LAKESIDE

On the shores of Pine Lake, Wisconsin, sits an homage to a life well lived. The late Kathy Paulsen spent many a happy moment at this 628-square-foot guest cottage. Paulsen’s family kept her memory closely in mind during a recent renovation led by LJ Savarie, founder of Savarie Interiors LLC, along with architect Peter Damsgaard of Groth Design Group, and builder Kurt Romsos of Romsos Custom Homes.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house was originally designed in the ‘70s. With today’s modern elements in mind, Savarie and her team transformed the neglected cottage into a beautifully appointed, versatile space.

The open concept living area now has a vaulted ceiling accentuated with reclaimed beams sourced by the homeowner. The multicolored custom drapes, fashioned from authentic Pendleton blankets by Paula Fioretti, deliver a unique element to the living room. As space was a constraint, Savarie and her team chose to use flexible pieces including a customized sofa and multipurpose stools.

A circular wrought iron chandelier bridges the space between the living room and the adjacent kitchen. The black iron hardware of the kitchen’s custom navy cabinets is a nod to this chandelier and continues the clean and traditional aesthetic. Both rooms retain a lakeside, homey feel while mess from outdoor adventures is easily handled by high-performance fabrics and indoor/outdoor rugs.

The bedroom offers a quiet place for guests to rest after a day on the water. Savarie adorned the walls with vintage tennis racquets, a tribute to the homeowners’ love for the sport. Personal touches such as these were a key factor in the home’s design. “When you don’t add those details, to me, it just feels like a model home. It’s a missed opportunity,” says Savarie.

The bedroom’s relaxed ambiance carries into the bathroom with its black iron sconces capped by patterned lamp shades. The whitewashed custom vanity beautifully contrasts with the herringbone slate floors.

A family heirloom, Kathy’s antique kitchen table and chair set, was given a place of honor in the newly renovated cottage. Savarie notes the importance of including this vintage set by explaining, “It had to be the focal point of the space for the homeowners, and I love how it takes center stage.” Vintage photographs of Kathy and her family are also peppered throughout the guest house.

This cozy lake cottage combines functionality and timeless design, while celebrating the rich history lived within its walls. Kathy would be proud.