From Farm House to the Lake Home
/This project included lights, cabinetry, hardware, and fireplace design. We also sell mantles and brackets! They’re from American small businesses that are creating beautiful products that we love.
Just over a year ago, my own parents told us kids that they sold the farm. We knew it would eventually come and there was a lot of speculation as to when... But it was done. The “last”s had begun. The farm had been in the family since 1910, I believe. My great grandma grew up in that house, my grandma, my dad, and then us. They had renovated which was great, but still left a lot to be desired. They were ready for new- a quarter mile down the road.
So began the designing of the new dream house…. All the things they had been wanting for so long. Big windows to see the lake. Open concept for lake views and to all be together - gathered around the island, sitting at the dining table, and hanging out in the living room. Space to move- 4’ hallways and wider doorways. In keeping with their ever-conservative natures, it was to be a simple house with good quality but didn’t have to be the most expensive.
My mom let me help…. I did not get full design control- which I totally wanted!….. I say this with a laugh and big hug for her! She knows what she likes. She wants new and modern, while keeping her favorite colors. She loves mid-century design, often remarking that it’s what the kitchen looked like when she grew up, but wants the comfort that mid-century lacks. AND, she has this flare for glam crystals and sparkle.
She may have posed the biggest challenge for me yet! And in the end, what matters is that my mom, and my clients, move into homes they absolutely love, that is their dreams brought to life.
We went with modern black finishes on the lights and gave the island pendants a touch of the wood tone. We picked a traditional chandelier and fan. She wanted some sparkle and had to have a fan in the master bedroom. The master bathroom feels like a spa retreat with the simple elegance of it and nickel finish on the lights.
To bring in the mid-century modern style, we put it into maple cabinetry to minimize the grain and added a caramel color stain. We picked sleek brushed nickel finger pulls to let the wood flow through the rooms. One creamy beige paint color coats the walls throughout. Then her furniture is all a comfortable traditional style.
The stacked stone fireplace with a large hearth brought it all together in with light and dark gray, white, and beige stones.
I love that I got to help my parents make a longtime dream happen. They went without for so many years, and now they get to enjoy. I have a flare for big and attention-grabbing style, but I hope I always keep my mom’s thrifty, functional, understated, and pretty style with me.
