OUR STORY
Our design philosophy is simple: a space should function as beautifully as it looks, good design is timeless and transcends trends, and a space should reflect it’s owner, not what’s popular on social media. We want your home to feel like you and reflect what’s important to you, so that your home becomes a true haven.
We believe that function is as important as form, and we help homeowners attain spaces that are cohesive, timeless, and intentional.
OUR VALUES
Balsam + Birch is more than just a name - it's the foundation of our inspiration. We believe in the transformative power of time spent in nature, and our values stem from our roots in both Scandinavia and northern Minnesota.
Friluftsliv
We feel better with a daily dose of nature, and the Norwegians feel the same - friluftsliv is the belief that one should, in some way, connect with nature every single day. Our design signature is incorporating nature into our concepts, helping our clients feel connected to their favorite outdoor spaces while in their homes.
Lagom
At it's core, the Swedish term "lagom" is about balance. Roughly translating to "just the right amount", it is the art of finding balance in daily life—work, home, and health alike. Instead of settling for less, lagom promotes a mindful lifestyle that favors moderation over excess. In design, we keep lagom at the heart of our design work - balancing functionality, comfort, restraint, and beauty in our designs.
Hygge
The third value balancing our values is hygge, the Danish concept of taking time away from the daily rush to be together with the people you care about, or to relax by yourself. We live in an overwhelming world, and we design with "hygge time" in mind so that our clients can have a space in which to enjoy life's quieter pleasures.
OUR FOUNDER
Kate Koschak
Founder + Lead Designer
Hi, I'm Kate! I'm glad you're here, and I can't wait to learn more about your project!
Animated and ambitious - these words describe me as a person and as a professional. As a designer, my creative ideas are grounded in solid design principles and construction knowledge. I believe that every design should be as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing, and I thrive on exceeding my client's expectations. I love bringing my client's visions to life by taking creative risks and paying careful attention to detail. I especially love deep diving into the world of cabinetry, fine tuning kitchen designs to create spaces I'd want to cook in myself.
Growing up in a construction family, I saw first hand the power that good design could have over the function and form of a space. I founded Balsam + Birch with that transformative power in mind, and with the mission of making good design - that transcends trends - accessible to all.
When I'm not designing or drafting, I'm happiest outdoors - from the cool shade of the boreal forest, to picking vegetables in the garden, to spending time in the sun along the shores of any body of water (especially Lake Superior).
"A designer has a duty to create timeless design"
- Philippe Starck