White Bear Lake, MN, might first catch your eye with its charming lakeside vistas and close-knit community vibe, but look a little closer, and you’ll find something else entirely captivating: the architecture. From timeless colonial revivals to the clean lines of modern builds, this lakeside city is where design evolves without forgetting its roots. Whether you're exploring homes near the water or tucked into wooded lots, each property here tells a story.
What’s especially unique about White Bear Lake’s real estate landscape is how it balances historical character with new energy. You’ll see modern farmhouse builds standing proudly beside century-old Victorian homes. If you're considering buying, building, or renovating in this scenic enclave, knowing what’s trending (and what’s timeless) can help you craft a home that feels distinctly yours.
Queen Anne and American Picturesque: Historic Character Preserved
White Bear Lake is home to some of the most elegant and historically significant homes in Minnesota, with Queen Anne and American Picturesque styles standing out as particularly influential. These designs, prominent in the late 19th century, continue to shape the architectural story of the community today.
The Queen Anne style is characterized by its asymmetrical façades, textured surfaces, steeply pitched roofs, and ornate detailing. A stunning example is the Cyrus B. Cobb House, a brick Queen Anne masterpiece that showcases the attention to artistry and form that defined the era. From turreted towers to intricate spindlework, these homes were built to impress — and still do.
Equally compelling is the American Picturesque style, which favors natural materials, irregular shapes, and a sense of whimsy that fits beautifully into the wooded landscape of White Bear Lake. The Fillebrown House, built in 1879 and now owned by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, stands as a celebrated example of this style, featuring romantic lines, decorative trim, and a layout that feels organic rather than rigid. These homes reflect a time when architecture was as much about artistry as it was about shelter, and they continue to inspire admiration today.
The Queen Anne style is characterized by its asymmetrical façades, textured surfaces, steeply pitched roofs, and ornate detailing. A stunning example is the Cyrus B. Cobb House, a brick Queen Anne masterpiece that showcases the attention to artistry and form that defined the era. From turreted towers to intricate spindlework, these homes were built to impress — and still do.
Equally compelling is the American Picturesque style, which favors natural materials, irregular shapes, and a sense of whimsy that fits beautifully into the wooded landscape of White Bear Lake. The Fillebrown House, built in 1879 and now owned by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, stands as a celebrated example of this style, featuring romantic lines, decorative trim, and a layout that feels organic rather than rigid. These homes reflect a time when architecture was as much about artistry as it was about shelter, and they continue to inspire admiration today.
Vernacular Styles: Function and Familiarity
In addition to standout historic homes, White Bear Lake features many vernacular styles — designs that emerged from regional needs, local materials, and construction methods rather than formal architectural movements. These homes are often practical, charming, and deeply rooted in their setting.
You’ll find Cape Cod-inspired cottages, gabled ramblers, and foursquare layouts that prioritize functionality without sacrificing charm. Many of these homes were built during growth periods in the mid-20th century and have since been updated with new finishes, open-concept interiors, and energy-efficient systems. Their understated appeal and adaptability make them an enduring part of the city’s housing fabric.
You’ll find Cape Cod-inspired cottages, gabled ramblers, and foursquare layouts that prioritize functionality without sacrificing charm. Many of these homes were built during growth periods in the mid-20th century and have since been updated with new finishes, open-concept interiors, and energy-efficient systems. Their understated appeal and adaptability make them an enduring part of the city’s housing fabric.
Colonial Revival: Tradition with Enduring Appeal
Colonial Revival homes remain a cornerstone of White Bear Lake’s architectural identity. Defined by symmetry, classical columns, and formal entryways, these homes are loved for their stately appearance and timeless layout. Brick exteriors, multi-pane windows, and gabled roofs lend a refined touch, while interiors are increasingly being opened up and modernized for today’s lifestyle.
Homeowners in White Bear Lake often retain the traditional floor plan and historical details while updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and mechanical systems. The result is a perfect marriage between the past and present — a home that’s gracious, durable, and designed to last.
Homeowners in White Bear Lake often retain the traditional floor plan and historical details while updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and mechanical systems. The result is a perfect marriage between the past and present — a home that’s gracious, durable, and designed to last.
Craftsman Bungalows: Charming, Hands-On Style
Craftsman-style homes are another White Bear Lake favorite, especially near downtown and around the lake. These homes feature low-pitched roofs, wide porches supported by tapered columns, and handcrafted wood detailing both inside and out.
What makes the Craftsman style enduring is its authenticity; it emphasizes natural materials, simple forms, and a strong connection to the stunning landscape. Homeowners are embracing this aesthetic with complementary interior choices like oak floors, custom built-ins, and muted color palettes that reflect the natural world just outside the door. With their wide front porches, exposed rafter tails, and rich wood detailing, Craftsman bungalows create an inviting and grounded aesthetic that resonates with buyers looking for something both beautiful and unpretentious.
What makes the Craftsman style enduring is its authenticity; it emphasizes natural materials, simple forms, and a strong connection to the stunning landscape. Homeowners are embracing this aesthetic with complementary interior choices like oak floors, custom built-ins, and muted color palettes that reflect the natural world just outside the door. With their wide front porches, exposed rafter tails, and rich wood detailing, Craftsman bungalows create an inviting and grounded aesthetic that resonates with buyers looking for something both beautiful and unpretentious.
Modern Farmhouse: Rustic Meets Refined
The modern farmhouse trend has taken hold across the country, and White Bear Lake real estate is no exception. White Bear Lake’s modern farmhouses embrace rustic charm with a polished twist. These homes feature board-and-batten exteriors, black metal accents, and expansive porches perfect for outdoor lounging. Inside, the aesthetic is bright and airy; open-concept living spaces, matte finishes, and touches of reclaimed wood define the interiors.
Beyond aesthetics, there’s also a push toward smart layouts and flexible spaces. You’ll find mudrooms with clever storage, multi-use dining areas, reading nooks, and indoor-outdoor transitions that make hosting or relaxing a seamless experience.
Beyond aesthetics, there’s also a push toward smart layouts and flexible spaces. You’ll find mudrooms with clever storage, multi-use dining areas, reading nooks, and indoor-outdoor transitions that make hosting or relaxing a seamless experience.
Contemporary Builds: Clean Lines and Custom Comfort
White Bear Lake has seen a surge of new construction in recent years, and with it comes a wave of contemporary designs that emphasize clean lines, large glass expanses, and open, flowing interiors. These homes often feature asymmetrical facades, flat or low-pitched roofs, and a mix of industrial and organic materials like steel, concrete, and wood.
Contemporary design here is less about flash and more about function. Homeowners are prioritizing natural light, energy efficiency, and indoor-outdoor living with decks, patios, and three-season porches that make the most of Minnesota’s beautiful warm months. Inside, it’s all about airy spaces, minimalist color palettes, and thoughtful design decisions that support your daily routines. These builds are perfect for those who want to blend luxury with practicality.
Contemporary design here is less about flash and more about function. Homeowners are prioritizing natural light, energy efficiency, and indoor-outdoor living with decks, patios, and three-season porches that make the most of Minnesota’s beautiful warm months. Inside, it’s all about airy spaces, minimalist color palettes, and thoughtful design decisions that support your daily routines. These builds are perfect for those who want to blend luxury with practicality.
Lakefront Cottages and Cabins: Timeless, Relaxed Living
The lake is the heart of White Bear Lake, and it influences the architecture more than any design trend. Lakefront properties often feature cottage-style homes that lean into relaxed living. You’ll see pitched roofs, wide porches, cedar shakes, and cozy, compact layouts that make the most of the amazing view.
Design-wise, these homes are embracing coastal-inspired interiors with light wood floors, airy color schemes, and organic textures like linen, wicker, and rattan. Many of these homes were built decades ago and are now being modernized with thoughtful expansions, updated kitchens, and multi-level decks that offer unobstructed water views. It’s a style that feels effortless and elegant — the kind of place where you can leave your shoes at the door and stay awhile.
Design-wise, these homes are embracing coastal-inspired interiors with light wood floors, airy color schemes, and organic textures like linen, wicker, and rattan. Many of these homes were built decades ago and are now being modernized with thoughtful expansions, updated kitchens, and multi-level decks that offer unobstructed water views. It’s a style that feels effortless and elegant — the kind of place where you can leave your shoes at the door and stay awhile.
Top Interior Design Trends in White Bear Lake Homes
Architectural styles are only part of the story — interior design trends are evolving in White Bear Lake as well. One of the most notable shifts is toward warm minimalism. Homeowners are moving away from overly stark, monochrome interiors in favor of softer neutrals, layered textures, and personal accents that create warmth and personality.
Natural materials like white oak, travertine, and clay are being used in everything from flooring to furniture. There’s also a renewed appreciation for handcrafted and vintage pieces — think artisan tile, custom woodwork, and statement lighting that tells a story. Functionality is key: spaces are being designed to serve multiple purposes, with home offices, flex rooms, and built-in storage becoming design must-haves.
Natural materials like white oak, travertine, and clay are being used in everything from flooring to furniture. There’s also a renewed appreciation for handcrafted and vintage pieces — think artisan tile, custom woodwork, and statement lighting that tells a story. Functionality is key: spaces are being designed to serve multiple purposes, with home offices, flex rooms, and built-in storage becoming design must-haves.
Design That Reflects a Way of Life
White Bear Lake is more than a scenic destination; it’s a setting where architectural beauty and thoughtful design meet everyday living. From historic homes that tell stories of the past to new builds that speak to the future, this community offers something for every design sensibility.
With its rich mix of architectural styles and a forward-thinking design community, this city offers endless possibilities for homeowners who want to create something lasting, beautiful, and meaningful. Whether you're drawn to historical charm, contemporary flair, or a little bit of both, White Bear Lake has the architectural personality to bring your vision to life.
Reach out to the Ornell Group for trusted guidance as you explore your real estate options in White Bear Lake, MN.
With its rich mix of architectural styles and a forward-thinking design community, this city offers endless possibilities for homeowners who want to create something lasting, beautiful, and meaningful. Whether you're drawn to historical charm, contemporary flair, or a little bit of both, White Bear Lake has the architectural personality to bring your vision to life.
Reach out to the Ornell Group for trusted guidance as you explore your real estate options in White Bear Lake, MN.
