Contemporary Lakefront Home: Rustic sophistication

AWARD? 2020 NARI National Contractor of the Year Winner for Residential Interior, lakefront home remodel; Waupaca, Wisconsin: This lakeside property was purchased as a weekend home to enjoy with friends and family. The homeowner wanted a simple, clean design that embraced the home’s natural surroundings. The architect’s vision was to pay homage to the rustic appeal of a lake cabin, but in a contemporary way. Natural materials, where the beauty is in their organic qualities, creates a simple backdrop to the stunning lakeside views. The home is brighter, more open, and the lake can be enjoyed from just about anywhere. The cleaner design is understated yet visually striking, providing a space to breathe, relax, and recharge.

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NEW COPY FROM HERE DOWN Challenge: Opening the space required removing several support structures and walls. A load-bearing exterior wall that had become an interior wall when an addition was built, was removed.

Solution: Ceiling beams were added where possible to support the floor above. The columns that couldn’t be replaced were hidden in the chimney structure and in the design of the kitchen cabinetry.



Challenge: Keeping warm in a space with a tile floor and large windows.

Solution: In addition to traditional heating systems, the floor employs hydronic warmboard beneath Italian porcelain tile, which is energy efficient and radiates warmth. The heating system is managed from a smart device with the Control4 app.

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Challenge: Usually, illumination is provided by recessed lights and pendant lighting. The homeowner wanted something unique.

Solution: The lighting plan includes natural, LED and colored lights. Overhead is a custom-made frame using LED diodes in paper covered with an acrylic diffuser which provides even lighting with no hotspots. Recessed lighting over counter tops provide task lighting. LED lights in the handmade metal cabinet doors change color to set the mood for lively entertaining, relaxing evening at home, or a romantic dinner. All lights are managed using the Control4 on a smart device.

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Challenge: Stay true to the Russell Barr Williamson design aesthetic without looking dated.

Solution: The fireplace is a mix of traditional limestone and modern marble with a mitered corner, allowing for the veins to wrap around the structure. The dramatic kitchen island is South African, Belvedere Leather Quartz, a fine grained rare quartzite with a deep black background and swirls of white and gold, combined with a leather finish. It is cut with a "rock ledge" edge. All other counter tops are done in smooth contrasting white marble. Cabinetry is custom-made with Pecky Cyprus, Walnut and metal.

The final result created a state-of-the-art kitchen with pantry, dining area and sitting room, perfect for intimate gatherings or dinner parties. The windows surround the homeowners with nature, while the interior wraps them in modern refinements. This home remodel is more than contemporary, more than Mid-Century Modern. It is dramatic, striking, unique.

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This remodeled lakeside home won:

2020 NARI National CotY Award for Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000

2020 NARI Regional CotY Award for Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000

2019 NARI Milwaukee Remodeler of the Year, Gold Award for Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000

Featured on May 24, 2019, at KBBonline.com, "The Wright Style"  

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