28 Shoppist | A Designer’s Dream Lake Home Living’s curated finds.
AT HOME
31 Lifestyle | Five Hot Home Trends Highlighting the best in lighting, room design and more.
35 The Workbook | Closet Couture How to design a wardrobe space that wows.
IN
EVERY
ISSUE
6 From the Editor Step into some amazing homes.
74 Last Look Revisiting some Lake Geneva history.
COVER PHOTO: Werner Straube
Simply the Best
Planning each issue of Lakeshore Living Lake Geneva starts a year in advance. We photograph all of our home tours the year before in the summer and early fall to showcase each property during ideal weather with top-notch landscaping and flowers in bloom.
This year’s properties are true standouts. Our cover story, a Geneva Lake home inspired by
an 1887 Rhode Island home, was the result of architect John Hagenah’s vision, Lowell Custom Homes’ articulate craftsmanship and interior designer Elizabeth Drake’s interior design expertise. You’ll want to check it out on P. 39.
The other homes in this issue have luxurious enhancements, including a wine tasting room (P. 58), an amazing nautical-themed bar (P. 61), a whimsical bunkroom (P. 71) and a gorgeous family room (P. 48).
Plus, read about five hot home trends (P. 31), sizzling summer style (P. 25) and using pink in your next room design (P. 17).
I hope you enjoy this issue, and feel free to send me a note if you know of a home or business we should feature within our pages.
Enjoy the lake!
Shayna Mace, Editorial Director @shaynamace
Want
more Lakeshore Living?
Do you follow us on Instagram? If not, find us at @lakeshorelivingmag for bonus pictures of the homes we feature and other home and garden happenings.
BIG COUNTRY CONTRACTING
PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL
PUBLISHER
Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com
Complimentary copies of Lakeshore Living are available at advertiser locations and select businesses. To order a copy by mail, send $6 to the address below or call 262-729-4471.
To receive email updates about Lakeshore Living magazine, send your email address to krouse@ntmediagroup.com.
Lakeshore Living magazine is published annually by Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc., 400 Broad St., Unit D, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
COMMENTS? We welcome your inquiries. Email shayna@ntmediagroup.com.
FOR ADVERTISING rates and information, call 262-903-9000 or email deann@ntmediagroup.com.
Living magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher. 400 Broad St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
An expert in the luxury, “second-home” market in Southeastern Wisconsin, Bob Webster has been in the Lake Geneva real estate industry for over 40 years and is uniquely prepared to serve his clients looking to enjoy the “Lake Geneva lake life.”
“I’m a seasoned professional who will leave no stone unturned and am willing to go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to get the job done for my clients,” he says. “More wrinkles in the face means less wrinkles in the transaction.”
A Natural Vibe
Earthy textures and plant-inspired pieces are en vogue right now.
STYLING
AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
HOLLY LEITNER
Clockwise from top left: Split P botanical placemat, $11.99 , Pesche’s ; rattan wine bottle holder, $85 , Paper Dolls ; Monrovia star jasmine plant, $59.99 , Pesche’s ; round candleholder, $48 , and blue volcano candle, $28 , both from Brick & Mortar: The House ; Demdaco plate, $36.99, artichoke tea light holder, $16.99, DCUK wood ducklet, $43.99, and “The Kinfolk Garden” book, $40, all from Pesche’s ❦
A Playful Take on Pink
Margaret
Zingale, a Milwaukee-based interior designer at Peabody’s Interiors, is adept at creating timeless, personal spaces and homes that feel layered and lived in. With a keen eye for mixing old and new, her style effortlessly blends classic elements with a fresh perspective. In a recent office project, pink took center stage as an unexpected choice that brought the space to life.
“We started with my client’s existing rug, which featured pink, blue and orange,” she explains. “Rather than replacing it, we used it as inspiration. The pink stood out as fun and fresh.”
To keep the look elevated, she relied on a few tried-and-true design tricks. “Pairing pink with grounding tones, like deep navy or warm neutrals, creates balance and sophistication. It’s all about using color with intention.”
Pattern Play
Top to bottom
Lubeck Stripe fabric in pink, schumacher.com
Jaipur Solid fabric in clover/wedgewood/ruby, alexconroytextiles.com
Irish Tile wallcovering in fuchsia, alexconroytextiles.com
Papavero Madagascar wallcovering in salmon, casabranca.com Shop the Look
Earnest cordless table lamp with shade, $225, us.pooky.com
Edie curved desk, $2,375, shopsocietysocial.com
Desi rug in blush, starting at $295, caitlinwilson.com
“Impression de Fleurs No. 15” block print (vintage pink on merlot), $225, reneebouchon.com
Hue Cues
PINK GROUND , Farrow & Ball (No. 202): This dusty pink hue has yellow pigment that casts a soft blush hue. The shade’s warm, soft and soothing qualities make this color ideal for a bedroom.
CORAL BUFF , B enjamin Moore (O24): This pale coral hue with touches of pink creates a warm glow that isn’t too overpowering. Use it on a ceiling to draw the eye up without competing with artwork and furnishings.
TISSUE PINK , B enjamin Moore (1163): This wonderful color with shell undertones is the perfect hue to subtly introduce color into your home without overwhelming other design elements. ❦
Produced by Alexandra Wood @alexandrawooddesign
A Luxe Redesign
Classic finishes, elevated fabrics and a cool, lake-inspired aesthetic merge seamlessly in this standout renovation.
BY MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTA X. PEREZ
For years, the owners of a home on Geneva Lake put most of their energy into their careers, not their lake house. But as retirement loomed, it was time to focus on their home, namely, redecorating four bedrooms and renovating two bathrooms. So they partnered with Suzanne Glavin and Melinda Cahill, owners of the all-women interior design firm North Shore Nest in Glenview, Ill., to make these rooms more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
To that end, all of the guest rooms contain workspaces, seating areas and a spot to finish getting ready, whether that’s applying makeup or doing hair. And while each room’s decor is complementary, they all have a different vibe and attributes.
design | transformation
The sitting room suite, for example, features a bed with a curved, blue headboard that mimics the lake. Its turreted sitting area contains a deep sofa that can accommodate the couple’s many tall guests. The designer draperies in their daughter’s bedroom are the star. Glavin and Cahill chose a classic linen fabric from Lee Jofa, as the couple’s daughter has a passion for fine fabrics.
In the lake room, the bed faces the water, so Geneva Lake is the first thing guests see when they wake up. The fourth bedroom is playful, with dashes of red via fabric lampshades, a boat, side table and large toy jack. Pint-sized visitors will appreciate the kaleidoscope set on a bench.
Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance travel writer and speaker based in Sun Prairie.
design | transformation
Top left: To give a shared guest bathroom some textural interest, the designers added wallpaper, brass accents and a white, lacquered mirror with a rattan inset. Top right: A small desk and mirror in the lake room afford guests a place to work and put on their makeup. Bottom right: A guest room offers visitors a peaceful retreat. Bottom left: Another guest room has two queen beds with preppy (and nautically inspired!) bedding.
Left, top right: The designers went for a whimsical design in the two-bed guest room via wallpaper, sailboats, a rattan mirror reminiscent of nautical roping and pops of red. “We love the details in this room,” says Glavin, whose firm specializes in designing vacation homes. “It screams Americana, ‘We’re at the lake!’ and ‘It’s summer!’” Bottom right: Charming blue floral wallpaper gives this bathroom a boost.❦
Sizzling Summer Style
Essential picks for a well-rounded (and stylish!) warm-weather wardrobe.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY LEITNER | STYLING BY SHAYNA MACE
A Matching Set
Whether you like brights (left) or neutrals (right), a two-piece set is so easy to throw on, you don’t have to think about it! Finish these looks with gold hoops, a necklace, and sneakers (left) or strappy sandals (right). Left: English Factory color block button-up shirt, $96, and shorts, $76, Lake Life Store Right: Elle Grey linen vest, $62, and pants, $62, 700 Sage
Are You Neutral or C ol o r f u l ?
These key summer staples come in both — take your pick!
A Striped Sweater
English Factory striped polo sweater, $95, Lake Life Store; Varley Antonia relaxed cardigan, $50, Jayne
Neck Candy
Garden Party beaded necklace, $32, and Jenna two-tone necklace, $74, both from Lake Life Store
Don’t Forget the Accessories!
Statement Tops
Must-Have Sundress
Livro Gibbons shirtdress, $198, Lake Life Store; THML maxidress, $114, Jayne
and
Ravishing Raffia
Shiraleah
Elle Grey tie-front polo shirt, $58,
Le Lis Collection sweater vest, $40, both from 700 Sage
Super Sneakers
Back 70 Cloud sneaker, $149, Jayne
Wear-Everyday Earrings
$24, 700 Sage
Cute Charm
Melie Bianco bag charm, $38, Jayne ❦
cap, $26, and San Diego Hat
Olas hat, $44, both from Lake Life Store
A Designer’s Dream
BY SHAYNA MACE
Lake Home Living, a home decor boutique tucked in Fontana, is a natural extension of Lidia Pastiu’s interior design firm, Lidia Design. In 2014, Lidia and her husband, Nick, purchased the Fontana property and, for the first few years, used the space for her interior design firm and Nick’s upholstery business, aptly named Nick’s Upholstery. Within a few years, Lidia evolved to carrying retail products that she knew her customers would love.
“… The store was something that both my husband … and myself wanted to do,” explains Lidia. “We had collected a lot of unique furnishings over the years and, being a designer, I wanted to have some of these pieces redone for today’s style and add home decor and accessories.”
Lidia curates every piece with intention — mixing restored antiques, new home decor and custom furniture redone by Nick’s Upholstery. The shop is laid out like a home with a functional kitchen, living spaces and a bathroom so customers can imagine how pieces will work in their own home.
“I love the joy that customers get in finding just the right piece to place in their home or [buying a] special gift for someone,” says Lidia. ❦
Five Hot Home Trends
Hint: It all comes down to personalization within the home.
BY NIKKI KALLIO
Creating the perfect abode now means designing with purpose.
From trend-forward finishes to entire rooms devoted to passion projects, these are the features homeowners are craving now.
B&B-Like Upgrades
“The main thing that we see more of now is people wanting to potentially use [their lakefront] property as a short-term rental when they’re not using it,” says Ray Yunker, owner of Artisan Craft Homes. “So, you’re seeing them become more bed-and-breakfast like.”
Yunker says that may mean each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom for maximum guest comfort. He says a recent project he worked on had five bedrooms and six bathrooms.
For everyday livability, Yunker says some clients even opt for a smaller kitchen in lieu of a larger family and dining room for gatherings.
at home | lifestyle
“They’d rather have the space in the dining and living area than in the kitchen itself,” he says.
Regardless of kitchen size, it’s common to see homeowners installing appliances by KitchenAid, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
“When it comes to lakefront [homes], I think [homeowners are] looking for a combination of luxury and function,” Yunker says. “So it’s not unusual to see high-end appliances in the kitchen and [features] like a waterfall countertop on the island.”
Smart Storage
In new builds and renovations, adding in a scullery or “dirty kitchen” area is becoming popular, says Garrett Cheyne, owner and principal designer at Curate Design Group. These spaces may have a door (regular or pocket) to close off the area to the kitchen, and can house appliances such as the dishwasher, icemaker, microwave, beverage fridge or smaller appliances (think: espresso machine). The extra pantry storage a scullery affords also makes it a great add-on for busy families and/or vacation properties that house many guests at once.
“Your front kitchen [can be] more of a show space,” Cheyne says.
Personalized Spaces
Natalie Spiniolas, owner and principal designer at Tailored Spaces, is seeing more rooms focused on personal interests.
“We’re seeing people add in golf simulator rooms, craft rooms, more luxurious offices and exercise rooms,” she says. She even had a client who recently installed a bowling alley in their home.
“Rooms that used to be secondary rooms are becoming more important within the home and more personalized,” she says.
Curves and Metal Accents
“The other thing we’re still seeing is a ton of curves,” Spiniolas says. That includes arched doorways, fluted accents on furnishings, round and arched mirrors, and curved vanities.
“Curved elements are being incorporated in different materials in unique ways,” Spiniolas explains.
Metallic touches are making their way into more areas of the home, says Spiniolas — think metal railings, kitchen island legs, and striking details like cabinet or door inlays and decorative shelving accents.
Lighting and Automation
Lighting has advanced far beyond the usual ceiling can lighting, Spiniolas explains. LED puck and strip lights are “everywhere — now they’re even running it on the sides of cabinet drawer boxes, so when you open your drawer, the light automatically comes on,” she says. Even showers can be enhanced with LED silicone strip lighting, says Spiniolas.
“There’s smart lighting that can follow the sun from morning to night, so you feel that progression from … sunrise [all the way] to sunset,” Spiniolas says. “Lighting has come a long way and it’s just going to … keep advancing.”
Newer homes are becoming fully automated, often using Lutron lighting, window shades and sound systems throughout the home. Lighting is so precise now that it can mimic the brightness of a candle, Cheyne says — and it’s all connected and accessed from the homeowner’s smartphone.
“You can literally control your home from the other side of the world,” Cheyne says. ❦
Nikki Kallio is a Wisconsin-based writer and author of the short story collection “Finding the Bones.”
Closet Couture
Expert advice on how to design a wardrobe space that wows.
BY NIKKI KALLIO
Awell-designed closet can streamline your daily routine and even add a touch of joy — whether you’re aiming for better organization or dreaming of a space that highlights your favorite pieces.
Consider Your Organization Needs
First, the basics. Natalie Spiniolas, owner and principal designer for Tailored Spaces, says the company offers three types of closet systems. The least expensive is a wall-hung option. The mid-range is a floor-mounted piece without backing and the third is a fully custom system.
Doug Gauert, president and owner of Closets by Design, says the company has a number of choices for its furniture-quality, floor-mounted closet systems — so designers start at the floor
and work their way up, adding L-brackets to the wall studs to hold more weight. If a homeowner wants to add drawers in their closet, Gauert focuses on those as a visual point. “That way, you can really make a big impact when you walk into your closet,” he says.
Think About Functionality
Be thoughtful about how the space will function when designing or revamping a closet, Spiniolas says. For example, typical shoe fencing holds up to a size 12 shoe, and for those who wear larger sizes, some customization is needed. For shorter people, “there are now upper hanging rods that have a bar [that] you can pull down to you, so that’s an option also,” she says. It’s also important to consider how you like to store your items, such as whether you choose to hang or fold sweaters.
Gauert says the majority of his clients opt for double-hang closet rods, which frees up additional room for drawers, a hamper or other aspects to improve organization. Some clients add a valet rod (which can extend out) to hang drycleaning garments, plan vacation outfits or display signature clothing items.
While new builds can incorporate luxury closets from the start, older homes can be fitted with custom closets as well, even accounting for odd angles or slanted ceilings, Gauert says.
“Since [our systems] are all custom made — we manufacture everything onsite at our facility in Mequon — we’re able to customize [closets] to the homeowner’s space.”
Add Special Touches
Before a closet makeover, sort your clothes and accessories to help identify your essential items — and what possibly deserves
its own unique space. Spiniolas says Tailored Spaces has built upper cabinets with glass fronts for clients with wow-worthy handbag collections so the owners can put their collection on display.
Gauert says many of his clients also want dedicated closet spaces for their special accessories — including a client who housed his Nike sneaker collection on lighted shoe shelves behind glass doors.
“Every project is different, but we try to maximize every space that we can to what the homeowners want within their vision,” Gauert says.
Incorporate Special Features
Both Spiniolas and Gauert say automated lighting can be integrated into shelves, panels and doors. If you have a roomsized space for a closet, you might consider luxe additions such as a three-way mirror, lounging area, dedicated drawers for jewelry and accessories, or a makeup station with proper lighting.
For one project, Tailored Spaces “put in a library ladder that kind of rolled around the space, so that we were taking advantage of the full height in the room, and it was just beautiful,” Spiniolas says. ❦
Color Charm
Traditional design details meet splashes of coral.
BY
TASHA DOWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WERNER STRAUBE
When the homeowners of a shingle-style cottage on Geneva Lake wanted more space to entertain family and friends, they hired Lowell Custom Homes and architect John Hagenah to create a new design that would fit on their existing property. Hagenah turned to historic home templates for inspiration, landing on a design from an abode built in 1887 in Rhode Island. Hagenah’s design called for a larger footprint than the original home with a smaller second floor.
Inspired by the historic character of the area — and in keeping with the classic lakefront homes nearby — elegant stonework inside and out was also a must.
page:
some
Top
Bottom
A
lends
Interiors found most of the lighting at Visual Comfort in Chicago. A few Urban Electric pieces in the home, like the coral chandelier in the screened porch, were given a custom touch. “I gave Urban Electric a color chip and they matched it,” she explains. “My trick for making sure my clients actually use a space like this screened porch is to approach the design as if it were the main room.”
Opposite
Natural elements can soften traditional design, like the handcarved wooden swans from Redefined Decor in Winnetka, Ill., and the rustic painted wood coffee table.
right:
Carol Canner silver birch mirror
the powder room
pop.
right: Elizabeth Drake of Elizabeth Drake
“Many of the homes feature rough, multicolored granite fitted upon entry gates and columns, in addition to wall facings and chimneys,” says Hagenah. “We used this style of stonework in the home to add warmth and character.”
The home has no shortage of character, with its gorgeous arched entryways and a unique historic Dutch door with a custom screen — a charming solution to allow lake breezes in, but keep animals out. Interior designer Elizabeth Drake of Elizabeth Drake Interiors brought the home’s bold coral palette to life.
“A yellow-based color like coral brings its own sunshine into a room,” she explains. “Committing to a beautiful, strong color anchors the palette and then I can layer in low-contrast colors.”
Top: The kitchen’s Moroccan-style backsplash tiles are by Ann Sacks. The cabinets are not basic white: “They are actually a very pale gray/lavender — Benjamin Moore’s Barren Plain paint color,” explains Drake. The delicate hue reads as soft white, an intentional choice to soften the impact of the strong coral accents and double-sided stone fireplace. Bottom right: A winged chair in the bedroom was reimagined in a botanical coral, rust and blue patterned fabric.
Top left: The dining room’s oversized mirror with architectural detailing bounces light around the room and gives the illusion of a window. Top right: A jaunty striped bedspread brightens up one of the bedrooms. Bottom right: A cocktail bar surrounded by gorgeous stonework is tucked into a kitchen alcove, ready to mix up the perfect drink. Bottom left: The tranquil pool area is surrounded by lush, prairiestyle landscaping and gardening, done by the homeowner.
Drake used Benjamin Moore’s Claret paint shade throughout the home, accented with Palace Blue, a lovely light blue hue. Instead of plain painted walls, the designer employed color-drenched, molded panels in a few of the rooms to add depth, rhythm and movement to spaces.
When it came to sourcing furniture, the homeowners wanted timeless, not overly frilly, items, which Drake found hunting for a mix of low- and highend pieces at various locations. The designer’s favorite place for luxury pieces is Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. She ended up sourcing furniture from CAI Designs’ showroom by furniture designer MacKenzie-Dow, and another showroom that features traditional English designers like Lee Jofa and Holland MacRae.
To find affordable pieces, the designer says she didn’t have to look far.
“We went through the original cottage slated for demo and saved dressers, and unique wooden chairs and desks, and gave them new life with spray-painted color,” she says. “We refreshed the clients’ wicker furniture with reupholstered cushions and even found a vintage totem pole for their son’s bedroom!”
Drake says that the seamless collaboration between herself, the homeowners, Hagenah and Lowell Custom Homes blended interior design and architecture with gorgeous results. ❦
Tasha Downing is a Chicago-based freelance writer.
Vintage-style area rugs complement traditional design details like the stone fireplace in the dining room and the Dutch door in the front entryway. Sourced from Rouzati Rugs in Wilmette, Ill., each rug was placed based on design plans prior to the home being built. The shop’s owner assisted in deciding placement.
Views for Days
A family-friendly waterfront escape incorporates smart, functional design.
BY TASHA DOWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYSER PHOTOGRAPHY
With six kids between the two couples, keeping the home’s common spaces clutter-free is made easier with built-in storage cabinets which hide games and toys on either side of the fireplace.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, brothers Travis and Kyle Donoghue and their wives, Jenna and Elizabeth, found their dream property on Delavan Lake — just in time to accommodate their budding new families.
The property was a deep but narrow lot with two small cottages and a dilapidated main residence. The couples consulted with Jeff Auberger, a remodeling consultant and designer for Stebnitz Builders, to renovate the main residence. Auberger utilized the home’s existing footprint and built up, creating three levels of living. The result was a beautiful retreat that sleeps up to 18 people with two primary suites, three guest bedrooms and a third-floor loft. The Donoghues gave the property’s two cottages a fresh update and the couple rents them out year-round.
“With a growing family and lots of relatives, we focused on maximizing sleeping space,” says Travis. “The main floor is open, with the lake as the focal point from nearly every angle, and it was important to us that the entire first floor be ADA-compliant.”
Whether for cooking or conversations, the family wanted a large kitchen island as a gathering point on the main floor. Opting to shop locally when possible, the Donoghues sourced the glossy kitchen backsplash from Floor and Decor and cabinetry throughout the home from Distinctive Designs by Peggy. The kitchen island’s rich brown cabinets finished in a stain called “Hearth” contrast nicely against the clean white countertop. The Donoghues describe the kitchen’s large walk-in pantry as an absolute necessity.
“We knew storage would be a key component to keeping things organized and clutter-free,” says Elizabeth. “It’s one of those behindthe-scenes features that make the entire home function smoothly.”
The living room was designed for family and friends to gather for a cup of coffee and take in the peaceful view. The round, rustic wooden table was a custom piece by a furniture maker the homeowners discovered on Etsy called The Farmhouse Finds. Practical but elegant solutions to everyday wear and tear (and multiple kids!) include a light blue washable rug in the living room sourced from Ruggable and luxury vinyl plank flooring from CALI Floors in the warm brown shade Redefined Pine. Large sliding glass doors allow for unobstructed views of the water.
The families say that winter at their lake home is just as magical as in summer, with radiant floor heating and a hot tub to keep everyone cozy.
“In Wisconsin, the weather can be unpredictable,” says Jenna. “Whether for warming up after a chilly day on the water or relaxing under the stars, the hot tub has become a year-round favorite!”
Top: The home’s interior design features a tranquil nautical theme. The blue paint shade in one bedroom is Sherwin-Williams’ Stardew. The distinctive bed frame, crafted from handwoven banana leaf, is from 1StopBedrooms. com. Other unique touches, including the lake-themed art and side tables with braided rope handles, were found At Home. Bottom: The kitchen island’s statement pendant lighting is from Lighting Direct.
Top: LP SmartSide’s shingles in Rapids Blue give the home a striking look. Left: Vintage fishing poles belonging to Travis and Kyle’s grandfather are treasured mementos and hang in the lofted space on the third floor. Right: A nautically inspired ceiling fan adds charm to one of the bedrooms.
Top: The home’s upper and lower decks feature durable composite boards by TimberTech’s Prime+ collection in Sea Salt Gray. The home’s landscaping was designed by C&D Landscaping and Design Inc. Middle: A crisp white palette dominates one of the home’s bathrooms. Bottom: The primary bedroom is bathed in SherwinWilliams’ Storm Cloud and reflects the peaceful lake views. ❦
CORPORATE HANGAR SPACE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR KING AIRS, CITATIONS, ETC. TO BE BASED AT BURLINGTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Permanent, Monthly & Daily Space Available
Space able to accommodate up to the dimensions of a Citation Latitude or Sovereign
Burlington Municipal Airport is only a 20 minute drive from Downtown Lake Geneva & is Lake Geneva’s closest full service airport.
Light Tranquility
This Lauderdale Lakes home has coastal vibes for an easy-breezy feel.
BY TASHA DOWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
When you live on a lake, it’s a given that entertaining family and friends comes with the territory. Homeowners Pat and Patty Hardina love to host social gatherings and celebrations, so this was top of mind for Jon Wittrock, owner of J. Timothy Builders, Inc., when designing their new home on a small bay in Lauderdale Lakes.
“Pat and Patty wanted a cozy, casual and easyto-maintain home ideal for entertaining,” says Wittrock. “The main level features an open layout that seamlessly connects the great room, dining room and a spacious kitchen equipped with a walk-in pantry and small bar area.”
In the kitchen, Patty wanted a beautiful space that could accommodate large gatherings.
“I like the timeless appeal of the kitchen,” she says. “It feels bright, airy, spacious and inviting.” The expansive island seats eight and is comprised of creamy white, marbled Aria quartz, while a tray ceiling and farmhouse sink complete the look.
Originally from the East Coast, Patty spent a lot of time on the Jersey Shore growing up. She worked with interior designer Beth Welsh of Interior Changes to create a serene blue and white interior that would evoke the seaside. The white living room couch, blue dining room chairs and expandable dining table were all sourced from Arhaus Furniture. Above the dining room table are two hand-wrapped rattan pendant lights by Capital Lighting. Most of the rugs are indoor/ outdoor designs, also from Arhaus, making them pet- and lake house-friendly.
The lower level boasts luxe guest accommodations with several ensuite bedrooms and a bunk room. There is a theater room for movie nights and a convenient bar/kitchenette to grab snacks and drinks.
Wittrock says that each room in the home offers breathtaking lake views. Adding to the hosting capabilities, a screened porch was designed with a built-in grill and wood-burning fireplace, along with a deck that adjoins the master bedroom.
Chandeliers and sconces throughout the home were sourced from Caravelle Lighting, and the home’s coastal theme was complemented with sailboat paintings (such as in the front entryway) from Paper Dolls Home Furnishings & Interior Design.
Wittrock explains that the windows on the screened porch are equipped with a system of four stackable vinyl sashes that can be adjusted to different heights during inclement weather, ensuring the space stays dry and usable throughout the summer and into fall. Taking into account pets and frequent guests, the homeowners opted to use Deckorators Voyage Collection composite decking in the color Tundra for the exterior flooring and cable rail.
Sweeping gable roofs greet the couple’s many visitors, along with stunning exterior and interior stonework.
“The exterior stonework as well as the stonework on the fireplaces in the great room and screened porch features full veneer stone from Halquist in a blend called Woodstock,” says Wittrock. “The arched double French doors, which complement the arched gable covering the entryway, feature seeded glass that provides privacy while still letting in ample natural light.”
Opposite page, top: The gray-blue closet doors that flank both sides of the fireplace were painted with Benjamin Moore’s Cobblestone Path paint color. Patty uses these closets to store seasonal pillows and blankets. Opposite page, bottom left: The couple’s English bulldog, Tinsel, was rescued about five years ago and she loves to relax on the outdoor furniture purchased from The Great Escape. Top: The gorgeous kitchen backsplash tiles were sourced from Bella Tile & Stone in Lake Geneva. Bottom: Champagne-colored shingles add an elegant touch to the home’s exterior.
Top: Another favorite hangout in the home is the lower level’s bar. The bar’s large pendant lights are a combination of weathered zinc and natural rattan. The lower level also has a hot tub and multiple televisions for watching sports. Left: The large rope mirrors (found on Etsy) evoke ship portholes and add a charming, nautical effect to one of the bathrooms. Right: The bar and grilling area of the screened porch is conveniently adjacent to the home’s kitchen.
designed the home’s landscaping to be attractive and low maintenance. Plantings were selected to accommodate the property’s bluff with a steep slope to the water. Right: A porthole-inspired window gives a nod to the home’s lakefront setting. Left: A wine room on the lower level is perfect for tastings and intimate conversations. ❦
Top: Breezy Hill Nursery
Enlightened Style Natural Woven Shade
Enlightened Style Dual Shade
Timeless Elegance
This cozy abode blends comfort and style.
BY TASHA DOWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ALAN KASKEL
Since 1953, a piece of property on Geneva Lake has been enjoyed by multiple generations of a local family. Originally purchased by the homeowner’s grandfather, current owners Alan and his wife, Kathi (who didn’t want their last name used), decided it was time to build a new cottage to accommodate their growing family.
The picture of vintage charm, the new craftsman cottage, designed and built by Orren Pickell Building Group, was intended to pay homage to the couple’s previous Shaker-style home.
“The priority for the new home was to make it family-friendly for our kids and grandchildren,” says Kathi. “We wanted great views of the lake, a cozy vibe and to be able to comfortably entertain visitors — or just to enjoy by ourselves.”
The screened-in porch was important for the couple, who wanted to host guests and relax in the space. The porch’s wraparound design was suggested by the architects at Orren Pickell Building Group. “The porch design ties into the style and functionality of our new home,” says Kathi. White cedar shingles in Cordovan Brown and lush landscaping by Breezy Hill Nursery completed the exterior look.
created what she calls a “cozy lake feel” by adding beautiful dark blue accents via area rugs and furnishings. The floors throughout were installed by Orren Pickell Building Group and are hand-scraped, 8-inch rustic white oak finished with a custom stain.
Kathi
As a former interior designer for Crate & Barrel, Kathi sourced much of the furniture and rugs from the retailer. (Even though she’s now retired, it’s still one of her favorite home stores.) She opted for a dark blue palette to echo the lake vibes, perfectly accented with buttery yellow.
The home’s gorgeous bar area has a nautical feel with an elegant deep brown wood tray ceiling and molded wall panels. The portholestyle window adds extra flair.
“We love that the new house recalls the original cottage that my husband’s grandfather had owned since 1953,” says Kathi. “It’s like the old family cottage was miraculously transformed into this spacious, comfortable home for our grandchildren.” ❦
Product and photograph courtesy of Techo-Bloc
Kathi’s thoughtful decor details in this guest bedroom include fly fishing-themed artwork, a colorful area rug and whimsical figurines.
Red, White and New
After outgrowing their 1920s lake retreat, a family reimagines their getaway with a spacious, modern build designed for gathering.
BY MELANIE RADZICKI MCMANUS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
For four years, a Des Moines couple enjoyed the 1920s-era vacation home they’d purchased on Geneva Lake. But when COVID hit, and they retreated there with their three sons, daughter-in-laws and six grandchildren, it was clear they needed more space. So they tore it down and tapped Delavan’s Hummel Construction to build a larger one.
The resulting new home is perfect for their needs, the homeowner says. The kitchen is a great example. Once a cramped spot, it’s
now a spacious room featuring an expansive blue island with six stools. A sitting room is located just off the kitchen, complete with a coffee bar.
“One son had the idea to plumb in the coffeemaker so you don’t have to run back and forth to the kitchen for more water,” the homeowner says. “We probably spend 80% of our time here.”
The other major change is the sprawling bunk room that sits atop
Opposite far left: The home’s coffee bar is the perfect spot to relax with a cup of joe or a cocktail. Opposite left: The primary bathroom features rattan window coverings and wrapped sconces, brass fixtures and luxury vinyl plank flooring for a warm feel. Top left: The den’s ceiling sports horizontal wooden beams and rattan shades. Top right: The owner purchased a gently used chair for the primary bathroom’s makeup table, painting it blue and reupholstering it with a colorful mix of floral and polka dot fabric. Bottom: An eye-catching rope chandelier from Caravelle Lighting in Richmond, Ill., dominates the upper floor landing.
their new, three-car garage. The space contains six beds for the grandchildren, along with a couch, television and three-foot-tall door leading to a tucked-away playroom.
Much of the home’s design and decor can be attributed to the homeowners. The wife planned the ceiling treatments in each room, for example, and sketched out various built-ins.
“One of my grandfathers was a carpenter who was really creative,” the wife says, “so the interior design was my fun part.”
Virtually all of the home’s lighting came from Caravelle Lighting in
Richmond, Ill., while most of the furniture was sourced from Paper Dolls, a home furnishings and interior design business in Lake Geneva. But not everything in the home is new, as the couple favors a mixture of old and new pieces.
“The white drum table was my grandma’s and I’ve had it forever,” the wife says. “I painted it and put it in the cozy room,” which is a few paces from the dining room and overlooks the lake.
While the couple’s primary home is still in Des Moines, the family now spends a significant amount of time here. And they couldn’t be more thrilled with their new digs.
Opposite left: The highlight of the new kitchen is the walk-in pantry next to the range. Top: The fireplace mantel in the great room and the wooden accent on the kitchen’s range hood were both crafted from reclaimed lumber by Elkhorn’s Heritage Beam & Board. Bottom: Each bed in the spacious bunk room over the garage is tucked between privacy walls to afford each of the grandkids a little space of their own. ❦
TRUSTED, BEAUTIFUL PROTECTION
Structures Wood Careʼs innovative exterior wood coatings NatureColor® and NatureOne® will breathe new life into neglected wood. Achieve beautiful and long-lasting wood finishes that highlight the rich grains and protect the wood from the elements, ensuring the new wood appearance lasts.
Scan the code to learn more, or visit StructuresWoodCare.com
Immediate Delivery Available
Artful Afternoons: Students practice painting and drawing in an art class circa 1893 at the State School for the Deaf, located in Delavan. The school was established in 1852 and has operated continuously since its inception. Now called the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, the educational institution is overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (WHS-25774)
