Lake House is the highly deserving winner of the April Homebyme Project of the Month contest! It was created by gregoire.clair, an obviously skilled and imaginative designer from Denmark. As a home on a beautiful lake (I’m assuming), I can easily imagine that it is/will be the site of many happy days and nights for whoever visits or lives there.
The home is situated to take advantage of the terrain. Just imagine getting out of your car and seeing the great view of the lake, the house, the docks and the beautiful grounds. What a great way to start a visit!
Stone steps guide me down to the home where I can appreciate the extensive use of natural materials and large expanses of glass to create bold volumes.
The two main rectangular volumes cross each other in a way that results in the upper level having large cantilevered wings that add drama, more great views and plenty of space for three bedrooms, two baths and a central family room. It also creates a large floor to ceiling great room, which opens up the whole home in a grand manner.
On the ground floor, the dominant form is the circular area that contains the kitchen, a unique way of keeping the kitchen accessible and cozy. Yellow arrows indicate doorways, including the more formal main entrance at the bottom.
Another great design touch uses a central rectangular core to divide the great room from the kitchen/dining area. It also provides space for the stairway up to the next level, a toilet and the utility/storage closet. The main entrance is on the right.
After saying hello, I’m going to go the right and heading to the kitchen with my contributions for the party and to make some additions to the wine rack.
This is where the round form containing the kitchen is the dominant feature. A contrasting cabinet color helps make the space larger and plays well off of the natural wood surrounding it. That sure looks like a sliced chocolate cake on the table. Yum!
While in the kitchen, the chefs are still able to easily interact with family and friends and have great views out over the lake too.
The central core is skewed a bit off center to create more space for this intimate indoor seating area with a great view. It’s a great spot for reading or conversation.
I’ve now walked farther into the home and have entered the great room. The glass wall on the right side of the stairs helps to visually keep them in the main space.
Ahh! The fire is warm, my coffee is hot and I think I’ll take a little break to sit and chat.
On with the tour! This level has a different feeling with brick outer walls and light colored dividing walls. First, I have to stop and bounce on the pillows and enjoy this informal family room. The bedrooms and bath are located around the perimeter.
The first door on the left looks like a place for the young and young at heart. Bunk beds are always fun!
Next, we come to the nicely fitted out guest bedroom. The giant painting sets the tone for the room. Plenty of storage lets the guests stay longer too.
One big bathroom has two showers, a tub and the necessary fixtures. There are also large windows that help bring the outside in.
The master bedroom has more space and nicer furnishings. Using vertically slatted curtains is a great way of controlling privacy when closed and a wide-open feeling for the whole floor when they’re open.
I’d love to spend some time in that chair! It beckons to me to sit and be comfortable.
The master bath is similar to the main bath, but definitely more private. The white glossy fixtures work elegantly with the dark stone walls and chrome fixtures.
Before I go back downstairs I must check out this cheerful seating area and take in the view.
The view is indeed stunning. Throughout the house the use of a bright wood color complemented with lively, fun colors gives me the feeling of fun and warmth. It must be particularly comfortable in the winter.
Whether I arrived ready to swim and get some sun or had to fight my way through the snow to cuddle up to the fireplace, I know this is a home worth visiting and one that will put smiles on everyone’s face!
It’s your turn!