Interior Design: Kelly Guinaugh, Interior Enhancement Group
Photography: David Bader Photography
Architecture: Bryan C. Tom, AIA, A.D.S. Inc.
Builder: Barenz Builders
It was a grandmother’s dream to create a family lake getaway for her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and everyone’s friends. Their previous retreat on Wisconsin’s Green Lake was proving to be too long of a weekend drive—four hours from the young family’s home in Chicago. So, the grandparents decided to search for a closer place to build their forever lake home. As luck would have it, they found a lot on Lake Nagawicka, the most desired lake in Delafield, Wisconsin, just two hours from Chicago. Fast forward to the completion of their idyllic waterfront home—a blissful place where the family gathers nearly every weekend, and the grandmother lives all summer long.
But long before this house became a reality, the grandmother—and her entire family—worked meticulously with interior designer Kelly Guinaugh, owner of the award-winning full-service studio Interior Enhancement Group, to build her dream lake home piece by piece.
“This lake home was created to be a warm, inviting place for three generations to gather year-round and make memories,” says Kelly. “So, the windows are large and placed to maximize the beauty of the lake and the beach where the grandchildren play in the summer.” Case in point: This beautiful three-season screened-in porch offers alfresco time in the evenings—without mosquitoes—and can be enjoyed from early spring until the late fall.
Four-Season Splendor
To honor the property’s scenic setting, it was important to build a home that blends into the landscape and does not detract from the nature surrounding it. The white brick-and-board exterior radiates a clean aesthetic and a stately presence that is impactful yet understated, given its sprawling dimensions of more than 8,000 square feet. In addition, the dwelling features soft traditional elements juxtaposed with modern details, such as dark window frames that create a bold and dynamic contrast.
“One thing that stands out is how open Kelly and her team were to all of us wanting to be involved in making selections and creating the feel of the space,” remembers the daughter. “Also, this was a meaningful project for our family—it was my dad’s dream home, but he passed away unexpectedly before construction began. So, we were emotionally invested in realizing his vision.”
Soaring Heights
The home’s uncluttered appeal begins in the sunlight-drenched foyer, where a sweeping staircase amplifies the grand scale of the two-story ceiling height. An elegant wrought-iron chandelier, chosen for its massive size and graceful lines, befits the proportions of the space. A round and nubby wool rug echoes the circular shape of the concrete pedestal table. Plus, a single keepsake vase and a whimsical dog figurine make decorative accents spare yet substantial enough to complement a large space.
“Interior millwork details were important,” says Kelly. “We worked alongside the architect to create a batten-board wall design that blends with the two-story ceilings and the lower ceilings in other areas. We used gorgeous five-inch-wide hickory floors with character marks that feel great under your feet in all seasons—even in the Midwest.”
Center Stage
On top of the grandmother’s wish list was a big, open kitchen where she could cook to her heart’s content and still be part of the action. Hence, the open and airy design provides plenty of countertop/prep space, seating for guests, and, of course, glorious views of the lake from every angle. “The kitchen backsplash tile is rustic in design but highly polished,” notes Kelly, “This seemed counterintuitive at first but ended up being the perfect complement to the stone countertops.”
An Easy Flow
Because the grandchildren are a big part of the family dynamic, the design team kept areas open and free of furnishings so they could play between the kitchen island and the great room. “We always adhere to the space plan, so we know what works in terms of traffic flow and furniture dimensions,” Kelly explains. “The architect had planned the home so all rooms would have the best views, and we wanted to ensure the interior selections played to this as well. So, we didn’t select any especially tall pieces because we wanted to keep the windows unencumbered, and we used minimal window treatments for the same reason.”
In addition, the lake home’s color scheme was carefully considered regarding what hues would blend best with the natural environment. A soft palette of coastal blues and greens mixes with caramels and browns for an earthy touch of warmth. “We kept to quiet patterns as well,” notes Kelly, and again, our focus was always on the amazing property this home was built upon. Plus, we also were very aware that a home is only inviting when you feel like you can really live in it.”
So, with that sentiment in mind, and without sacrificing her design selections, Kelly used stain-resistant, durable fabrics almost everywhere to take the worry out of family fun. “Now everyone says it is their favorite escape,” she adds, “a place where they feel welcome and pampered. Mission accomplished!”
Great Room Grandeur
In the great room, Kelly and her team introduced texture with a magnificent Wisconsin stone fireplace and richly patinaed wood floors anchored with a plush wool area rug. In addition, the ceiling beams and flooring have character markings to bring a well-worn aged feeling to the home, and a smooth level-five drywall finish creates a striking contrast to the wood’s warm walnut stain. She then layered in textural accents, such as the tall tree trunk flanking the window, a branch-like chandelier, and a mix of soft upholstery fabrics, supple leathers, and sumptuous throws and pillows. “Because of the room’s enormous size, we needed a large cocktail table,” Kelly adds. “Also, to make it even more useful, we tucked small ottomans underneath for the grandchildren to sit on while coloring and playing.”
Throughout the home, Kelly incorporated essential furnishings from the owners’ previous lake home and heirloom pieces that had special meaning. Here, a duck collection on the built-in shelves and an old grape press placed under the console table continue her theme of mixing the old with the new.
Warm Family Gatherings
The dining room’s relaxing effect is largely due to its walnut-stained recessed ceiling treatment that gives the space a warm and inviting feel. In addition, a colorful landscape painting emulates the home’s color palette and the waterside environment. Overhead, a pair of rattan chandeliers lend texture to this traditional dining space.
Quiet Time
Bathed in soothing shades of brown, this home office makes a cozy spot for reading or playing chess on rainy afternoons. A vintage-style rug grounds the space with bold patterns and colors while complementing neutral-hued upholstered seating and an ornately carved antique desk—an heirloom from a great grandfather. In addition, meaningful pieces of nautical-themed artwork from the owner’s collection mirror their scenic lakeside setting.
Naturally Neutral
In the primary bedroom, beautiful beiges, creams, and blues blend with the landscape, making an almost seamless indoor/outdoor transition. Plus, the soft palette makes a restful oasis from which the owner can enjoy the splendid lake views.
Spa Retreat
Even the primary bathroom connects with the outdoors via a wide expanse of windows that backdrop a luxurious soaking tub. In addition, dark-stained cabinetry provides a rich contrast to the white marble flooring and vanity surface, and a beaded crystal chandelier creates a refined spa-like ambiance.
Memories in the Making
With endless lake activities and nearby hiking trails, the idyllic property offers plenty to do outside in all seasons. Plus, Lake Nagawicka is as beautiful in summer as in winter, when snow gathers on the tree branches and the lake landscape is blanketed in white. Delivering spectacular shoreline appeal, this meaningful getaway has proven to offer more than enough space for the entire family and extended family members to gather for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all holidays and weekends in between.
“In the end, Kelly and her team’s job could have been a lot easier with clients who just gave them free rein,” says the daughter. “Instead, they got me, my mom, and my husband—with all our emotional investment in the project, our varying design ideas and needs, and a lot of sentimental family treasures to incorporate into the space. Amazingly, they were able to weave all of that into a design that gives us a family home filled with meaning and memories. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”