This lakefront home in Stone Lake, Wisconsin artfully blends rustic cabin style with fresher and modern design elements to create a practical open living space perfect for hosting friends and family. The two opposing design ideas have been brought together effectively here, in one of the the world’s best houses.
The owners of the special weekend home turned to the design expertise of Bria Hammel Interiors, where Bria happily took on the unusual project. Clients wanted a rustic retreat, a place to relax and spend quality time with family.
Bria soon recognized the key challenges ahead. “This house should not only be beautiful, but also extremely functional. Our clients often host their family and friends at this lake home, so it had to be sturdy enough for the little ones, pets and more,” she explains.
Equally important to Bria’s moodboarding, however, was “ensuring that elements of sophistication and fresh touches were brought in to pair with the overall rustic feel.” And as Bria takes us through the cabin’s key new looks, you’ll see how successfully these contemporary ideas have been balanced with classic cabin style, without sacrificing that all-important cozy vibe.
dining room
(Image credit: Space)
The client’s number one requirement was a large open floor plan to accommodate their family and friends when they came to visit. As such, it was a priority to ensure there was enough seating in the common gathering spaces and bedrooms to allow guests to remain comfortable.
In Bria’s new facility, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all open-plan, as she explains: “Because this space is so open, we had to be very careful about various design choices to ensure one element didn’t outweigh or overpower the other – like our lighting choices.” and the balance of stone between the kitchen and living room.’
Notable dining room ideas include the dining table that bridges the gap between rustic wood and dinner party sophistication, paired with Whitaker chairs from Bria’s own interiors brand, Brooke & Lou. The Sundance table is from 1stop. The clear chandelier above the table also blends the contemporary elements and cabin style perfectly.
kitchen
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When you’re hosting a crowd, the kitchen needs to be a well-organized space. Kitchen ideas here include plenty of cabinets and drawers to store things and keep workspaces clutter-free, but also plenty of wow factor and good looks. Key elements include the beautiful quartz backsplash and a stunning stone hood over the hearth.
(Image credit: Space)
Bria describes the redesigned kitchen as a “great space.” Their customers wanted a place where their family and friends could meet. “Knowing that the kitchen is typically the most popular gathering place in a home, we made sure it was filled with all the bells and whistles of design,” says Bria.
(Image credit: Space)
We love the two quirky ceiling-to-ceiling windows high above the kitchen cabinets, and also the more modern black-framed windows behind the butler’s sink. The cabinets are painted in Bleeker Beige by Benjamin Moore.
Comfortable seating area in the cabin
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This cozy spot at one end of the dining area is typical of the thoughtful touches throughout the home. As well as being handy for under-bench storage, it’s extra space to sit or hang a coat after an invigorating morning walk. We love the way it fully embraces the warm wood tones of classic cottage style and what a place to showcase a treasured vintage chair and stool.
Living room with a view
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With their full-height picture windows overlooking the lake, the sofas here are the best seats in the house. This living area is in the open plan space that flows into the kitchen and dining room and guests are naturally drawn to the stunning views which look great all year round.
Living room ideas for this open space include layers of natural textures and fabrics that go well with the wood paneled walls. The fireplace surround reflects the natural stone used in the kitchen, but here it gives the fireplace an unusual curved silhouette. This curved fireplace is one of designer Bria’s most popular design elements in the project. “It’s a subtle yet stunning detail that adds interest to the space and breaks up linear lines,” she says.
(Image credit: Space)
Mudroom entrance
(Image credit: Space)
Bria couldn’t resist incorporating a splash of her signature pale blue hue into the redesigned space. Here in the mudroom, the wood paneling is painted with Benjamin Moore’s Timber Wolf. “We love how this beautiful blue paint color adds a touch of cool to the otherwise warm and cozy home. Also, let’s not forget to mention that brick floor – we love the charm it brings to the space!’ says Bria. We agree and applaud the expert use of another earthy texture – natural brick – to balance the wood elsewhere.
Classic cabin bunkroom
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Believe it or not, this bunk room sleeps up to 12 guests! It was built above the garage, strategically spaced from the rest of the accommodation – the client wanted a space where their kids could hang out with their friends and not worry about it being too loud, Bria explains.
“The bunk beds are custom-made, each with their own individual sockets, making charging electronics easily accessible,” she adds. “The dark rug was also on the client’s wish list for this room, so we included this windowpane rug to give the space a bit more character while hiding wear and tear.”
(Image credit: Space)
One of the alcoves of the bedroom includes this cozy seating area and TV lounge.
bedroom
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In the guest rooms, it was important to our customers that each room feel a little different while still staying true to the warm and cozy cabin feel of the house.
Those looking for bedroom ideas can get inspiration from these two cozy bedroom sanctuaries (upstairs and downstairs). “We deliberately mixed the textiles into the bedrooms to make them soft and accessible to guests, creating spaces people want to spend time in rather than feel heavy and dark,” explains Bria. “We also opted for accent lighting like the mounted wall lights that free up more space on the bedside tables.”
(Image credit: Space)
The unusual burlap bed frame is the Harriet bed by Scout & Nimble.
Bathroom – cabin style
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Master bathroom ideas are all about contrasts, Bria explains. “In this space we’ve moved away from the subtle neutrals of the bedrooms and opted for a mix of light and dark, combining black quartz countertops and bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures with a light-colored vanity and pretty porcelain shower tiles.”
It works beautifully and is the perfect modern take on cabin style – still using natural materials but fresher and clearer.
External updates
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The exterior of the cabin has also been redesigned thanks to Bria’s expert hand. “We’ve stayed true to the home’s original roots, keeping the exterior woodwork and giving it a modern facelift with a combination of vertical and horizontal planks, unique stonework and arches framing the entryway,” she says.
(Image credit: Space)