Finally, I got to bring Key West … home.
Nothing is more rewarding than earning the future business of a current client. Alanna & Perrin Rynders began working with me in 2015 during a paint consult to freshen up their empty nest being put up for sale. Our projects moved on to Green Lake as their next home in Caledonia, and then into their recently finished lake house in the dunes of Montague.
Lonnie and her family often travel to the Florida Keys for the relaxation vacation but, also because Perrin kite surfs! I understand the love of the island as it was my first “home away from home” for 5 years in 2001. They wanted the vibe of the keys but not in an oceanic theme … because the home is on a LAKE.
I am excited to share & explore all the little details that DID brought to this home in a big way to create the perfect – “island on a lake” family retreat!
Paint color shown: Sherwin Williams 6786 Cloudless
** Legend of the south holds the belief that the perfect sky-blue on the porch ceiling will not only ward off mosquitos + pests but will also protect from negative spirits entering the home.
There is no question as you drive up the road to this lake house why the homeowner’s parents chose this spot to build the cottage in the 1970’s. The view that surrounds 3 sides of the home is breathtaking! During the build process we made sure that every room had large, open windows to showcase Lake Michigan.
I wanted to be sure that instead of using “island” themed décor, that we centered around the natural materials, colors and textures that are featured in our Northern & Southernmost Point getaways.
Shower Tile: The Tile Shop Grand Rapids Manufacturer: Fired Earth Collection: Catania
**Bring the natural beauty indoors in unexpected ways. The color of this shower tile is a perfect match to the deep blue hues we find in Lake Michigan and the middle of the ocean.
** Nothing says vacation like a hammock! In the lower-level family space, we brought the vibes in through materials: bamboo, raffia, mango wood, coconut wood, etc. The paddle on the wall was a gift from my family as we traveled to the Keys in the middle of the project!
The delight is in the details …
One feature you will find within any spaced designed with Delight In Designs is our attention to detail! The delights you can find throughout this design range from true “wow” factors to subtle touches that bring the homes history into the décor.
Stair Tile: The Tile Shop Grand Rapids Collection: Encaustic Square Pattern
** A sample of the floor tile shown, started it all! I knew I wanted to see it on the risers as a feature, but I did not want the colors + pattern to become the theme of the entire home. By using it in this unexpected spot, not one person has walked in without saying “wow”!
Etsy Artist: toymakertothekings
** One of my favorite projects within this home was re-creating their father’s sailboat mobile. The original one now hangs in the workshop on the lower level, and the new one is a beautiful feature in the 2-story stairwell.
** Another piece our homeowner remembers fondly from her childhood, is the dinner bell. Her mother used to ring it to bring everyone back up the dune for dinner at the lake house!
We love an open space plan – but, it doesn’t come without challenges …
This lake-house home was built for the family to enjoy for years to come. The footprint of the house completely changed, but, our perimeters within the land lot had to remain the same. I am still mind-blown with how we transformed a 2 bedroom 1 bath cottage to a 4 bedroom 3 bath home.
The open space plan was essential for the main level Kitchen, Dining + Living space. Lonnie and I worked through many different space plans and furnishings in the living seating area. We wanted to be able to fit the maximum amount of guests for conversation, but, not overwhelm the 10x10 area with furniture.
Trade Partner: Klingmans Furniture Brand: Essential Home Living
** One of my favorite furniture pieces in the home is this pair of indoor/outdoor chairs. The grey woven back is an awesome feature to see as the seating is floated in the space.
Trade Partner: Klingmans Furniture Brand: Vanguard
** For a while we thought doing 4 sitting chairs would create the perfect conversation spot. However, after sourcing with specific measurements and details in mind – we found this sweet sofa! It has a curve shape in the front to open up the space, track arms to eliminate “bulk” and a low back so that the views can remain maximized!
Creating spaces for every friend and family member to visit …
After finding a clear direction in colors, style and décor throughout the main spaces, it was time to dig into the details of each individual space – the bedrooms. With the main bedroom being on the main floor, it allowed some freedom in the direction each room went beyond its own crystal knobbed doors!
** I love designing personal spaces! The main bedroom shows off a ton of texture – grass cloth wallcovering, a metal + wood bed frame, and a neutral bedding scheme with unique pillows to make it pop! The canvas art above the bed became one of the home owners favorite pieces in the house as it depicts the Lake Michigan sunset perfectly.
** Contrary to popular belief - wallpaper is NOT hard to use! I try to use it sparingly in a space as a feature wall or focus creator. There is so many peel + stick options out there today. This brand is a vendor found in our DID vendor library that allows us to custom select the design, use a photo, or make it into a mural like a piece of art!
** This family has 2 grown sons that are each over 6’ tall. The “fish” room is the other bedroom in the house to have a California King size bed. Our homeowner fell in love with the bedding shown and I went fishing for the rest of the design for this space!
** One of the wonderful blessings to the homeowners plans to recreate their family cottage is that her mother can go out to stay in the new space on Lake Michigan can create more family memories together. I have to say, I had the matriarch herself in my mind when creating the “cozy cottage room”.
Are you ready to make your home a "retreat"? Contact us and we'd be delighted to help! Book your free discovery call with us or call us directly at 616-288-9780.
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