Season 5 Episode 2: Cozy Lake House Reno
Wittney dreamed of a home where her whole family could gather and make memories together. She wanted to have a house that her kids and her grandkids would be excited to go to – and I think we were able to do that for her. It makes me so happy to picture her new baby grandson coming to visit. Soon enough baby Hank will be making s’mores and learning how to fish.
Located on Beaver Lake, Wittney’s house was already a destination spot. There’s something special about a lake that sets the stage for adventures and lends itself to making memories. The problem was that the house didn’t reflect her style, it lacked storage and it needed some updating. After a complete remodel of the main floor and the backyard, the house is now cozy, welcoming and ready to host this growing family.
Exterior
BEFORE
We updated the exterior of the house by giving it a new roof, replacing the siding with cedar shake and adding a fresh coat of white trim. We also fixed up the existing porch by sanding and staining it. To create a more inviting entrance, we extended the front steps to make them wider, and we also added a new front door in a natural wood. We replaced the wooden handrail and painted it white to tie in with the white window frames and roof trim.
AFTER
SOURCES
Shake Siding | Plygem
Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply
Exterior Lights | Kichler
Exterior Trim Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Living Room
BEFORE
There used to be a wall near the front door that made it feel like you were walking into a hallway. Once we removed that wall, it opened up the view to the living room and made the whole main level feel more open and cohesive. I really wanted this home to feel cozy, like a cabin retreat in the woods but still modern. We were able to do that by adding some natural elements like wood and stone throughout the space.
Everything we did here is functional and durable for a lake house that’s going to get a lot of use. The wooden beam along the length of the ceiling not only adds a nice natural element, it also blends in the off-center angle of the ceiling. We removed the old electric fireplace and put in a new one with stone facing and a large wooden mantle that pulls out like a drawer. The idea for this big stone fireplace came from a favorite family getaway spot – a beautiful lodge we visit in Missouri. For the paint color, we went with a shade that’s not stark white, but rather a creamy, warmer tone. The black metal ceiling fan and stairway handrails add some modern touches.
We weren’t able to move the laundry closet that was to the side of the living room, so we embraced it by making it into an attractive nook. The washing machine and dryer are hidden behind cabinet doors and the open shelves blend in nicely with the rest of the space.
AFTER
SOURCES
Fireplace Stone | Diamond Petra Stone
Furniture | Howse
Living Room Fan | Kichler
Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Laundry Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Revere Pewter
Kitchen
BEFORE
The footprint didn’t change much in the kitchen, aside from changing the peninsula to an island, but we made the space much more functional. In the old kitchen, the refrigerator was in the corner. It was such a challenge with the fridge and the cabinet doors hitting each other. We moved the refrigerator all the way to the end and installed special cabinet drawers designed for difficult corners. We also upgraded the Formica countertops to black granite counters which are more modern and more in line with Whitney’s style.
The gorgeous black tile behind the range is the focal point of the kitchen. We chose a matte finish for this backsplash that stands out against the creamy taupe of the cabinets and the natural wooden beam above the range.
AFTER
SOURCES
Appliances | Metro Appliances & More
Runner | Turkish Trunk
Sconces | Visual Comfort & Co.
Kitchen Faucet & Prep Faucet | Gerber
Kitchen Sink | Overstock
Wall & Vent Hood Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Revere Pewter
Sun Room
BEFORE
This room used to be an afterthought, but I think now that we fixed it up, it’s going to get a lot of use. I love a window seat, and this one that Dave built is so comfy. I can picture Whitney sitting here drinking her morning coffee while admiring the lakeview below.
Do you remember the Puorro family from season three? Sondra Puorro has a storage barn, and that’s where we found the pocket doors for this room! They were originally from a University of Arkansas 1930s chemistry classroom. Since Whitney works in education, it makes it even more special. We also left the small stained-glass window as a nod to the original age of this house.
AFTER
SOURCES
Furniture | Howse
Stone | Diamond Petra Stone
Wall & Built-in Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Grey Area
Ceiling Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Main Suite
BEFORE
Whitney had been keeping her shoes in another closet in a different room – not ideal. We were able to give her a bigger closet by stealing two feet from the living room on the other side. With built-in shelving and these beautiful pocket doors, her shoes have found their perfect home! For the bedroom walls, we added paneling and painted it a deep green reminiscent of the lovely trees outside. It’s like sleeping in a cozy treehouse.
In the bathroom, we gave her as much storage as possible. Even though it was a little bit of a challenge, we were able to adjust the layout to incorporate a separate little W.C. and still give her a shower and a large vanity. Whitney dreamed of a stone shower; I think we delivered on that one! The stone walls go perfectly with the overall natural feel of the home.
AFTER
SOURCES
Furniture | Howse
Ceiling Fan | Kichler
Bathroom Stone | Diamond Petra Stone
Bathroom Sconce | Amazon
Shower Head, Hand Shower, Sink & Faucet | Gerber
Bedroom Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Dark Olive
Bedroom Ceiling Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Bathroom Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice
Bathroom Cabinet Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Dark Olive
Backyard
BEFORE
This area behind the house is where I can envision so many future memories being made. Dave and the crew did an amazing job updating the whole multi-level space. Dave put in new composite decking. It stays cooler and it doesn’t have to be stained every year so the family can enjoy it without having to maintain it. On the top balcony area, we installed a tempered glass handrail. It’s safer, more modern, and it doesn’t block the beautiful view below. On the deck below, we added a modern black metal handrail similar to the one inside the house. We also built a wooden enclosure to house a little outdoor kitchen where you can close the doors to tuck it out of sight. At the bottom level, we created a bonfire area complete with a stone firepit and Adirondack chairs. I can’t wait to hear all about the adventures the Jones family creates in this special home.
AFTER
