and water-themed wallpaper and radiant heat panels in the ceiling.
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Summary of Experience
Elly Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the field, rooted in a personal journey of designing and renovating her own homes. She began designing small projects for friends and family which grew to a wider audience and eventually, her own Design/Build firm. With a discerning eye for great design and professional expertise, Elly integrates aesthetics and functionality, ensuring each project reflects a harmonious balance. She believes in transparent communication with clients, guiding them through the decision-making process by sharing insights into design principles, industry trends, and the potential benefits to their spaces.
Drawing from her career as an educator, Elly has a deep knowledge and understanding of human development and accessibility. This specialized understanding allows her to create environments that cater to the unique needs of every family, ensuring thoughtful and inclusive design solutions.
Education
- Kitchen & Bath Design
- B.A. K-8 Elementary Education, Bethel University
- B.A. Secondary 6-12 Spanish Education, Bethel University
Hobbies / Interests
Water sports, downhill skiing, travel, nature, family, reading, science, modern architecture & design, chocolate, and Spanish.
