Project in Progress - Lake House Update V

The installation of the screened in porch is complete!  If you are new around here and would like to get up to speed on this project you will need to start here - Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.

Have you ever read an interior design blogs post about a project a designer is currently working on -  only to find they never do a follow up post on the completed project?  It can be very frustrating when you REALLY want to see that finished project.  And I use the word "finished" lightly here because you and I both know spaces evolve over time.  

Well, today, I'm going to show you the finished product.  

Remember, here's the design layout board for the screened in porch.

And here are a few images of the space after installation.  Look at that view! This image was taken from inside the family room (you can sort of see the reflection of the glass).

Here is the finished structure.  It has completely transformed the house.

This is the side entrance to the screened in porch.  As you can see, they still have a very nice outdoor space to enjoy the lake. 

We did a white wash finish on the ceiling to keep things like and airy and to give us the contrast we needed to show off the gorgeous chandelier and ceiling fans. 

Here's a image of the space at night. 

Looking to the family room.  I think I mentioned this to you before, but it's worth a second mention.  Do you see the door to the left?  This small change provide huge benefits to the space.  Previously, the door opened into the family room which (as you can see) is a very narrow space.  By changing it out with a glass paneled door and allowing it to open into the screened in porch we have gained floor space in the family room and created visual openness by allowing your eye to "steal" the outdoor space through the glass panes.  Small change, huge impact. 

We decided to edit out the pair of chairs (at least for now) that were separating the seating area from the dining area.  The clients will live with this layout for the summer and decide if they think additional seating is essential.  The space still feels finished without the chairs and gives a very open feeling. 

This is the view from the lake side - notice the cement side tables next to the screen.  It's important to consider using materials that can withstand the elements in spots near the screen. 

I'm thrilled she decided to go with the trolix chairs out here.  I just love the industrial, rustic vibe they give the space.  As an aside, I originally gave the client two options for the trolix chairs - a less expensive one with arms and these (which were still quite affordable, compared to the original trolix chairs).  They ended up going with the more expensive option.  I'm so glad they did because the chairs without arms have allowed for more seating at the table. 

I also love this spot.  This is what you see when you walk out the back door.  These "sight lines" are so important to think about when you are designing a space.  You really want to see something interesting when you walk by the back door and look beyond.  Also love the additional chairs when you have extra guests as these can be pulled up to the seating area. 

Ok, so I couldn't resist.  Here is the before . . .  

And here's the after . . . 

Lastly, I don't think I showed you a picture of the complete front gable.  

Even their cute dog, Rusty is thrilled with the results.  Now they are truly ready for a memorable summer!  M.

Project in Progress - Lake House Update IV

OK, I'm sure you are more than ready to see the finished product here.  But, you have to remember, renovations take time.  I think we get way too comfortable with the "HGTV see it all in one episode" method and forget that renovations require patience.  They can be inconvenient, time consuming, and frustrating.  But, in the end, totally worth the effort!   For more background on this lake house project check out these posts - Update I,  Update II and Update III .

The structure of the screened porch is complete.

Here is a view from the side of the house.  These steps were already there, so they incorporated them into the new porch. 

So, what will we be doing in the way of furnishings you ask?!  Here's the plan. 

In the picture above, the lake is to your left.  Also, there is a large TV to be hung on the wall to your right.  So, we really needed a furniture layout that would work with dual focal points.  Here is the design board for the space.  We really wanted the space to feel like a room, and I think we've accomplished that with this plan. 

Just a few things to mention, for the ceiling in the screened porch area, we decided on a white wash treatment to keep the space light and airy.  This will also provide the contrast we need with the new chandelier and ceiling fans.  

The fans will flank the corners next to the house and the chandelier will float in the center of the space.  As most of you know, I am not a fan of your basic ceiling fan in the center of a room.  However, with a screened porch, you must have fans for air circulation.  So, when we started thinking about fans, this image popped into my brain! 

 via

After doing some research, we learned that these particular fans were not in the budget. :(  These were a whopping $585.82 each - and very irritating to me!

via

  But I refused to be deterred!  So, I did some sourcing and found these look-a-likes in our price range. They are only $129.00 each! And still have that vintage feel to them.

via

If you are willing to do the work, you can almost always find a similar look for less.  You just have to do the work!! 

OK, back to the design plan . . . 

Here are a few other things I wanted to mention about this plan.   Our goal was to have the look of an indoor room, but with the durability of an outdoor space.  These days, there are many wonderful furnishings that are made of materials that will withstand and outdoor setting, you just have to look for them.  For example, the side tables are concrete, the coffee table and dining chairs are metal, the rug is indoor/outdoor, the ottomans are slipcovered in Sunbrella fabric.  Also, the sofas and wicker chairs are all outdoor furniture.  The dining table is not an outdoor piece, but we have placed it near the house for maximum protection from the weather.  It will age beautifully in the space.

Mind you, all these pieces were sourced on a budget.  So, you can have a beautiful space without breaking the bank!  Just to know, the install for this space is complete and I will be showing you the finished product next week.   I hope you have a wonderful day!  

PS: If you would like some help creating your our outdoor oasis, I am happy to help you!  Just click over to my interior design page and drop me a note! (click here - Mandi Smith T Interiors)

Project in Progress - Lake House Update III

It's time for another update to my lake house project!  For the complete story, you will need to read these posts - Update I and Update II.  Here are a few more pictures of the progress . . . 

And for the opposite side of the house, the new entryway . . .  I think it looks fantastic.  

We selected a new front door and added a small bench to the left side.  The door will be stained and the trim work all painted out to match the existing trim. We are also adding new shutters to compliment the mission style door.  The shutters will be painted a new accent color.  Don't you love the impact this structure adds?  Talk about curb appeal!   

Here is a close up of the new bench area - adding this makes the entryway feel more welcoming.  We have also selected a new pendant light that works with the mission style door and new shutters.  As soon as I get a picture of it installed, I'll share it with you. 

Have a wonderful Monday! M.

Project in Progress - Lake House Update II

Here's my second installment on the renovations to the lake house I mentioned in this post (if you need to get up to speed on all the details).  The plans are complete, and the structure is really taking shape.  One of the first steps - pouring a foundation for the structural beams.

This addition, is really going to change how my clients live in their space.  

I love the plans the architect created for the addition.  As you can see in this picture, they will retain a nice size deck that is open to the lake.  It's important to have both screened porch and open decking to enjoy a view like this. 

It's difficult to see in this picture, but there will be steps accessing the lake just to the left of the new structure.  One other important change, the door from inside the home, will open into the screened porch.  This may seem like an insignificant change, but the family room in this home is long and narrow, so any help we can get in creating additional space inside is welcome.  I'll be showing you the inside space, and my design plans for both in a later post!   

Also, the homeowner's have decided to spruce up the front door.  As I mentioned before, they consider the lake side the "front" of the home, so I guess I need to call this next picture the "back" door as it is the door you enter upon arriving at the home.  The plan is to give this door more presence from the street.  I have no before pictures of this spot.  In the picture below, work has already begun with the new "stamped and stained" concrete walkway.  

This is a vey cool treatment that is quite affordable.  We selected a stamp style and color to mimic slate.  For more info on how this is done, click here.

After completing the concrete work, the structure is taking shape.  It's amazing what a small addition like this can do for an entryway.

You will have to wait to see the finished product!  Have a marvelous day. M. 

Project in Progress

Wanted to give you a little sneak peek of what I've been working on lately.  

Isn't the view fabulous!   This cozy cottage is located on Jordan Lake which is roughly 25 minutes north of Montgomery, Alabama.  My clients have hired a wonderful local builder to add a screened porch on the lake side of their home.  They (along with everyone else in the community) consider the lake side the "front of the home" which I think is totally appropriate given this view.  The porch will be located here and extend out a bit farther for both dining and lounging.  

They've asked me to come up with a design layout for the porch which will include some affordable finds to make the space feel like a room.  Since the weather here in Alabama is so mild, most people furnish their screened porches like additional living spaces.  I can't wait to show you my plan.  

In addition to the screened porch, they've asked me to help them freshen up on the inside.  We will use lots of pieces they already have, plus a few new items along with tweaking the layout for some additional seating.  I will show you more pictures as the project progresses.  But for now, this is your peek! M.