Rustic Cabin to Contemporary Retreat | Season 2 Episode 4
John and Dana Lawrence lost their home and all of their belongings in a devastating house fire. This tragedy caused them to re-evaluate how they spend their time and their resources, leading to the purchase of a dilapidated cabin in the woods on the shores of gorgeous Beaver Lake. When they asked Dave and I to overhaul this cabin and make it into a modern and sleek getaway spot for their family, we were excited because we both saw the huge potential for this home.
This project was a big challenge from the start. A little behind-the-scenes info: it was practically impossible to even access the cabin because of the steep driveway when we first started the project. Over the course of three weeks, we had to cut in a whole new road and haul gravel in one Bobcat bucket a time since the hill was too steep for a dump truck to access. The road was so slick and muddy, three trucks actually slid into trees during the construction. All materials had to be brought in with a four-wheel drive truck since trailers and semi’s wouldn’t fit down the road. We even kept a bulldozer on site to pull any visitors’ vehicles out after they drove down to the cabin (before the new road was created). It was a mess!
Exterior
BEFORE: a dilapidated cabin.
I wanted this cabin to be modern, yet timeless. And, most importantly, it needed to maximize the view and blend in seamlessly with the incredible natural surroundings.
So, we swapped out the old handrail for beautiful glass, installed all new windows and a new roof, painted and built a brand new deck. Now, the Lawrence’s can fully optimize the gorgeous views by relaxing on this entertaining deck, opening the 15 foot (!) accordion slider door and utilizing the new service window off the kitchen when entertaining in their new outdoor kitchen with custom outdoor fireplace.
The personalized vintage oars that my little artist, Nathan, helped me create are the perfect finishing touch for this DREAM cabin on the lake!
AFTER: a modern cabin in the woods!
Sources
Outdoor Lights | Hudson Valley
Outdoor Concrete Fireplace and Counter | Forever Designs LLC
Glass Railings | Regal Ideas
Accordion Doors | Origin
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets | Weatherstrong
Landscaping | Jensen Landscaping
Exterior Siding Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Deck Paint Color | Summerhouse Beige SW 3004
Living Room / Dining Room
BEFORE: a wood paneled and dark interior.
This lake house has a killer view and we maximized it by removing the existing entrance door and replacing it with custom fifteen foot sliding pocket patio doors. With these doors as the focal point of the living area, in conjunction with the new glass railings, nothing stops the view to the lake! We also painted the wood paneling to brighten up the interior, installed new solid white oak wood floors throughout the cabin, replaced the rickety stairs leading to the second level and incorporated a new built-in focal wall in the living room in order to create two distinct spaces out of this one large room. The finishing touch was the addition of hand-hewn cypress wood beams to add warmth and visual interest in the space.
When John Lawrence told me about the beloved painting and family heirloom Dana lost in their house fire, I knew I needed to have a new painting commissioned. Because the original was lost and there were no photos of it, I couldn’t replicate the painting. Instead, this new one would capture the essence of the original and represent their new home on the water and this new season for their family. I wanted to capture the joy and sense of tranquility John had told me the original painting exuded. So, I knew the artist for the job had to be Melissa Griffith. The painting is absolutely perfect and looks gorgeous in the new living room built-in cabinet.
AFTER: a light, bright and open space that maximizes the lake views.
Sources
Dining Room Chandelier | Shades of Light
Custom Art | Melissa Griffith
Furnishings | Howse
Floors | White Oak
Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
Kitchen
BEFORE: an outdated and cramped space.
The existing kitchen was a mix of the 90’s, including a leftover antique range (interesting, but not practical) and a funky layout. By removing the side door and relocating it, we were able to reconfigure the kitchen for a better flow. We repositioned the sink and installed a service window out to the new deck area – perfect for entertaining. By painting the interior wood paneling white and the cabinets a deep blue hue, we created a bright, airy and welcoming space.
One other fun thing you didn’t get to see on the show were the antique maps of the lake and surrounding towns I used for art in the kitchen. The cabin sits on a man-made lake, created in the 1960’s, and these antique maps show the old town that is now underwater (which is just cool!).
AFTER: a modern kitchen perfect for entertaining.
Sources
Kitchen Island Pendants | Serena & Lily
Custom Cabinetry | Premier Wood Concepts – Link
Appliances | Metro Appliances
Antique Maps of Beaver Lake | Dandy Roll
Cabinet Paint Color | Grays Harbor SW 6236
Main Bedroom & Bathroom
BEFORE: a small bedroom without a bathroom.
I chose a deep green paint for the main bedroom and brought in texture with lighting and the upholstered bed. This room is now inviting, cozy and warm.
After reconfiguring the guest bathroom and moving the laundry room into the hallway, we were able to create a new ensuite main bathroom for Dana and John. I wanted this bathroom to be modern and the tile to play off of the concrete we used on the deck. (We had an issue getting shower glass in in time for the reveal, so these photos are without the shower glass, but it was added in after the fact).
AFTER: a cozy, modern bedroom with ensuite bath.
Sources
Bedroom Pendant Light | Serena & Lily
Furnishings | Howse
Bedroom Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Green Smoke No. 47
Bathroom Tile | Encore Building Products
Kids Bunkroom & Bathroom
BEFORE: an uninteresting bedroom and bathroom.
The Lawrences wanted to maximize space in the guest bedroom to accommodate the kids, as well as their friends. So, Dave built a custom bunk bed that will allow for four beds total, each with storage below. He also welded the bunk ladder out of steel piping to give the room an industrial, funky feel. I love how this room turned out!
The guest bathroom has a fun tile inspired by the lake with a rustic vanity Dave built out of the trees we had to remove on the property. (We had an issue getting shower glass in in time for the reveal, so these photos are without the shower glass, but it was added in after the fact).
AFTER: a fun bunkroom and adorable bathroom!
Sources
Bunk Sconces | Schoolhouse
Bunkroom Flushmount | Schoolhouse
Bunkbeds Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Charleston Gray No 243
Bathroom Tile | Encore Building Products
Thanks for joining me for this tour of the Lawrence’s lake cabin. I absolutely loved this one and never wanted to leave once we finished!
Join us again tomorrow night (Tuesday, 11/24) at 9\8 c for a really special episode focused on the importance of family – perfect for Thanksgiving week!
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Jenny
