Reporter, Editor | Home+Garden | Homes

Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Palmer currently lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, Jim. She graduated from St. Olaf College with majors in English and Psychology. After many years as a hockey/figure-skating mom, she now spends her leisure time singing in choirs.


New porch complements Victorian home in Minneapolis historic district

Milwaukee Avenue homeowner designed a replacement for his crumbling side porch, but waited nearly three decades to tackle the project.


Victorian house in Excelsior transformed from teardown target to charming home

Empty nesters didn't want to dramatically change the house's scale or character.


Designer's own Wayzata fixer-upper gets makeover that 'marries old and new'

A fixer-upper to sell becomes home for keeps.


Dark unfinished attic in Minneapolis is transformed into airy hobby room

Empty nesters enjoy quilting and playing music.


Front porch is now light-filled living space in small Minneapolis house

Homeowner used time after layoff and construction skills to make "the nicest space in the house."


Drafty front porch is now a cozy room for all seasons

Handy homeowner increased the livable space in his Minneapolis home.


Dark unfinished attic in Minneapolis is now airy quilt room

DIY chevron wood floors and new windows highlight light-filled space.


Groundbreaking FlatPak House in Minneapolis is on market for first time at $1.1M

The architect's house, featured magazines and newspapers after it was built in 2004, was a case study in modern prefab construction.


Edina author's new book explains how to grow food year-round in Minnesota

Author updates an American garden tradition for today's locavores with a new how-to guidebook.


DIY project creates modern owners' suite in 1937 St. Paul home

An architect and his wife created a spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet with hard work and "a lot of YouTube videos."