Michigan Lakehouse

INTRODUCTION

Summer is finally here and in honor of these warmer temps, today I’m revealing a home tour of the most perfect summer home we just completed in Union Pier, MI! This client came to us just days within closing on their first vacation home and tasked us with the challenge of designing and installing the entire house in time for the summer. This design quickly became one of my favorites, right from the start. We integrated a warm, clean palette with pops of sage green and natural textures to create an inviting summer oasis for this family of four and all of their guests. Custom built-ins in the living room maximize the efficiency of the open concept space and celebrate the high ceilings. The most special part, in my opinion, is the solution we came up with for the extra space at the top of the stairs. Keep reading to see the full reveal!

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Right from the start, our team and client were aligned on the vision for this space. The open living, dining and kitchen areas have high, pitched ceilings and we wanted to celebrate them while also making the space as efficient as possible. We also knew we wanted a crisp, modern aesthetic with ashy wood tones contrasted with crisp whites, black metal and TONS of texture. Our moodboard for the project summarized the direction we saw the design heading in and translated perfectly to the final result (if I do say so myself).

As we developed the design, it was clear the large wall in the living room needed an epic built-in. We created benches beneath the windows with shelves and cabinets flanking the fireplace which we clad in ship-lap (because it’s a beach house) and black stone. We carried an ashy white-oak picture ledge across the top where we could arrange artwork to carry the eye up and take advantage of the high ceilings. Across the room, we painted the kitchen cabinets and swapped hardware out to create a cohesive look in the space, marrying the two areas with sage green accent paint in the bookshelves and lower cabinets. We ripped out the horrible stainless hood (that wasn’t even functional) and built out a paneled hood with the same wooden trim along the bottom and another picture ledge across the top.

Here’s a before shot of the living room. The blank wall made the fireplace feel so tiny and forgotten!

We prepare 3D renderings for every client so that they can see our vision as clearly as we can before anything is purchased.

The kitchen had great bones but needed a facelift to make it more special.

Green accents and warm pops of wood were introduced to bring the kitchen to life!

My favorite design move was upstairs. There is a large bedroom upstairs but before you enter it, there’s a ton of dead space at the top of the stairs. We incorporated custom built-in bunkbeds to make the space more efficient and fun!

Before, the top of the stairs was a dead space, begging for a more exciting use.

Custom twin bunks fit the space perfectly! We incorporated the same wood tones from downstairs and pops of the same sage green to keep things cohesive.

THE REVEAL

Okay, enough of the renderings. Time to reveal the final results!

The kitchen came alive once we painted the lower cabinets a warm, sage green and swapped out the stainless steel hood for an integrated, paneled statement piece. By carrying the picture ledge across the top, we were able to add in some warm wood tones, carry the height up to match the doorway on the left and also bring the hood up higher to again, celebrate the high ceilings. Styling art above the ledge draws the eyes up even more and ties in with the display on the other side of the room.

We tucked a dining table for 4 beside the island and incorporated natural wood tones and intricate woven textures to warm up the space even more. A new black and brass light fixture above the island adds contrast and ties together the black metal and warm brass tones we’ve incorporated throughout the house.

Across from the kitchen, we incorporated custom built-ins to make the space feel cohesive and to provide storage, additional seating, and most importantly, celebrate the fireplace and ceilings!

A black metal credenza and oversized mirror provide additional storage and add some contrast to the room.

Subtle ship-lap between the bookshelves adds some texture while also alluding to the coastal vibe from Lake Michigan.

We styled the shelves with backwards, neutral books to add some texture and carried in black and white artwork for contrast. Sculptural pieces and textured vases complete the look. Sconces above the shelves highlight the built-ins and create a warm, inviting glow.

Sossego chairs pull in warm wood tones and add in some natural, crisp texture. A plush rug with delicate lines adds even more texture and provides a rich, neutral backdrop for the rest of the room.

A custom Martin Brattrud sectional with Maharam fabric provides a polished yet deep and welcoming retreat for our clients to curl up in on weekends. The oversized coffee table fills the space with rich, natural texture and creates the perfect spot for board games on rainy nights.

Before we reveal the bedrooms, we need to step outside to the incredible screened in porch. The name of the game out here was texture! We incorporated natural materials with a concrete coffee table and raw teak stools and contrasted those tones with black woven accents.

The lounge area on one side provides plenty of space for cocktails once the sun goes down. On the opposite side, a white dining table and black woven chairs complete the area for entertaining.

Beside the stunning pool, we introduced crisp white chaise lounges and textural woven lounge chairs. We completed the look with black accent pillows, concrete side tables and black lattice lanterns.

Onto the bedrooms! This first one pulls in the warm wood tones from the living space and balances the bed out with neutral, layered bed linens, soft linen drapes and peaceful artwork to complete the room.

Opposite the bed, a crisp white lacquer dresser completes the room with natural textures to add contrast and interest.

The second bedroom has the same headboard as the first but in white, to keep the spaces cohesive. Warm wood nightstands and brown suede pillows add contrast to the crisp white bedding and plush white rug.

Upstairs, we continued the crisp, white bedding and pulled in some soothing blue tones with accents on the bedding and a peaceful gallery wall. A woven, wood chair pulls in warmth and texture to keep the space cohesive with the rest of the house.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, at the top of the stairs, we built-in custom bunk beds to maximize the efficiency of the space and add a playful, fun vibe to the house!

Soft-close drawers beneath the bed provide integrated storage and niches at the head and foot allow the users to keep books or water nearby. We tucked modern brass sconces at the head for reading to really complete the cozy, inviting space.

I hope you enjoyed this home-tour! We had so much fun creating a space for our clients to completely unwind in when they escape the city and hope that they enjoy it for years to come!

-dgw

Design Team: Devon Wegman and Sandra Chavez

Photography: Dustin Halleck