Having purchased a lake cabin in the hills of California, a couple turned to designer Wendy Glaister NKBA, ASID, IDS to transform it into a fairytale family retreat that would fulfill the dream of a young grandson.
The home was chosen for its location and its accompanying boat launch and dock at the lake. “Everything was old and outdated and very, very well-used,” said the Modesto, Cal.-based designer. Nothing existing felt or looked like the clients’ aesthetic. Except for the plumbing locations, the kitchen was a total gut job.
The clients wanted to make it appear as if the kitchen had evolved in the lake cabin over time, to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Glaister’s goal was to blend modern conveniences with old world charm and nature-inspired touches to achieve a look that wasn’t “brand new.” The objective: make the kitchen feel cozy but light.
The design team accomplished this by installing earthy finishes, including a tadelakt plaster hood with a wood accent to complement the stained wood island. The nature-inspired color palette and cheery, patterned tile bring a retro energy to the space.
Primary Bath Design
From the very beginning of the project, the client wanted to pay homage to the surrounding environment and Native American heritage of the community. The Cement Tile Shop 6 x 6 floor tile, in a bold cream and black pattern, is a graphic nod to the indigenous traditions, while the concrete soaking tub references the rock and earth of the landscape.
Working at the Lake Cabin
Tradespersons were few and far between in the remote site, so Glaister brought all of her skilled craftsmen and tradespeople to work at the location. Hotel rooms were reserved in blocks to better enable the team to work together. The location at Bass Lake is 2 1/2 hours from Wendy Glaister Interiors; the designer notes that while this lake cabin project is her first in the area, she looks forward to doing additional jobs there.
Sources
Design: Wendy Glaister Interiors General Contractor: Rui Esteves, RE Construction Photography: Mark Verschelden KITCHEN Countertops: Pacific Shores Stone Dishwasher, microwave, range, refrigerator: KitchenAid Faucets: Brizo Flooring: House of Carpets Paint: Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore Plaster: Ace Tile & Tadelakt Seating: Norwalk Furniture Sink: Franke Tile: Bedrosian’s Vent hood: Zephyr PRIMARY BATH Faucets, fittings: Sonoma Forge Heated floor system: Schluter Lighting: Hubbardton Forge Sinks, tub: Native Trails Tile: Cement Tile Shop (floor) Bedrosian’s (shower) Vanities: Fairmont Designs
