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Residence isn’t all the time earlier than and afters, however even progress feels oh so good! Right now I’m so excited to share earlier than and “afters” of our little lake cottage which incorporates some very easy and funds pleasant concepts.
A couple of years in the past we bought a small house we’ve dubbed the lake cottage, nestled on Desk Rock Lake close to Branson, Missouri. (Click on via to discover a complete publish about Branson with youngsters!)
We take pleasure in spending our weekends and summers boating, climbing, enjoyable and visiting close by points of interest. In actual fact, I’ve written about all of the issues to do at Desk Rock Lake, in addition to having fun with Christmas at Silver Greenback Metropolis.
It was constructed within the 90’s by a (now) buddy of ours. It was stuffed to the brim with potential. He included charming options and adorned every house he constructed as if he would reside there himself. It was simply the proper dimension for our household with out feeling too overwhelming to keep up.
Considerate design has allowed us to maximise area and lightweight so we are able to comfortably entertain household and mates. In actual fact, I even host blogger retreats on the cottage.
Earlier than we get began, needless to say everybody has completely different tastes and I’m sharing to point out you the way we’ve personalised the house to make it replicate ous. I’m so grateful to the earlier house owners who allowed us the chance to reside the lake dream! You possibly can learn the story behind the acquisition of the lake cottage right here.
Whereas this publish reveals quite a lot of earlier than and afters, it doesn’t present among the struggles we’ve been via alongside the way in which. reminder that it’s not all earlier than and afters, glam and glory!
You possibly can comply with alongside on Instagram with #calmwatercottage. I share quite a lot of behind the scenes progress on tales and just a little of our lake life!
As I discussed, nothing is ideal! Regardless of inspections, heavy rain provided the hardest inspection of all. We had leaks via the chimney, within the women’ room, visitor bed room, decrease lounge and extra. We even had a septic backup.
Far much less traumatic, we additionally struggled with stale scent of smoke, presumably from 20 years in the past. Each time we returned house our baggage and clothes permeated with it. You possibly can be taught tips on how to eliminate smoke scent right here, in actual fact, this trick works with musty smells and pet odors as properly. Although not seen, it has been one of many greatest transformations in our house!
Lake Cottage Exterior
I used to be by no means a fan of the orange roof, so after we had leaks within the kitchen and across the chimney, I used to be more than pleased to interchange with. To embrace the cottage really feel, I actually wished to include a steel roof, however as we started researching, we feared leaks and fading.
Time was of the essence so we finally determined to interchange it with greige coloured roof (weathered roof), which toned down the yellow siding – loads! Wooden shingles would have been charming, however they’re now not insurable with most businesses in Missouri and don’t get up as properly to the intense climate we generally obtain.
The brand new roof immediately reworked the outside!
On condition that the house is on a slope, we additionally had water throughout heavy storms getting into the house, so we eliminated the entire overgrown bushes, added a drain that went round it and one other the place water gathered close to the porch along with a retaining wall to the left of the house to maintain water away from the decrease degree and added new landscaping. We have now form neighbors to thank for serving to with this challenge!
We eliminated the tree and included river stone. We added hydrangea topiaries to present it some top and forestall deer from consuming the blooms. A layer of boxwood provides some inexperienced all year long after which we softened it with lavender to line the perimeters.
A recent coat of paint introduced the pergola again to life, however we want to change it this yr.
We changed the door with a dutch door and Brass Door Knobs so as to add character together with recent brass {hardware}. We had it customized made with an aluminum exterior and wooden inside.
Lastly, we energy washed all the things and what a distinction that makes! We had been lucky to have stunning exterior lighting already in place.
The Exterior Plan
- I might completely love to get new siding – some is wooden, some is vinyl and I’ve a pair concepts that I believe would actually remodel this little cottage.
- Shutters! They add a lot allure.
Lake Cottage Inside
Entryway
Pardon our realtor (who we love) as we had been in a rush to go away. It’s the one earlier than picture I snapped of this space. Lake home searching is time consuming in our space as many are greater than half-hour aside and whereas we had a sense this was the one, we had a quantity nonetheless to see that day.
To replace this area, we painted the tile flooring, eliminated the wallpaper under the chair rail, painted it a gentle cream, and added new sconces.
Whereas it appeared so significantly better, we determined to take away the tile altogether in late August after we with patterned carpet. We did the tear out ourselves and I’m excited to share that the paint didn’t chip or scratch when being hit with a hammer and eliminated with a crowbar when you resolve to paint tile in your house!
The tile beforehand broke up the corridor, entryway, stairwell and lounge. Now it appears like one steady room, giving the phantasm of extra space. We use an indoor out of doors space rug that may be hosed down to guard the world.
Simply past the entrance door is the smaller visitor room. It was yellow with a border and fitted with two twin beds.
We thought of who / how we sometimes entertain and opted for a single queen mattress to maximise the area and permit for one more couple to remain or a pair with a small baby who might sleep in a transportable crib or sleeping bag.
We eliminated the border, painted the partitions Farrow and Ball White Tie to brighten the area and make it seem bigger. We added new bamboo blinds for just a little texture and an affordable pendant gentle utilizing a drum shade and lightweight package.
You possibly can learn extra about this small bed room used for company right here and discover ways to take advantage of a small area.
I framed an iPhone picture I took off our dock on the lake cottage for cheap artwork that personalizes the area.
Once we changed the carpet, we had been capable of eradicate the world rug, making it simpler to keep up, which is all the time the aim on the lake cottage!
To mix operate and design, I added stools that double as a baggage rack for out of city company. They’re an indoor out of doors cloth which makes them simple to wipe clear with water. The bedside desk (solely $80) hosts a carafe for water, native studying supplies and towels for visitor comfort.
Corridor Bathtub
The corridor tub is seen from the entryway in addition to the lounge and kitchen, so it was particularly rewarding to replace this little area.
The corridor tub was darkish and actually just a little lackluster, style-wise. We added a grasscloth wallpaper with just a little sheen to replicate gentle, new mirror, rest room, pedestal sink, gentle, fashionable faucet and fixtures, artwork and tassel bathe curtain to make it really feel recent.
Sadly the wallpaper set up was a CHOP JOB. A reminder that nothing is simple – or excellent, so don’t let fairly pictures make you or your property really feel lower than what they’re!
I made a decision I’ll as properly attempt just a little one thing completely different, so I had a patterned wallpaper put in and paired it with a navy sconce to make a dramatic assertion.
You possibly can learn extra about this fashionable lavatory right here, together with all the explanations we love this Serena and Lily Wallpaper.
A Fashionable Major
Once we bought the lake cottage, I used to be drawn to the vaulted ceilings and unbelievable lake view from the first bed room.
I made a decision to embrace the wallpaper by merely refreshing the decor surrounding it. A rattan headboard and cheap pendant gentle immediately made it really feel recent. We added fashionable satin brass door knobs and levers as properly.
At first, we retained the chest of drawers the earlier house owners kindly left us…however later changed it with an affordable white chest of drawers. I changed the clunky stainless {hardware} with stunning brass dresser pulls (set of 5 for simply $18!)
Contemporary white bedding, DIY artwork and a tassel pillow end the area.
You possibly can see the distinction patterened carpet made in right here as properly.
We repositioned the mattress to embrace the view and framed them with minimal blackout shades! They don’t hinder the view and may be managed by distant or telephone. It took me practically 4 years to search out the proper product as a result of the window is 107″ and we wished a single shade.
The Residing Room
We had been drawn to the open dwelling area so we might keep a smaller house with out it feeling small. Should you’ve been following alongside for some time, you already know I take a much less is extra strategy!
We began by eradicating the curtains, blinds, the wine storage fixture, and so forth. Eliminating the surplus made the house really feel brighter and bigger.
We painted all the room (together with the chimney) a gentle cream, and changed the carpet as properly.
Nonetheless, given we use the house to entertain, we wanted to have loads of seating. As a way to make it really feel intimate, we created a seating space within the middle of the room.
I added an Ikea Ektorp couch and chairs (quickly to get replaced as a result of we solely have 3 and want 4), and two folding stools positioned round an outsized espresso desk. The versatile seating permits us to accommodate 9 individuals without delay.
A big gilded chandelier offers further gentle and makes the area really feel extra intimate.
There’s just a little nook that extends the area within the small but open lounge. It makes the proper location for a bar cart stocked and able to entertain company.
The Kitchen
I had initially thought the cabinetry was authentic to the house, however not too long ago discovered it was really white! Earlier house owners changed with oak cabinetry.
The kitchen is the proper instance that you simply don’t must spend some huge cash to make a big distinction. PS you could find Paint colours that go along with oak cupboards right here if you wish to keep away from portray cupboards.
Eradicating blinds, curtains, wallpaper, and equipment allowed the sunshine to pour into this room! You possibly can learn extra about this kitchen earlier than and after right here, however the iPhone picture under says all of it.
We have now since painted the full overlay cupboards in Farrow & Ball White Tie (the identical shade because the partitions), in a better sheen. Doing so permits the attention to proceed throughout the room from the entryway giving the phantasm of extra space.
We up to date with vibrant brass {hardware} and added a quartz counter.
The brand new brass faucet in fact is my favourite characteristic.
We eliminated the tile and had white oak flooring put in which made the kitchen really feel a lot bigger and hotter.
Eat In Kitchen
The eat in kitchen is small, however useful. We are able to seat as much as eight.
We eliminated the wallpaper and changed the unique gentle with a small gilded chandelier. I paired the teak desk with cheap white windsor chairs. We are able to seat as much as eight on the desk and remaining company open air.
I layered it with a gentle blue stripe rug so as to add texture and heat. It’s an indoor out of doors rug, which gives versatility and performance. It wipes clear with water and may be hosed off when wanted.
Hidden behind the doorways is our laundry closet with a stacking washer and dryer. We maximized area and performance integrating a full dimension stackable washer and dryer and a bookcase for storage.
Peel and stick wallpaper provides an sudden dose of enjoyable. The pull chain gentle was changed with one among my favourite Amazon Devices that means that you can use your favourite gentle fixture and a distant management that doubles as a wall swap. The wi-fi repair takes simply 3 minutes to put in – and anybody can do it!
Resulting in the storage I added a few items of artwork utilizing cheap gold frames, a blue marker, and artist paper.
Stairwell
Stepping downstairs we changed a basic banister with a stupendous oar in the identical tone.
The Visitor Suite
The second, bigger visitor bed room is one other nice instance that you simply don’t must make large modifications to make a big distinction. This area was merely up to date by embracing the lake view, faking a headboard with pillows, including artwork and delightful basic bedding to tie within the wallpaper.
Now it’s gentle and vibrant…
Detailed Shams | Matelasse Shams | Classic Blanket comparable
This room is all about cheerful sample and texture! A rattan pendant and stools that double as baggage racks heat the area. This room acquired distant shades to embrace the lake view as properly!
After faking a headboard for over years, we lastly added one. The slipcovered headboard actually completed the room.
Nautical Lavatory
Nestled between the 2 bedrooms is what now we confer with because the Nautical Lavatory. The jack and jill lavatory was as soon as plaid…
Is now vibrant white and hale navy! After eradicating the wallpaper, we painted the area a crisp white and the builder’s grade vainness blue. We added new {hardware}, a mirror, faucet and double sconce to rework the area.
So as to add to the lake cottage vibe, I had a tub mat embroidered with “No Diving”. PS it was SO cheap! The ground acquired a Tile Grout Refresh making it vibrant white and fashionable, with out having to interchange the ground!
The tassel bathe curtain hangs from a vibrant brass bathe curtain rod to interrupt up the white. After all no lake cottage can be full with out boat cleats!
Corridor
The corridor between the visitor room and the women’ room didn’t want a lot…
A bit of brass gentle positive brightens the area and provides nautical allure. It’s been recovered (rewired and cleaned) from a sunken ship. Sadly the earlier than picture doesn’t share the unique gentle, however nonetheless gives just a little perspective.
Bunk Mattress Room
Onto the women’ bunk mattress room! It’s my absolutel favourite, I like listening to the giggles that come from this room every morning and dusk.
We eliminated the border and painted it a gentle pink girly hue. It performs properly with the pure bunk beds (from IKEA). A blue chest of drawers doubles as a facet desk. I attempt to preserve furnishings to a minimal to maximise area and forestall muddle from build up on the lake cottage.
I had an artist create a stupendous map of a portion of Desk Rock Lake and framed it to coordinate with the bunk beds.
You possibly can examine it right here and discover sources right here.
Decrease Residing Room
On the opposite facet of the stairwell is a second, decrease lounge.
Initially, there was a single step beneath the steps. We discovered that it was a collector of “stuff”.
We redefined the Open Staircase as a Youngsters Studying Nook. This not solely offers the women a enjoyable place to hang around, however sleeps an extra visitor when we’ve a full home. Imagine it or not – it’s really the identical size as a twin mattress, but wider. Good for a kiddo to relaxation after an extended day of cruising.
I had a customized mattress and canopy made and stuffed with it pillows (accessible in my store) so the women might relax, loosen up and browse. Should you haven’t seen but, I’m hooked on stools! They’re simply so versatile and supply further seating in a pinch. The waves print is a enjoyable nod to the lake that lies simply exterior.
The decrease lounge was darkish, so we applied 7 Methods to Add Mild to a Room.
We added funds pleasant seating together with these rattan chairs, cozy blue chairs and an Ektorp Couch together with choices that simply fold to stow away or roll out of the way in which to accommodate an air mattress or two in a pinch.
You will get all my particulars on tips on how to get the Search for Much less right here!
This funds pleasant fashionable lounge simply seats 12 – not together with the nook!
With versatile furnishings (the blue chairs are on rollers and the woven fold and stow away) It’s an incredible place to play video games on a wet day!
Deck
Final, however not least, the deck. It was rotting out and we’ve been strategically putting rocks the place boards have given means. It was additionally inflicting water harm to the decrease lounge and visitor suite.
The deck was eliminated and changed with vinyl decking which is nearly upkeep free and a Glass Deck Railing! The white decking displays gentle indoors and helps mitigate the yellow siding.
Glass panels provide higher views each from the deck, kitchen and lounge. We spend quite a lot of time on the deck take pleasure in breakfast, lunch and dinner after we’re not on the water, however I like stargazing with Chris on Friday nights on the chaise lounges probably the most!
On the backside of those stairs we added just a little bistro set to absorb the lake view and luxuriate in a cup of espresso.
Overhead string lights add atmosphere!
We additionally added below decking to create one other out of doors dwelling area beneath the deck, whereas stopping water from getting into the house.
After all my favourite place on the lake is on the water!
We’re so grateful for our buddy and builder, the earlier house owners who made the dream of lake life come true, all of our lake neighbors and the family and friends we get to share our house with!
Eating al fresco is one among our favourite issues to do!
PS, you may store most of our lake cottage right here, on my Amazon storefront and LTK!
Thanks for following alongside on our journey. Quickly I’ll be sharing a lot extra on YouTube. Subscribe for room by room video excursions and a lot extra!
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