An early 20th century lake house was the vision for this home. designed by
architect Louis Wamp of Louis Wamp Architect & Associates, Inc. and built by
Sterchi Construction, Arts and Crafts aesthetics blend beautifully with
earthy accents to make this project unlike any other.
By Candice Graham | Photography By Med Dement
Arts and Crafts details are evident in the exterior of the home, from the full front porch to the tapered columns. Low-pitched rooflines make for a striking first impression, and surrounded by lush woods and a lake, this spot is a stunner. “This house is on a level site, but using angled rooflines maintained views and kept it interesting,” says Wamp.
Fashioned after photos of two homes from the early 1900s, the house uses an early Arts and Crafts design as its inspiration. “The shingles were an exact match off the pictures,” explains Drew Sterchi of Sterchi Construction. “The windows have a custom design on top that came right out of that era too.”
Open Sightlines
Creating open sightlines and stunning views was a goal of Wamp’s, and this is exemplified in the upstairs overlook that houses the piano. Views from the nook include exceptional sights of the tongue-and-groove ceiling, transom windows, and the great room with a sandstone hearth. “The plan is unique to the site to take advantage of the surroundings,” says Wamp. “And the views were such that we created angles that make for a really interesting flow and layout.”
See more from Louis Wamp Architect & Associates at louiswamp.com.
Natural Beauty
The sandstone hearth reaches the 24-foot ceiling in the great room, creating a commanding presence. Furniture is kept simple and functional, with two armchairs and two couches echoing the colors of nature. Because the ceilings are so tall, a dark wood trim wraps around the room just above the built-in bookshelves, making the space feel cozier. Multi-pane windows are grouped together, letting in ample scenic views from the outside and playing to the seasons. “We oriented the house to get the least amount of summer sun from the windows and the most amount of winter sun,” explains Sterchi. “That drove the idea for the great room.”
See more from Sterchi Construction at sterchiconstruction.com.
Furniture: The Furniture Shoppe | Trim: Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.
Windows and doors: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.
A meal area off the kitchen boasts stunning lakeside views and is a great family gathering area. With wraparound windows trimmed in pine, the room keeps its rustic feel, but with a refined slant. Leather-cushioned chairs and a Tiffany-inspired glass chandelier with autumnal hues add decorative flair. “Louis designed the house to fit the lot,” says Sterchi. “That’s what drove the breakfast area that looks out to the lake.”
The kitchen keeps its outdoorsy, lake house feel by incorporating wooden cabinetry with a unique green stain. A farmhouse sink rests within perimeter cabinetry with cream-colored countertops. On the center island, non-stained cabinetry strikes a traditional chord and is topped with a statement stone counter. Limestone backsplash tiles, with a porcelain tile inset above the range, polish the earth-toned space, while oil-rubbed bronze hardware keeps the look purely Craftsman.
Appliances: Ferguson
Countertops and backsplash: Stone Source
A mossy green hue coats the upper part of the dining room wall, while quarter sewn white oak wainscoting makes up the rest. As is typical in Arts and Crafts homes, a wide-open layout makes use of every space. “You have views from every room. From the dining room, you can see across to the front porch,” Wamp says. A coffered ceiling leads up to a chandelier that features 11 hanging glass fixtures with teacup silhouettes, hung by industrial chains. Simple furniture and a neutral-hued area rug furnish the room, with oak floors adding an additional rustic punch. “This room is very traditional,” says Sterchi. “Our challenge was to use the early 1900s era as inspiration, and in this room we made it really historically correct.”
Other Suppliers:
Cabinetry and mantels: Michael Smith Designs | Landscape architect: Matt Whitaker, W.M. Whitaker & Associates
Landscape installation: Botanica Chattanooga, LLC
It’s hard to tell where the lake views end and the soothing green walls begin in the master bedroom. Windows take advantage of exceptional vistas, while a door leading to the back porch further connects indoor and out. A pitched ceiling and fireplace in the bedroom add a lodge-type touch.
Closets: Chattanooga Closet Company | Countertops and tile: Stone Source
Character-rich details in the spacious master bathroom make it more than just a functional space. Leafy views out the window are reflected in the mirrors for a treehouse feel. Two counter areas are separated by a walk-in shower, sanctioning the vanity area from the sink. A quiet backdrop is created by the light wall shade, allowing rich granite counters and stone walls beyond the chair rail to be the stars of the show.
