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Part 1 - Imagine: Historic City Apartment Laundry Room

9/8/2021

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Imagine, Design, Transform

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When working on design projects, I find myself almost always going through the same three-step process: imagine, design, transform. This is why you find these three terms as my business tagline. It’s my creative checklist for any project.

Currently, I am working on a rental laundry room renovation, and I couldn’t be more excited as this project perfectly demonstrates how these three terms work hand-in-hand. This post will share the first step: imagine. As we finish each step, I will share a blog post with you to best demonstrate the importance of these three steps.

How does this relate to you? How can you apply this to your own home? Read on.

Form & Function ​

Really, the first step in design is taking into consideration form and function. Let’s be honest: “Form, Function, Imagine, Design, Transform” would be super long under a business name. Yet, form and function is utmost important and should simply be in the back of our minds at all times when it comes to interior design. It’s a waste to have an aesthetically pleasing space that doesn’t function properly and meet your needs.

Step 1: Imagine

This one-floor, three-bedroom, 2,060 square foot rental is roomy and charming with plenty of storage and historic charm. The owners have noticed over many years that the small, third bedroom is rarely used due to the spaciousness of the home, the small size of this specific room and the fact that the window doesn’t have a great view. This is where imagination comes in. ​
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Due to the fact that this room is currently underused/unused space in the home, we started brainstorming and imagining how to best utilize this space to meet the needs of future tenants. We landed on the idea of turning it into a laundry room. 

​In this historical rental, the laundry room is located in the basement. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with the location, and it functions perfectly well. Granted, it is quite a workout for the second floor tenant, and it isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but like I said before, it’s functional. ​
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The third bedroom sits directly above the laundry room in the basement which is perfect for plumbing needs. This project, while not just a weekend project, due to needed construction, plumbing, and electrical work, is feasible. 
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Just imagine how the transformation of a small, unused room will better utilizes space. Being able to simply go from room-to-room to finish your laundry compared to hiking down the stairs is a game changer. It takes laundry from being a commitment and chore, to something that just happens as you live your life in your home. A huge plus is that it is also friendlier for any older renters with bad knees, hips, etc. who have a hard time going up and down stairs.

Personal Application

With this in mind, consider the unused spaces in your home. Are they being used to the best of their ability? If not, maybe take some time to imagine what they could be and how they could better function for you and your family. If you have a hard time picturing and imaging what could be, feel free to give me a call. I offer affordable idea sessions where we walk through your home and talk about potential ideas and designs that may better use your space for your wants and needs. Also take into consideration that not all redesigning has to involve construction. Some designing just requires you to think outside the box! ​

Up Next: Design

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How to Pick a Designer - 5 Questions to Ask When You Have Your First Meeting

9/2/2021

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Picking an interior designer can be tricky. Perhaps you start by getting on the internet and doing a search for “interior designers near me” or perhaps you have a name (hopefully mine) in the back of your mind for when you’re ready. Either way, picking the right interior designer for you and your project is imperative for ensuring a positive experience and seeing your end result come to fruition. 

It may seem intimidating to invite a designer into your personal space, but know that the more you share and ask, the happier the designer will be. Designers want to work with you to see your vision come to life and the more communication there is, the better. To start a clear line of communication, start asking questions from the very first meeting. You will naturally have your own questions based on your project, but here are my recommended: 5 Questions to Ask When You Have Your First Meeting​

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1. How much time will this project take?

Depending on the size and scope of a project, a job may take from a few days to over a year to complete depending on many factors: the job in and of itself, when products are available for use (many places are behind due to Covid), and when a handyman, general contractor, etc., is available to work if needed. 

Also don’t forget to ask your interior designer how long until they can begin working on your project. They may have other clients they are working with and may not be able to get to you for a while. For larger design shops, ask if you will work with one designer in particular, or if your job will be handled by a team.

2. Do I have to work with you, or will you do it all?

Some clients love being an active participant in the designing process. Others love the end result and would rather not be consumed with all the details - which is their primary reason for hiring a designer. They may be envisioning that “big reveal” moment like we see on some HGTV shows. Talk to your interior designer to see if you are welcome to work with them, or if they would be willing to do all the work without you based on your preference. While most designers I know are happy either way, myself included, I do know some have very strong opinions one way or another. ​

3. Are you willing to shop from a variety of stores with varying price points? ​

Many designers have their go-to places to shop. However, if you have specific stores that speak to you and carry products that already appeal to you, ask your designer if they would be willing to shop from those stores. Some will and some won’t. This may affect your budget. I believe beautiful design can be accomplished through many different stores and price points. I am always happy to make purchases from stores that clients enjoy.

4. What other services do you offer?

Some interior designers offer more than one service that you may find helpful. A few examples of these may be:

Professional Organizing - this could be a great added service for you if you struggle with organizing and having a place for everything. I love coming up with a plan for

Painting Services - if you’re looking to update a room with paint, furniture, and accessories, your designer may be able to do all three.

Restoration/Repurpose of Furniture - perhaps you have a sentimental piece of furniture that has seen better days. Sometimes those treasured pieces only need a fresh coat of paint and a funky new knob and they can be reused within your space. <- real example from a current project of mine!

5. How will you handle it if our styles don’t match? ​

Every interior designer has a specific style they lean towards. Chances are, you will not have the same exact style as your interior designer unless you have seen their work and have hired them based on their brand look.

However, you don’t have to necessarily go searching for an interior designer with the same exact style as you. Most designers, myself especially, love and get excited about the prospect of designing spaces that are unique and different from the other spaces that have been designed. 

A good interior designer will work with you from the very beginning to be certain that you and he/she are compatible style wise. If you aren’t, he/she will suggest you look for another designer who may be a better fit for your project. Know that whomever you hire, you won’t both always agree on design choices, and that’s ok. 
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When you both don’t agree on a design choice, a good interior designer will share their “why” with you. Why one item, finish, color, etc., would look better in a room over another. Yet, at the end of the day, it is your home and you should have the last say on your design preference. A good interior designer will respect you enough to make sure you are happy with your space; because after all, you will be the one living with these design choices within your home.
At the end of the day, your home is your refuge from a loud world. When inviting someone into your home, it should speak of you and your family. Picking the right interior designer can be a challenge, but with the right questions in hand, I’m confident you can find a great match!
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The Power of a Color Scheme

8/20/2021

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Tips on Creating a Color Scheme and a Misconception Debunked

​Whether you are moving into a new home or looking to update your current space, having a well thought-out color scheme will help you make cohesive and exciting design decisions.
 
Keep in mind that a color scheme applies to more than just the colors on your walls. It takes into consideration furnishings, art, accessories, doorknobs, hinges, pulls, knobs, plumbing and light fixtures, flooring, and tiles.
 
Does the thought of creating a color scheme make you anxious? Read on for tips on how to create a color scheme that works for you. 

Look in Your Closet

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Here you can see how the photos on the wall mirror the colors found in the clothing.
Start off by looking in your closet. Chances are you wear about the same colors and these colors may already be found in your home. These are colors that appeal to you. They may be cool colors: blues, greens, purples - colors of the ocean, which offer relaxation; or warm colors: reds, oranges, yellows - colors of a sunset, which provide energy and excitement. Your wardrobe will reveal what colors speak to you and can be inspiration for your color choices. 

Use Colors Found in Home Accessories

​My preferred way to decide on colors for a color scheme is by pulling the colors out of a favorite rug, a piece of art or from furniture. I get inspired by a piece I love and design around it. 
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For example: I LOVE this Izzy Petite Accent chair from Anthropologie for a client I am working with. She is petite, has an office/library that needs designing and adores nature. This chair instantly gives me a million design ideas.  

​Use Color Combinations Found in Nature​

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​A general rule is if it works in nature - it works! Look at the colors surrounding you the next time you go for a walk, watch a sunset, or stop to admire flowers. Play with the color combinations of fruit or look at the colors found in a peach when you cut it up. Nature is constantly giving us inspiration.

Use a Color Wheel

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​Do you remember learning all about colors and the color wheel in art class? This applies here too. I’m not going to to go into all the details, but chances are, you already know a bit about color theory. There are many different combinations to play with, but also keep in mind that a color wheel will provide you with color combinations that work. 

Look Online

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I encourage you to play with different color combinations before hitting the internet. While looking online or on Pinterest is extremely convenient and has endless resources available, I believe it also removes some of our own creativity as individuals. Your home should reflect who you are, not who so-and-so is. However, it is definitely a helpful tool in inspiration and is a tool not to be ignored. 

​A Misconception: A Color Scheme is Boring 

​Most people expect a color scheme for an individual room to be cohesive. However, I believe there is a population that believes a whole house color scheme = boring and too “matchy-matchy”.  This doesn’t have to be the case. With a carefully chosen color scheme and a few tricks you can avoid boredom.
 
Trick #1: Utilize patterns, textures and different materials to add interest that involves senses other than sight.
 
Trick #2: Use different shades of the colors in your color scheme (be careful to stay with the same undertones)
 
Trick #3: Use neutrals to break up colors
 
Trick #4: Hold onto your hats, this may be a bit controversial, but if your home become too “matchy-matchy” - go ahead and throw in a carefully considered new color or an exciting piece of furniture or art. Life is too short to live in a home that doesn’t excite you.
For those of you who feel overwhelmed with the task of creating a color scheme - feel free to give me a call and we’ll come up with a scheme that works for you and your space! 
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My Most Asked Question: “What if you don’t like your client’s style or design choices?”

8/11/2021

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Talking with friends and family about my work as a designer leads to great conversations and questions. The one I hear the most often, and that always piques curiosity is, “What if you don’t like your client’s style or design choices?” It’s definitely something I and others wrestle with! Here’s how I see it...

Interior Design is Subjective

First of all, it’s important to understand that interior design is subjective. It’s artistic in the way that it greets and surrounds clients. Everyone has personal preferences in interior design, whether they have identified them (and have the vocabulary to express them) or not. Things, colors, textures make you feel a certain way. It’s imperative that home design matches the lifestyle and personality of the people living in the home--whether that may be my personal style or not.
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For example: I live in a neighborhood full of lively, colorful, artistic neighbors. Take a moment to close your eyes and consider what the interiors of the homes might be like. Would they be neutral or colorful? Quirky or bland? Playful or subdued? Wouldn’t you expect their homes to match their personalities? I would never ask someone to change their vision for their home to push my own style into their home--simply because I would be asking them to change who they are, and I don’t believe in that one iota!

Appreciation for Styles

s someone who grew up with parents in the real estate and construction business, I have toured many homes. In my hometown, at vacation spots, in other countries, homes my parents have renovated--homes ALL OVER. They all differ depending on location, date of build, and budget. One thing that I have found to be true is that there are many styles and they all should be appreciated and celebrated.

​As an interior designer, it is exciting to work with clients who have differing styles from my own. Imagine how boring homes would be if they were all the same and lacked a variety of styles. I’m not the kind of person who is too proud to understand there is always more to learn. I love working with clients who may have a different style than my own, because I am excited to get to know the client and learn from them as I expand on my knowledge on differing styles.

Above All: Client’s Needs and Wants Come First

At the end of the day, the client’s needs and wants come first. I have worked with individuals who have made design choices that I wouldn’t necessarily have made, and you know what? The client was happy with the outcome. That is what matters. I will happily share my design opinions, but I don’t believe in pushing my opinions on clients. I believe it is their home and ultimately their decision and I need to respect that.
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Last but not least?  If I don’t believe I’m a good fit for a job, I’ll voice it and encourage clients to find a designer who will better match their needs. ​

My Answer

It is my hope that my answer to, “What if you don’t like your client’s style or design choices?” is one of respect for the individual that leads to a home design that meets the client’s needs, wants and personality.
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Outdoor Kitchen

8/1/2021

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5 Things to Consider When Building ​an Outdoor Kitchen

I don’t know about you, but when it’s summer, I love food prepared outside on the grill. Whether you’re a charcoal grill maestro, a gas grill enthusiast or a fan of grilling hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire, there’s nothing quite like food prepared outside. Plus it keeps the heat outside during the hot summer months—that’s a plus!
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While creating an outdoor kitchen of any level may seem daunting, with careful considerations and planning it doesn’t have to be. 

Five Steps to Designing Your
​Outdoor Kitchen

1. Needs and Wants

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Before all else, consider your needs and wants. Do you live in a location where an outdoor kitchen will be used year round? This will help determine how much money and what building materials you will want to invest in your project. If you will only use it 3-4 months, you may want to create a functional, yet humble outdoor kitchen and invest your money elsewhere. However, if you see yourself grilling or enjoying a fireplace throughout fall and winter, then the investment may be worth your money. Nothing quite says fall like wrapping up in blankets, surrounded by pumpkins, sipping apple cider and enjoying a fire on a cool evening. This almost makes me yearn for fall… but not yet!
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2. Size

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The size of your outdoor kitchen will depend on a couple different factors. Just like an interior kitchen, knowing how many cooks will be working the grill(s) or meal prepping at the same time is important. Creating your dream outdoor kitchen to cook with your loved ones only to bump elbows as you cook and prep food would be disappointing. Make sure there is ample space for everyone cooking at the same time if there’s more than one person cooking.
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If you will be adding a fireplace, consider how many people will be using it at one time. Your family should fit around it comfortably. We decided to go with a smaller sized one as we have land elsewhere on our property where we can have large bonfires to enjoy with a larger group of people. 

Pay special attention to proportion of outdoor kitchen to house. It should all be to scale. It would look silly to have a tiny outdoor kitchen with a large house or vise versa. 

3. Colors and Materials

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Although stone is not found directly on the cottage, the addition of stone on the fireplace façade adds interest. The stone picks up the cool tones found in the roof shingles, the concrete patio and walkways.
When building an outdoor kitchen, be sure to match or hint at the architecture of your home/cottage/pool house to give it a custom look. 
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Whether you use wood, brick, stone, or clay for the façade of your kitchen, make sure it’s compatible, matches or ties into the colors of your home. Take into consideration the façade of your house, the color of your roof, and any hardscape you may have in your yard.  People often react positively to a space that is cohesive. If you have a sense of funk or even eccentricism, there are still ways to tie your spaces together - you simply have to plan these designs well in advance to be able to pull it all together successfully. (I know, I know, eccentric style is defined by a “plethora of scattered styles” but it actually takes a lot of careful skill to pull it off.)
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It’s essential to have a designated location for your grill with some sort of horizontal space to hold your grilling utensils, platters, and food as it is going on or coming off the grill. Take careful consideration of your countertop material. How will it work with your home aesthetic? How will it work with the façade of the kitchen? How will it hold up throughout the years? ​

4. Grill Preferences

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If you’re building an outdoor kitchen, chances are you love to grill. Do you enjoy using a gas or charcoal grill? Do you enjoy grilling with both, as we do? Then create space for both!
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There are specialty grills you can get to be placed within your outdoor kitchen. They’re nice but quite pricey. We decided to go with a regular gas grill that connects to a gas line. This way if anything happens to the grill, we don’t have to hire anyone to come check it out, we can simply replace it and we don’t have to worry about propane tanks. We erred in one place: we did not take into consideration the span the gas grill top needs to open. We have to pull the whole grill forward to cook, it’s no big deal, but a design flaw nonetheless. Learn from us!

 5. Specialties

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The fun part of adding an outdoor kitchen is customizing it to your needs and wants. It was important for us to have lighting and outdoor electricity. We use our cottage year round and host often. Being able to plug in a crockpot on the counter during fall when we're still enjoying the outdoors was a must. Other than those two factors, we decided to keep ours fairly simple to keep it low maintenance. 

However, there are many ways to customize your outdoor kitchen. You can add an outdoor refrigerator, ice machine, a sink, a pizza oven, an island for seating and serving, storage, lighting, and the list goes on and on. If you can imagine it, chances are you can do it! Just be sure to think ahead and consider if you will need water, electrical, or gas lines placed before building. 
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Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home or vacation home if you’re an outdoor chef is definitely worth the investment with some careful thought and design. It creates a perfect place for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful way to spend summer evenings.
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Outdoor Shower: Luxury or Essential?

7/23/2021

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Tips to help you design a fabulous shower within your budget!

Whether you have a lake house or a home swimming pool, an outdoor shower can be a helpful tool in helping to keep you and your home clean from the lake/pool life. 

In regards to the lake, I’ve found there to be two different kinds of lake people: 

  1. People who get in the water and swim
  2. People who don’t get in the water at all - ever! They enjoy the patio, the company, and boat rides.  (And there’s nothing wrong with that at all!)
All this to say: sometimes you need an outdoor shower!
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There seems to be a misconception when it comes to outdoor showers. Some clients think that outdoor showers = $$$. Depending on your style and design choices, this absolutely can be true. But it can be done on a budget! What I have found is often the largest hurdles to overcome is getting a water source to a specific outdoor location. Consider a spot where you have an outdoor spigot to save plumbing costs. The rest of the shower can be affordable depending on material choices. Here are some tips.

Tips for creating an outdoor shower - how to make it fabulous on a budget

Whether you decide you’d like a simple or extravagant outdoor shower for your lake/pool, be sure to think ahead to your needs and wants and do some research for inspiration. The possibilities are endless and oh so fun!

1. Designing with House Materials to Create a Cohesive Look

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Our outdoor shower is tucked to the side of the cottage using the house and two sides of the fence to create a nook for privacy. It’s tucked away, and it fits in with the look of the house and yard. The fence was built using the same siding as the house to create a seamless, cohesive look. The non-stick platform is built using the same material that can be found on the deck. 
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We decided to utilize a shower curtain, instead of installing a door, to add pattern, texture and a soft touch to the space. It’s easy to put up or take down for a quick run through the washing machine or for winter. It’s an inexpensive replacement once it becomes threadbare and we don’t have to adjust hinges when a door becomes lopsided due to hinges being exposed to the elements. ​

 2. Get Smart on Plumbing

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Consider your location’s environment when making plumbing decisions. Will it be used for a season or year round? What kind of shower head will best meet your needs? Will you hide plumbing? Will you run a hot water line to the shower? 

We decided to go with an adjustable shower head. This gives us the ability to focus the spray for rinsing off kids or bathing the dogs. As we wanted our cottage to be casual, we decided exposed plumbing was perfectly ok with us, and a hot water line was an absolute must.

 3. Think About What You Need Within Arm’s Reach

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Think ahead to what you will need in an outdoor shower. To state the obvious, an outdoor shower is different than a shower in a bathroom, because, we’ll, it’s a stand-alone shower. There’s nothing worse than not having a place for towels and personal items. Whether you build a shelf, provide hooks or even add a built-in bench, your guests and family will be thankful and comfortable if you keep everything within arm’s reach.

4. Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends

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Between myself, my parents, and my brother we have 3 crazy active dogs who love swimming and playing in the lake. I’m pretty sure the whole lake calls us, “Those Crazy Dog People”. With this in mind, we knew we needed a place to easily bathe the dogs. We were sure to install a hook-up to ensure our “less than enthused to be bathed” dogs can’t wander off when it’s time to clean up.  ​

In Conclusion

Often the deciding factor of what kind of lake person you may be depends upon the quality of the water at your lake. While our lake is fairly clean, often plants have a tendency to stick to you, and you always seem to have feet that need to be rinsed off. Personally, it doesn’t bother me, but I’m an outdoor person who enjoys being outside no matter how clean or dirty. And of course, we have a fabulous outdoor shower.
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Reuse, Repurpose, Remodel

7/6/2021

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Giving Your Home a little TLC

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There are three R’s to consider as you make a house a home: Reuse, Repurpose, or (last) Remodel. In this lake cottage I have been working on for five years, we have done all three. Read on for tips…

Reuse ​

I don’t know about you, but for me, reusing an item brings a certain amount of joy to my heart. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is also good for your budget and allows you to spend your money elsewhere. ​
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When you hear “mudroom lockers” what comes to mind? A beautiful, custom made piece of  furniture with hooks, cubbies and a bench? While I’m a fan of the aesthetically pleasing mudroom lockers that now seem to be everywhere, I had a true, old school set of lockers that needed to be rehomed. With a couple coats of blue spray paint, my beige lockers became a surprise factor in the home with the perfect place to contain beach towels, lifejackets, swimsuits, sunglasses and hats. ​

Repurpose

Repurposing falls more within a DIY category whether it be structural, a piece of furniture that’s been handed down from grandma, or any other sentimental item.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of taking apart an old home, you know there are many layers to discover. Some of these layers may not be a wonderful discovery (like layers upon layers of wallpaper or really dated electrical work - yikes!), but some have a certain charm to them that you may want to repurpose into your home.

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As this cottage would be used year round, we knew we wanted to add a gas fireplace to the living room for the cold months. When it came time to decide on the fireplace front, we wanted a material that would stay casual. As this was being designed and decided, layers of siding from the cottage was being ripped off. First blue vinyl, then wooden shingles, and at the very core of the exterior - lap siding. We decided it was the perfect material for the front of the fireplace. We kept it in the condition it was found so it would become a focal point and a nod toward the historicity of the cottage.

Remodel

Sometimes there are areas of a home that just don’t sit well with you. Perhaps the space isn’t meeting your needs, isn’t aesthetically pleasing, or needs an update. We all know remodeling is the priciest and most time consuming of all. It is often the most satisfying as you have the opportunity to customize the space to your style and needs.
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This cottage had been neglected for years, and it was time for a major remodel. The tiny bedrooms on the second floor, while charming, didn’t provide enough space for a master bedroom, and the outdoor deck didn’t provide enough space to accommodate family. We went to work drawing up, demolishing, and altering the house into the cottage it is today.

Whether you reuse, repurpose or remodel, finding ways to update your home to meet your needs and still connect it to its past is a true way to create a home with a story. ​
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Top 5 Things You Need at Your Lake House

6/23/2021

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Essentials to Make Your Summer a Blast

Over the last 5 years, I have become a lake person. It isn’t overly surprising as I’ve always loved being outside and in water. The surprise happened when I discovered a passion for being a part of the designing and decorating process of a lake home. A place where family, fun and memories are created. Today, I’m happy to share designer secrets for making a lake home comfortable for you, your family and your guests.

1. Flowers

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​We know that nature is good for the soul. Afterall, going to the lake is seen as “restful” and “relaxing”. However, as an Indiana native who spends summers at the lake, I find that flowers are missing from lake cottages. I assume lake owners don’t want the burden of gardening while they’re at the lake, or the worry of not being able to water flowers when they’re not there. However, even just a few flower pots brimming with flowers will add color, fun and life to an outdoor space. Adding easy flowers like Dipladenia that only need to be watered once a week and bloom all summer is a great solution! Whoever looks at a lake cottage with vibrant, lively flowers and says, “Eh, those don’t make me happy”? 

2. Reading Nook, Corner, Away Room

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​Most of the time, being at the lake means you’re in company. Unless you are extremely extroverted, you or some your family members may find this taxing and need some time and space to yourself. I know, I know, not everyone reads. Fine, call it a “recharging nook” or “reset corner”. Call it something fun so your kids don’t mind going there when they’re worn out by the sun and water and are less than agreeable. Whatever you call it, creating a space where people can get away and recharge based off their needs is essential in a location where there are many guests.
 
Depending on your space constraints you may only have space for a reading corner consisting of a comfy chair, a soft rug and a reading light. Or you may have a unique space that can be used as a reading nook. Or if you have even more space, you may be able to create an “away room”. I’m not 100% sure this is a real thing. The contractor on this project used this term for this space and I just went with it because I like the idea of it. A place to get away! Can you tell I’m an introvert? 

3. Entertaining Space 

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​Whether you enjoy putting on a big party, or putting on intimate get togethers, having a space specifically for entertaining is important - even if it’s just for your family. While your physical lot may restrict how many people are able to attend any of your get togethers, the actual size of the space doesn’t mean you can’t create something special that meets your hosting needs. With some imagination and creativity even tiny spaces can become charming. Add a table, chairs, umbrella for shade, a cool drink and a summer snack and you’re ready to go!

4. Hobby Zones

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​Hobbies are great. They give us something to learn and provide an outlet for our energy and attention. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, cooking, baking, gardening, making great coffee, photography, etc. The only negative side of hobbies is all the supplies that go with them. Why not take into account the hobbies that your family enjoys and create specific zones for those activities? By embracing hobby supplies, they will create interesting visuals that will add to your space and share your family’s life story with visitors. 

5. Eze Breeze Porch 

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Who doesn’t love battling mosquitoes or swatting at the swarm of gnats that have taken up residence in your face as you’re trying to enjoy a beautiful day or a breathtaking sunset? Not you? Oh. It’s an unfortunate truth, but water = bugs.
 
Eze Breeze is a system of 4 vents that can be moved up or down with a full screen exposure on the outside. It gives the space a screened in porch feel that protects from bugs and provides a cozy interior. The vents can be closed to provide a closed in space that is protected against wet and/or cold conditions. This creates a cozy 3 season room and is often warm enough during all seasons for enjoyment.
 
The addition of Eze Breeze in this lake home added open livable space, almost doubling the size of the main floor.

In Summary

Whether you find little or large ways to add charm and comfort to your lake home, one thing is certain: summer has finally arrived. Go play! 
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Jumping Into Summer

6/15/2021

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Creating your own playful summer destination
​​at the lake or at home!

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Occasionally, I work in a small boutique setting up home décor displays and helping customers. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people in my community and see what current home décor appeals to different people with varying styles - I love it! 
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One day as I was working, this pillow caught my attention: 
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Family, Friends, & the Good Life

How refreshing to have a place that is purely intended for enjoyment. While I believe all homes should strive toward this definition, whether they be in a city or on a lake, there is something uniquely magical about a lake house. ​
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Adding Playful Elements to Home & the Lake

As an interior designer, actively involved in a lake house renovation, I found myself obsessed with creating playful, functional spaces for entertaining and relaxation. Now as I create spaces for other clients, I find myself striving to take some of the same elements of a lake home and apply those concepts in any location, whether they be sophisticated or humble. As a firm believer that your home should be a sanctuary from the world, it is my intention to share through this blog and my experience in the renovation process of a lake home, what fun elements you can apply to your home or lake house to make it your own playful (summer) destination. 

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