Family Life on the Lake

Feature Home

By Ali Lemmons / Photography by Heidi Harris / Styling by Elissa Benzie Style

 

What began as a renovation of a lakeside mid-century cottage evolved into the custom weekend retreat of the homeowners’ dreams, thanks to the team at Ashley McCaul Design. During the early stages of planning, it became clear that the existing home was beyond repair, prompting a complete rebuild.

“It was very important to the homeowner that the home remain a similar scale as the original mid-century home. They wanted a home that fit with the surrounding neighborhood but provided the luxuries of a new construction home,” says Ashley McCaul, owner and interior designer. “Working alongside DH&W Architects in Chattanooga, we began the design with three thoughts in mind: a mid-century-inspired home, a home for entertaining multiple generations, and a home that maximized the lake views.”

 

Interior design: Ashley McCaul Design

Beautiful grey exterior of mid-century inspired home on lake

 

Beautiful exterior of gray mid-century home

 

Focusing on Family

Clad in dark exterior siding, the two-story home features clean lines, expansive windows, and a low-profile roofline that nods to mid-century modern design while embracing modern functionality.

“The homeowners’ three grown daughters, their husbands, and grandkids were a priority in the function of the home – a place for multiple generations to gather,” adds McCaul. “It was also important that the home had a unique feel. We didn’t want the design to reflect a typical Tennessee lake house design.”

While large windows offer panoramic views of the water and flood the home with natural light, covered outdoor living spaces on both levels extend the home’s entertaining capabilities, providing comfortable areas for gathering, dining, and relaxing with loved ones throughout
the year.

To see more from Ashley McCaul Design, visit ashleymccauldesign.com.

 

Hardscaping and landscaping: The Crafted Garden

Windows: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.

 

Mid-century modern stairs with chairs and a side table

 

 

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White Kitchen with exposed beams and walnut wood island, and a dining room table with color painting

 

Artwork: Gallery 1401
Cabinetry: Scarlett’s Cabinetry
Countertops and tile: The Tile Store

 

Inside, the dark exterior gives way to warm white walls, exposed beams, and natural elements. In the kitchen, custom white cabinets, Stratus Blue-Honed marble countertops, and
a walnut wood island add to the home’s bright, airy feel. A paneled refrigerator and appliance garage offer modern conveniences without detracting from the kitchen’s streamlined look.

In the dining area, a piece of the homeowners’ art collection adds a stunning pop of color to the otherwise neutral palette, and pendant lighting and a warm-wood, low-profile dining table with matching chairs further add to the home’s timeless look.

 

 

Living room with exposed wooden beams and an open-concept area

 

Living room with fireplace and modern pendant light

 

Furniture: Fowler Brothers Co.

 

An open floor plan allows for seamless entertaining of the entire family. White nickel gap on the ceiling introduces texture to the room, and neutral sofas complemented by blue-patterned accent chairs gather around the custom, stucco-finished fireplace.

“We incorporated mid-century architectural elements such as a vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and angular elements, like transom windows,” says McCaul. “In addition to the architectural elements, the use of streamlined furniture, sculptural lighting, and minimal but bold color and patterns were at play throughout the home.”

Just steps away, the living room seamlessly transitions into the home’s screened-in porch, offering even more room for entertaining or restful pursuits, such as board games or birdwatching. Complete with creamy neutral furnishings and subtle blue accents, the porch allows the stunning lake views to take center stage.

 

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Beautiful sunroom with neutral beige couches overlooking the lake

 

“This home was designed for family. Understanding the home would be used by multiple generations who all had different styles, the design needed to be thoughtful to each of the personalities and design aesthetics. Bold artwork allowed individual personalities to shine in each space, and the use of mid-century modern furniture pieces drew a connection to the original home aesthetic.” – Ashley McCaul, Ashley McCaul Design

 

 

White Kids room with bunk beds and a bright laundry room with blue cabinetry

 

Kids bathroom with ceramic subway tile and blue sink cabinetry

 

Designed with both fun and functionality in mind, the grandchildren’s room features two sets of custom, built-in bunk beds to maximize sleeping space, while integrated storage drawers help keep toys, books, and essentials neatly tucked away.

In the bathroom, white ceramic subway tile serves as a timeless backdrop for bold pops of color, from playful textiles to the custom-painted vanity in a stunning shade of blue. Nearby, a dedicated laundry area with custom cabinetry provides ample storage for towels, swimwear, and other lake-day essentials.

 

 

Primary bedroom with en suite bathroom

 

A warm, neutral palette returns in the primary suite. Mid-century influences, warm wood furnishings, and layered neutral textiles create a restful retreat, while thoughtfully selected accents add subtle color and visual interest. The en suite, complete with Calacatta Gold polished marble and a stunning oak vanity, is the perfect finishing touch to the room’s tranquil atmosphere.

Rooted in mid-century design and tailored to modern family life, the finished home is more than a lakeside retreat – it’s a gathering place designed for making memories across generations.

 

Other suppliers:

Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group, Inc.

Architect: DH&W Architects

Artwork: 4 Bridges Arts Festival; Austin Center

Closets: Creekside Closets, LLC

Countertops and stone: Walker Zanger

Custom installs, exterior doors, and ironwork: Set in Stone

Custom painting: John Lynch, Signature Stucco & Plastering

Drapery and window treatments: Custom Creations

Flooring: Myers Flooring

Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson

 

 

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