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Houzz Tour: Cozy Elegance by the Lake
Contemporary cottage details and family-friendly layout creates a welcoming home for 5
Michigan architects Visbeen Associates built this stunning lakefront home for a family of five in Rockford, Michigan. This shingle-style house is set right on the shore of Silver Lake — a perfect setting for an active family who loves water sports. For the clients, the most important thing was designing a home that would encourage them to all be together — even in the more private sections of the house.
Along with the help of interior designer Julie Holmes, Visbeen Associates created a home that can easily accommodate large groups of the children's friends, but still feels comfortable when the family is on its own.
See more lake house photos
Along with the help of interior designer Julie Holmes, Visbeen Associates created a home that can easily accommodate large groups of the children's friends, but still feels comfortable when the family is on its own.
See more lake house photos
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| While the clients wanted this room to feel open, Visbeen Associates built in columns, beams and half walls throughout the space to create a slight sense of separation. Each area feels distinct, but there's still a clear sense of flow. The dining room is open to the kitchen and faces a double-sided fireplace, which opens into a small living area. The open floor plan keeps the kitchen connected to a dining and living area and provides it with a clear view of the lake. Chairs: Woodbridge; pendant: Circa Lighting |
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| The double-sided fireplace drops down on the other side of the dining room, which creates a full lake view from the kitchen and dining areas. Having the living room connected to the dining and kitchen area creates a natural flow when the family is entertaining, and also keeps them in one main living area when it's just the five of them. Ottomans: Donghia |
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| The house is full of cottage details as well as contemporary features that make it feel fresh. The expansive kitchen with its foggy-blue subway tile has a distinctly coastal vibe. Countertop: Quartz; pendants: Schoolhouse Electric |
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| A built-in booth designed for lounging and casual meals is tucked in next to the home's kitchen and main living areas. The curved booth can easily seat six, but if more space is needed, the table can be switched out and more chairs can be added. Fabric: Scalamandre |
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A built-in refrigerator blends with the kitchen's white paneled cabinetry. A punch of blue shelving adds a modern pop of color.
Refrigerator: Sub Zero
Refrigerator: Sub Zero
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| The back entry is lined with a durable limestone tile, and the walls are covered with chalkboard paint. Each family member can see important reminders on their way in and out of the house. |
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| A home office is just inside the front door, allowing members of the family to be close to the main living areas even when they're working. At the same time, it's also set up a small flight of stairs to give the room a sense of privacy. Sconces: Circa Lighting; desk chairs: Milling Road/Baker |
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| The 5-story stair tower is one of the more distinct architectural features in the house. All floors are accessible from this central flight of stairs. (A rec-room was set up in the attic on the top floor, since there's no basement.) An airplane model designed by the homeowner's grandfather hangs above. |
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The master suite and the children's suite are located on the second floor. The girl's room are joined together with Dutch doors, which allows them to share the space and have privacy when needed.
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The girls also share a bathroom with Jack-and-Jill doors. Vanities on either side of the tub can be closed off with a pocket door for total privacy.
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Both Visbeen Associates and Holmes were careful to integrate plenty of storage space. Built-in shelving and drawers are found in every room, as well as free-standing cupboards, like this funky yellow locker reclaimed from the YMCA.
Visbeen Associates was careful to make the rooms a comfortable size without letting any one bedroom feel too large. The size of the rooms makes the entire home feel more inviting.
Visbeen Associates was careful to make the rooms a comfortable size without letting any one bedroom feel too large. The size of the rooms makes the entire home feel more inviting.
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The master bedroom has a stunning view of the beautiful lake. The second floor also was designed to encourage the family to spend time together. The master suite has a family area located outside the bedroom.
Bedframe: Ethan Allen
Bench: British Traditions
Bedframe: Ethan Allen
Bench: British Traditions
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The master bathroom gets a touch of elegance with a cheerful turquoise wallpaper from Osborne & Little.
Wallpaper: Osborne & Little
Vanities: Tru Kitchens
Wallpaper: Osborne & Little
Vanities: Tru Kitchens
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| The laundry room in this home is full of fun, but it's also perfectly designed to suit the family's laundry needs, with counterspace for folding and plenty of shelving, drawers and cabinetry for storage. More: Contemporary Family Retreat on Lake Michigan Family-Friendly Coastal Style in Michigan Artistic and Peaceful in Ann Arbor |
Ideabook published on Jan. 16, 2012.
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Joasia
I'd love to see pics of the outside of this home. Are any available???
"I love that it looks lived in with a family and realistic layout for everyday life. Beautifully done! "
Am getting rather tired, however, of all white kitchens.
Must so many featured kitchens have so much WHITE?