Living in the lovely North Carolina mountains, I have had the great opportunity of getting to renovate and decorate many vacation cabins for my clients. So, I am always excited to get to peak inside other cabins. You know that when you see an exterior as welcoming as this Northwest Indiana home that's it's going to be a real treat. 

This home {or 'kooky cabin' as the homeowners refer to it} sits in Michiana Shores, a summer resort area that was built in the 1920's-30's. It was in need of lots of TLC, but, homeowners Paul Schwab and Stephen Warner, were undaunted. In 2005, upon purchasing the property, renovations began. 

Upon entering, you enjoy the same fresh green on the interior that is used on the trim's exterior. In the foyer, you are treated to the unexpected, somewhat formal paisley wallpaper that is the background for the less than formal rustic furniture. I love this juxtaposition.  

The original great room was dark and the fireplace was a little odd.

But look what happens when the paneling gets bathed in soft white and becomes the new frame for what is now a showstopping fieldstone fireplace. Gore. jus.

This dresser, with its simple lines and dark stain, keep it feeling very expected in a cabin. But how wonderfully stunning does it become with the addition of the dark chevron design? It sits at the bottom of a striking staircase and twig banister, which were completed by a local artisan.

The dark small original kitchen was a complete overhaul.

The walls came down and new windows and doors {and white paint!} went up. 

Although the red checked rooster wallpaper border in the bathroom is...cottagey... surprisingly, the guys had other plans.  

Well, hello Mother Nature, come on in!

This small bedroom tricks us into believing it's a little larger by matching the same print on the walls as on the bed. I'm also loving the 3 small picture lights over the local artwork.

Every little quirky eave is utilized. A small bamboo desk and twig chair create a cozy little office space.  

My very favorite spot of this entire cabin--the screened porch! With it's expanded 20' x 20' walls and 18' ceilings, it provides the most wonderful entertaining space. Double ceiling fans provide a great breeze when sitting and enjoying the lake. And the fireplace sconces and upholstered chaise, with its citrus pillows, again adds the unexpected twists that this home boasts. But, the green beams....oh.my.goodness.

 ilovethissomuch

Let's enjoy some more exterior green accents, shall we...

Kudos to these homeowners for producing a stunning lakeside home that preserves the past with a contemporary elegance.

{images via midwest living}

 You know how I love my paperdolls, so I was super delighted to come across the adorable 6" moveable dolls that artist Jordan Grace Owens designs and sells on etsy.

 Her etsy shop is filled with the moveable dolls that are stylishly dressed, but the best part is, you can send her a photo of yourself, your family, and even your pets, wearing your favorite outfits, and Jordan will illustrate a quirky, stylized doll!    

The fact that she lives in Greensboro, North Carolina {my college town!} makes me heart her even more.

 With Valentines Day right around the corner, I think these would be just about the most fun gift. 

To see more of Jordan's art, check out her website.

{all images via jordangraceowens}

I love it when you guys share with me projects that you have attempted, new tools you have bought, or rooms you have designed as a result of seeing a project on my blog and then having the courage to believe in yourself and to simply try. Your successes are phenomenal!!  Keep it up!!

{pic via Volume25 via pinterest}

Want to see a house that I am working on? This vacation cottage is getting a major facelift. The original  5 year-old home had 1 floor which consisted of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living/dining room and kitchen.

Dining room before:

Which opens to the living room.

Before:

And the Kitchen is through the plastic.

This big hole is the staircase to a completely new lower level. 

 A lower level that was created by jack hammering into the rocky earth. for days.

{for those of you that aren't familiar with 'mountain home building' on the sides of mountains-- it is no joke.

New Bar area

New Bedroom

New Bath

Other side of Bathroom: 

New Bonus/Game Room

This is the new bottom deck that opens off of the new downstairs living room.

Every inch of the walls and ceilings of the original cottage interior are getting repainted a fresh white. I failed to get pics of the upstairs bedrooms, but they are getting new furnishings as well.  

These pictures were taken right before Christmas. I took new pictures when I was out over the weekend--it's looking great! Stay tuned.