Little Bay Boards Mentioned in Modern Luxury
Many thanks to Kaila Stang for giving us the shout out in this article in MODERN LUXURY! Jason had fun refinishing this Kayak so it could shine with the rest of this epicly designed waterside retreat! Read full article with gorgeous photos here.
In the airy living room, a refinished Chairish-sourced kayak by Little Bay Boards makes a splash above a custom sofa and coffee table designed by Gemma Parker.
THE CLIENT
In search of the perfect design team for their vacation retreat in Traverse City, Mich., a family-oriented couple with a lively household discovered Chicago-based designer Gemma Parker (gemmaparkerdesign.com) via a referral from White & Liebler Architects. Having interviewed several firms across the Midwest, they were drawn to Parker’s meticulous approach and proven track record of successful collaborations. With plans to make the property their second home and personal sanctuary, the homeowners entrusted Parker’s team with bringing their vision to life.
THE PRIORITY
The client’s main goal was to create a home where their large family could gather for years to come. “They wanted a home with a lot of character that wouldn’t feel dated over time,” explains Parker. “This house [needed to be] designed to live large enough for entertaining, yet feel intimate enough for a small family.”
THE CHALLENGE
Balancing the expansive, open-plan layout with the need for intimacy in large spaces while still maintaining a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas took serious strategizing on the design team’s part. Adds Parker, “It was important that we ensured that Lake Michigan and the natural landscaping remained the centerpiece of every room inside. This lake house was built to be the ultimate lakeside retreat, and the lake was the focal point that dictated the design, both inside and out.” The color palette was designed to reflect the lake’s ever-changing moods, shifting from soft tones on the upper floors to deeper, stormier hues below. The design had to ensure that the space was both durable for large family gatherings and timeless, to withstand the test of time and remain a gathering place for generations.
THE DETAILS
Parker’s team thrived on interpreting each family member’s desires, taking the time to interview the children about their room preferences and review fabric schemes with them to better understand their personalities and tastes. “The client wanted us to design the home right down to all of the books and accessories, which allowed them to show up with their suitcases right after install and immediately begin relaxing,” shares Parker.
THE OUTCOME
Sums up the client, “Every aspect of our lake house design was meticulously designed with an extraordinary attention to detail. Working with [Parker] was an absolute pleasure, and the end result—an awe-inspiring custom luxury lake house—speaks volumes about her skill and dedication.”
