From Tired to Timeless: A Transformation Rooted in Family

Some projects are unforgettable from the start. When we first walked into this 9,200-square-foot Lake Winnipesaukee vacation home, we were prepared to tackle outdated finishes, but we didn’t expect to discover two toilets side-by-side in the primary bathroom. The laughs (and the photo evidence) from that moment still make us smile. And it served as the perfect kickoff to a remodel that was all about transformation.

Our client wanted the home to feel warm, welcoming, and modern while staying true to its original Adirondack-inspired charm. Designed and built in 1999 by Cargill Builders the house featured an unforgettable parade of polished tree trunks and detailed twig work. Those features, along with the two-story stone fireplace, became touchpoints for the entire design.

Weaving Together Natural Elements and Personal Touches

Working closely with Lakes Region Design Group, the kitchen area was reimagined to better support large gatherings and entertaining with family and friends. A custom island took center stage, featuring a granite surface sourced from Brazil that mimics the rings of a tree. We paired it with hickory stools detailed with leather and chevron fabric and added a canoe chandelier for a touch of whimsy and a nod to the lake just outside. The nickel gap ceiling, custom hood by Oxbow Green out of Breckenridge, Colorado, and a carefully layered palette of blues and neutrals brought depth and personality to the space.

Throughout the home, we embraced the client’s love of blue, from the exterior’s paint choice to the varied blues in the office rug, and to the bold blue vanity in the reimagined primary bathroom. There, we replaced the dated tub with a freestanding model and added custom cabinetry with bear-themed hardware, granite counters, and intricate tilework.

The custom-made Adirondack style desk fits perfectly into this home office — A custom-made desk and views of the lake enhance this home office

Storytelling Through Interior Design: Every Room With a Purpose

Designing a home of this size meant considering the purpose of every room while maintaining continuity throughout. In the den, we added cozy layers and plenty of texture, perfect for fireside games or lakeside reading. We enhanced the main living area, which features a striking two-story stone fireplace, by adding Tufenkian rugs with organic patterns. A traditional oriental rug would not suffice for this space! We aimed to keep it timeless and fun while giving a subtle nod to the ripples on the lake outside. We wanted the rugs not only to support the unique architecture, but also to act as the continuous thread of style direction.

We honored the Adirondack aesthetic while updating every detail. We worked with renowned custom furniture artist in Indiana, Treemendous Designs, to create a custom trunk desk for the office. We added individual cast iron animal hardware to the custom bar area. A local artist created a show stopping, hand-painted mural replicating the clients view allowing the powder room to become an unforgettable space. Outside, the twin porches invite morning coffee or sunset cocktails with lake views that never get old.

With the myriad of bedrooms, we were able to create 2 playful kids’ spaces, In the first room, we were inspired by a collection of ducks that we found on our initial walk through. We used them create a “Make Way for Ducklings” inspired bedroom. In the lower level we celebrated an existing mural full of lake animals and picturesque landscape by editing the furniture and accessory colors to allow the mural to take center stage. Adding the tee pee and stuffed animals encourages the kids’ imaginations to run wild.

Everyone knows when there is a lake house, the guests are coming to stay. Whether cocktails on the patio, or coffee on the American inspired porch

American inspired Lake Winnipesaukee porch — Soft furnishings and a stone fireplace make this screen porch the perfect setting for any season

This home was always meant to be a place for family, friends, and fun. We wanted to embrace the opportunity for gathering whether family style dinners, cocktails on the porch, coffee on the patio, movies on the big screen, or games by fire, this house does it all. Designing it was an absolute joy, and we hope every person who walks through the door feels that too.

An Adirondack style Lake Winnipesaukee home meant for family, friends, and fun — A Lake Winnipesaukee home meant for family, friends, and fun

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Disclaimer: This case study is provided for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only. The content reflects the specific design process and outcomes for this individual project and should not be interpreted as direct advice for any other home or renovation. Every home and design project is unique, and results may vary based on individual preferences, architectural considerations, and other factors. Boehm Graham Interior Design is not responsible for any design choices made based on the information provided in this article. For professional guidance tailored to your home, we encourage consulting directly with a qualified interior designer.