Lisa Konz Photography This was such a fun project working with these clients who wanted to take an old school, traditional lake house and update it. We moved the kitchen from the previous location to the breakfast area to create a more open space floor plan. We also added ship lap strategically to some feature walls and columns. The color palette we went with was navy, black, tan and cream. The decorative and central feature of the kitchen tile and family room rug really drove the direction of this project. With plenty of light once we moved the kitchen and white walls, we were able to go with dramatic black cabinets. The solid brass pulls added a little drama, but the light reclaimed open shelves and cross detail on the island kept it from getting too fussy and clean white Quartz countertops keep the kitchen from feeling too dark. There previously wasn't a fireplace so added one for cozy winter lake days with a herringbone tile surround and reclaimed beam mantle. To ensure this family friendly lake house can withstand the traffic, we added sunbrella slipcovers to all the upholstery in the family room. The back screened porch overlooks the lake and dock and is ready for an abundance of extended family and friends to enjoy this beautiful updated and classic lake home.

This was the most frequently used phrase in the collaboration of 3 energies that resulted with this masterpiece "Cozy Elegance". The builder, the client, and the architect shared a common vision inspired by the spectacular lake front homesite. Elegant, refined, authentic; every space was carefully thought out to capture and exude the understated significance of blending nature with the home, while expressing the heritage of the owners’ life’s journey. It is a place that will inspire new memories for generations to come.

Lakeside elevation. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The light blue provides a great complementary color to the cedar shingles. The white trim gives it the finishing accent. Photograph by Bill Meyer