Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes at Lake Waukomis, our design manager Carlie’s home is a haven that brings her dream of living in a lodge in the mountains to life. While Carlie patiently awaits her future mountain retreat, she has created a space that exudes the essence of a cozy lodge, complete with vintage mountain landscapes and rustic charm. Darker fabrics, sumptuous leathers and rich woods come together harmoniously, embracing the lodge aesthetic and enveloping the space with warmth and character.
Join us as we explore the captivating elements of Carlie’s lodge-inspired abode, where the beauty of nature and curated vintage treasures blend seamlessly.
Out on the Porch
Around from the front door to the back of the home is a deck that wraps all the way around. Nestled on Carlie’s spacious back patio, a picturesque outdoor entertaining space awaits. The focal point is a beautiful table covered in a charming plaid tablecloth, instantly capturing the essence of Americana. The red, white and blue color scheme evokes a sense of patriotism and nostalgia, perfect for gatherings and celebrations this summer.
As you take a closer look at the table, you’ll notice the meticulous attention to detail and the delightful play of textures. Each place setting showcases a harmonious blend of different elements, creating a captivating visual experience. A woven charger adds an earthy touch, while the napkin ring exudes a refined elegance. The hammered glasses not only catch the sunlight but also bring a rustic charm. Completing the ensemble is a stamped plate, adding a touch of whimsy and personality to the overall composition.
Carlie’s outdoor entertaining space is a true testament to the art of creating an inviting and stylish ambiance. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a Fourth of July celebration or a casual brunch, this charming outdoor space speaks to Carlie’s keen eye for design.
Lakeside Living Room
From the back patio, we enter the inviting living room, where the charm of new traditional lodge style shines through every detail. Carlie’s love for color and texture is evident, as she painted nearly every surface in Sherwin Williams Creamy, allowing her carefully curated artwork and furniture to take center stage.
Anchoring the room is a vintage rug Carlie picked up during a buying trip to Market that brings warmth and character to the living area, while also providing a cozy foundation for the furniture arrangement. With Gracie, Carlie’s furry companion, ruling the roost, everything in this space is dog-friendly and designed to withstand the joys of pet ownership.
Nestled next to the fireplace is a cherished leather chair and ottoman, a sentimental gift from Carlie’s mother to celebrate her and her husband Mark’s wedding. Even after 25 years of use, it remains Carlie’s favorite chair, a testament to its timeless design and enduring comfort.
Carlie’s keen eye for mixing textures and layering elements is showcased in her choice of a black tweed sectional, which beautifully contrasts against the white walls. The ottoman, featuring a delightful plaid fabric, serves as a versatile piece for additional seating or as a comfortable footrest.
With its dark finish against the white wall, the hutch stands out as a statement piece. Carlie skillfully keeps lighter items inside to create a visual contrast and make them pop. The hutch serves both as a stylish display for barware and serveware and as functional storage.
Carlie’s living room is a harmonious blend of vintage elegance and personalized touches. It is a space that reflects her love for vibrant color rich texture and cherished memories.
The Dining Room
Welcome to Carlie’s charming dining room, where every piece of furniture serves a dual purpose to accommodate her love for entertaining. The antique table, crafted from old stair posts and a barn wood top, holds a special place in Carlie’s heart with its chippy and weathered appearance. Paired with the reupholstered chairs, these pieces exude a sense of character and well-loved patina. Carlie recently hosted a memorable dinner party where all eight guests comfortably gathered around the table, marking a milestone moment for her.
A standout feature in the dining room is Carlie’s carefully curated gallery wall, a collection she has been acquiring for over 15 years. Vintage prints and Nell Hill’s treasures blend seamlessly, creating an eye-catching display that captivates everyone who enters the room. Among the mix, an old sailor stands out, purchased at an estate sale with an irresistible 50% off discount. His presence, though once intimidating to Carlie’s children, now brings a sense of charm and connection to the lake surroundings.
The bar area in Carlie’s dining room is a hub of activity, constantly evolving but always in use. It has seen many cocktails mixed and memories made during her frequent gatherings. While it retains an old-world feel, Carlie has plans for future updates to enhance its functionality while maintaining its vintage charm.
A generous housewarming gift from Mary Carol Garrity, the large hutch in the dining room adds both style and practicality to the space. Initially uncertain about what to place there, Carlie was delighted when Mary Carol visited and recognized the hutch would be a perfect fit. It was promptly delivered the next day, completing the room with its presence.
Carlie’s everyday dishes find their place atop the buffet, effortlessly accessible for any occasion. Her collection of old diner and restaurant ware, particularly with a green stripe pattern, adds a touch of nostalgia and color to the dining room. With a fondness for old world charm, a dog print from an antique store holds a special spot on the wall, complementing the timeless appeal of mountains and paint-by-number paintings also found throughout her home.
Carlie’s dining room is a testament to her impeccable taste and creative vision, where functionality meets cherished finds and personal treasures.
Be Our Guest
For the last stop on our tour, let’s step into the lodge-inspired guest bedroom, where every detail tells a story and adds a touch of character. The focal point of the room is the green chair, which holds a special place in Carlie’s heart. Despite its well-loved appearance, Carlie saw its potential and recently had it reupholstered with a stunning green Thibaut houndstooth fabric, breathing new life into this cherished chair.
The dresser in the room holds a sentimental value as it once belonged to Mark’s beloved grandma, Hazel. Fondly called Haze, her presence is felt through this piece of furniture. To complement the nostalgic ambiance, Carlie has adorned the walls with moody artwork, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. She has a knack for incorporating dishes as part of her gallery walls, adding intriguing shapes and colors that elevate the overall aesthetic.
A one-of-a-kind pillow on the bed catches the eye, crafted from an antique tapestry discovered during one of her antiquing adventures. Carlie had the tapestry transformed into a pillow, complete with a complementary plaid fabric on the back.
Carlie’s lake house is a testament to her exceptional talent as a designer and design manager and her passion for creating homes that truly reflect the personality and style of their owners. As we conclude this home tour, we are reminded once again of the transformative power of design and the incredible joy that comes from turning a house into a true sanctuary.
Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at [email protected]. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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