Project Story
Lakeside Retreat
The goal for this tear down-rebuild was to design an open-concept, modern farmhouse getaway home that maximizes natural light, celebrates lake views, and accommodates a lively family lifestyle.
New Construction
Through deep discovery, we uncovered this family’s unique needs, dreams and the experiences they wanted to create: an oasis that fosters relaxation and connection while enduring the demands of active dogs, frequent guests, and a lakeside setting. These insights informed every design decision, blending style, functionality, and durability to ensure that the family can enjoy the serenity of the lake for years to come.
Understanding the Vision
To evoke warmth and calm, we infused the home with lake-inspired hues of blues, sandy neutrals, and greens mixed with earthy hints of terracotta.
Granite indigenous to New England anchors the fireplace, connecting the home to its retaining wall at the boat launch.
Textural elements like rope-supported glass globe pendants over the island, basketweave dining and kitchen chairs, cane-woven furniture, and curated lake-inspired décor come together to create a breezy, organic, and cohesive aesthetic.
A one-of-a-kind sofa table crafted from barn rafters—complete with a whimsical old chandelier imprint—adds charm and character while being a great conversation piece.
Natural light, flowing through expansive windows, energizes each space and casts a playful shimmer off the pearlescent green kitchen tiles.
Thoughtful design ensures every space fosters calm, relaxation, and happiness, seamlessly connecting to and showcasing views of the lake.
Inspiring Serenity
The open-concept layout balances togetherness with intimate zones for gathering, dining, conversation, and play,. Every decision prioritized unobstructed lake views, seamlessly blending relaxation and connection, with the natural surroundings serving as both a focal point and a living art backdrop .
Fostering Connection
A striking navy L-shaped sectional pairs with sheepskin-covered leather swivel chairs that pivot effortlessly between tableside chats and serene lake views, providing ample seating for 10. Decorative poufs tucked under the sofa table add versatility, serving as additional seating or footrests. An oversized coffee table, cleverly crafted from four smaller pieces to complement the couch's long dimensions, offers a custom touch. It doubles as a sturdy surface for food, drinks, and games, while soft animal pelts draped over its corners transform it into a cozy ottoman, blending rustic charm with practical function.
· An oversized kitchen island seats eight, offering a perfect hub for entertaining, while a round, pedestal-based farm table expands for larger gatherings, all within sightlines that maximize the emotional connection to the lake.
Durability, functionality, and flow were top priorities to create a home that supports a dynamic lifestyle.
Designed to Perform
Tough as Nails, Pretty as a Picture, and Ready for Anything!
Spills, sand, wet bathing suits, dog slobber, and sun that fades! Bring It On! Peace of mind never looked so good with Sunbrella sofa fabric, realistic wood-like, vinyl flooring, tight woven rugs, and basketweave chairs dual what this family puts to the test while maintaining elegance. That’s what happens when you have a designer in your back pocket that truly has your back (and your floors, and your couch, and…).
Room to Breathe, Space to Live
This home is all about balance. Thoughtful design carves out distinct zones in the open layout, from the L-shaped sectional anchoring the family room to the island that gently marks kitchen boundaries. A floating staircase creates space for a cozy dining nook without obstructing those stunning lake views. It's the perfect blend—room to think, work, relax, and entertain, all while feeling effortless freedom.
Brains and Beauty: Where Art And Science Meet
When design dares to break the rules of functionality, you get a space that truly works for you. Take this den/guest bedroom, for example—sliding barn doors saves space and opens up a sharp hallway corner to give visibility to this room while a TV quietly disappears into the ceiling, freeing up valuable wall and floor space for a pullout sofa bed for guests. In the family room, the search for the perfect coffee table turned into a playful challenge—enter four 25-inch modular tables that slide together like a puzzle, fitting perfectly with the oversized couch. These tables adapt to any seating situation, from L-shaped to single-use end tables and more. Who says you can’t have both style and smarts?
Finishing Touches That Add Personality
With the structure complete and furniture in place, the layering in of finishing touches brought this space to life. Thoughtful details transformed the house into a warm, harmonious home, adding character and personality.
Shelf Indulgence
The bookshelves play wingman to the fireplace, making it the undeniable star of the family room. Styled decor exudes effortless sophistication with the balance of color, shape, and negative space.. A curated mix of treasures—well-loved books, framed photos, flickering candles, a brass boat propeller, and nautical rope balls add texture, meaning, and a story worth telling. In the kitchen, the floating corner shelf brings its own flair, bursting with layered accessories that add warmth, depth, and playful charm to this inviting little nook.
Roots That Bloom
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the home's landscape, anchoring the interior to its stunning surroundings. A playful mix of fresh blooms, lifelike silks, and lush greenery adds softness to the bold lines of the furniture, while textured vases and driftwood wall panels bring a hint of earthy charm. These thoughtful touches set the stage for family roots to grow, blossom, and thrive.
Art That Anchors Lakeside Serenity, PillowTalks and Light Moments
We see every piece as art in its own right. Here, the family room pillows whisper style on mini canvases—full of texture, earthy tones, and rich details while the chambray pillows in the bedroom say “It’s time to nap”. A mix of nautical and vintage industrial lighting scream modern lakeside farmhouse, while wall decor tells a story anchored in lakeside serenity. We incorporated a perfect mix of beauty and personality, grounded in peaceful charm.
“Donna really understood our vision and was spot-on in bringing it to life. Our very demanding jobs made it extremely difficult to stay ahead of making timely decisions to meet the contractor milestones. Donna’s consultation on space planning and choice of materials was a lifesaver. We love her design!”