Hi Friends,

I am sharing with you this perfect lake house on Lake Marin in Alabama that I found featured in Birmingham Home + Garden Magazine. The interior was designed by Interiors Etc. By Nan, photographed by the incredibly talented Jean Allsop, and the article and tips were written by the author Cathy Still McGowin. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Beach Pretty

Design Tips

DESIGN TIP

Clear the decks! Consider alternative materials for deck railing. Code calls for a certain height, but blocky wood slats impedes the view. Here, the designers chose cattle wire for its airy attributes. A bonus? It’s more budget-friendly than stainless steel and offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic.

DESIGN TIP

Think linear when it comes to a stairwell. Nan added visual interest above with the iron chandelier, mid-level with the wood-and iron-railing, and below with a collection of antique paddles and folk art angels.

DESIGN TIP

Durable and dual-purpose furnishings are key to easy lake living. Some of the decorator’s must-haves? Easy-care fabrics and leather (for all those wet swimsuit bottoms!), swivel chairs (for taking in the room or the view), lots of little gathering spots (for encouraging conversation), and game tables.

DESIGN TIP

Take inspiration from the great outdoors when planning your interior palette. Wood floors, walls, and a dark stained island—along with a copper light fixture above the dining table—add that warm, cozy lake feel everyone craves. For a punch of color, tune in to the blues of the lake and sky.

DESIGN TIP

Everyone loves a well-made bed, but everyone also loves a bed that’s easy to make. Choose cotton coverlets and no-iron sheets to keep guest-changeover time to a minimum.