My Houzz: Warm Sophistication on an Alabama Lake
http://www.decor-ideas.org 09/14/2013 13:30 Decor Ideas
David and Atalie Whitley have transformed their lake house into a rustic feel-good getaway, drawing inspiration from the beauty of Alabama's Smith Lake and the lush natural surroundings. “We wanted to make the spaces look and feel casual and blend with the beautiful backdrop of the lake and trees,” says Atalie.
The Whitleys live an hour away in Birmingham for most of the year, so they wanted to minimize upkeep. They chose natural wood finishes, neutral colors and accents of rope and driftwood.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: David and Atalie Whitley and their dog, Annie
Location: Smith Lake, Jasper, Alabama
Size: 2,600 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: Smith Lake is the second cleanest lake in the U.S.
The entry leads straight into the living area, where large windows face the water. The couple painted the window trim to frame the views. Dark stained hardwood flooring helps draw attention to the outdoors, too.
The Whitleys purchased the home furnished, but the previous homeowners' style was "the extreme opposite of ours," Atalie says. So they replaced the pieces with a nature-inspired palette and with furniture and accessories mostly from Restoration Hardware.
Wall paint: Sealskin; trim paint: Smokestone, both by Martin Senour
Large pendants hang above a large trestle table that's able to accommodate the entire family — the Whitleys have five children — when everyone comes to visit.
Bowls: Juliska, Table Matters; plates: Target; canoe, furniture and lighting by Restoration Hardware: table: Trestle collection; chairs: Hudson; pendant lights: Barrel Shade
The couple chose the colors of the stones in the new surround to complement the furniture’s rustic and honed surfaces while mimicking the natural surroundings.
Stone: Jenkins Brick and Tile; artwork: Ben Carlisle, Richard Tubb Galleries
Annie loves napping in this sunny living room spot.
Chair: Lyon, Restoration Hardware
The Whitleys enjoy the living room just as much. “We love to sit in here in the evenings if we're not out on the lake and watch the sun go down," Atalie says. "It's such a comfortable space to kick back and relax in."
Sofas, Dutch Industrial coffee table: Restoration Hardware
For the first-floor facelift, they saved money in the kitchen by painting rather than replacing the existing dark walnut cabinets. “It's amazing what a coat of paint will do to completely change a space," says Atalie. The couple also brightened the look with a new marble backsplash and granite countertops.
Countertops: River White granite; tile backsplash: Cararra marble; pendant lights, bar chairs: Restoration Hardware; sink: double stainless 60/40; faucet: Delta; appliances: KitchenAid
Wall paint: Sealskin; trim paint: Smokestone, both by Martin Senour; console: Parisian Cornice, Restoration Hardware; lamp: Pottery Barn; mirror: Iron and Rope, Restoration Hardware; small birds: StudioByTheForest, Etsy
Richard Tubb, the Whitley’s favorite designer (he also designed their home in Birmingham), suggested the neutral wall and trim colors. “He has an amazing ability to make a home feel and look sophisticated but very warm and inviting,” says Atalie.
Wall paint: Sealskin; trim paint: Smokestone, both by Martin Senour
The framed sea fan above the headboard is inspired by one Atalie saw at an interior design store. She sourced one on eBay and had it framed at Gallery Services in Birmingham.
Bed, Trumeau mirrors: Restoration Hardware; wall paint: Sealskin; trim paint: Smokestone, both by Martin Senour; chair: Barnett Furniture
The couple painted the bathroom walls and changed out the hardware to update the traditional double vanity.
Mirror: Trumeau, Restoration Hardware; wall paint: Spiderweb; trim paint: Smokestone, both by Martin Senour
In the basement the couple replaced the existing carpet with ceramic tile flooring made to look like hardwood. Since the basement is the first entrance from the lake, they chose tile for its easy upkeep and minimal water absorbency.
Both framed artworks are by David's son.
Atalie and David followed instructions online to build these bunk beds in one of the basement guest rooms, adding ceiling support beams to secure the weight of the beds. David built the pine wood base in a few hours. The rope and screws are from a local hardware store. The ladder is repurposed from another set of twin beds in their home.
“We are the most proud of the bunk room, because David and I made those beds and hung them ourselves, which was quite a feat,” says Atalie.
Bedding: Ikea
A screened-in porch is an intimate place for lounging and enjoying the view of the lake.
Rockers: Cracker Barrel
A traditional exterior with low-maintenance landscaping wraps the home. The connecting patios and extra parking lead to this rear lake view.
The back of the home looks out over the lake and boasts many windows, covered patios and porches. Stone steps lead from the house to the dock amid shrubbery, lights and pine straw.
“We love spending time with our kids here," Atalie says. "There's so much to do on the lake, and we have made so many fun memories just in the past three years.”
Please show us your cabin!
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