Designing a Dream Home: The Journey of Silver Sanctuary
The couple first discovered this pristine lake by purchasing a cottage, which they enjoyed for many years. They were thrilled to seize the opportunity to buy lakefront lots and build their first home.
Their initial residence, Silver Cedar, was inspired by Joanna Gaines. The homeowner had a clear vision and turned to Pinterest and Houzz for much of her inspiration, personally making selections that brought her joy in designing and creating a beautiful space.
The vision for this second residence was markedly different from the first. While the initial home embraced a modern farmhouse style, the homeowner began following architect Howard Backen, from the Napa/Sonoma area, and exploring various Pinterest pages for new inspiration. The look was inspired by Northern California and Wine Country, featuring a rustic elegance. As they collaborated with JDI, their dreams took shape, evolving from rough sketches to detailed 2-D designs and eventually into a stunning physical structure. One recurring theme in both homes is the harmonious blend of old and new.
“Kent understood what we were looking to achieve, and was able to create a home that brought nature and the outdoors inside. He created curiosity in the layout, making you want to move from room to room to see what would be around each corner.” The owner shared.
Channeling elements from their original cottage, they selected latches for the kitchen cabinets that offer a nostalgic nod to the past. The gold latches are a subtle yet significant touch.
A goal of JDI’s was to integrate the home seamlessly with its beautiful, natural surroundings. The cedar exterior and natural hickory interior create a rustic aesthetic, while the clean lines lend a contemporary feel. A two-story ceiling in the central area welcomes visitors into an open foyer, the stairway, the kitchen, and the dining area. A grand fireplace at the center invites exploration and draws guests toward the family room, enticing them to discover the stunning lake views. Floor-to-ceiling windows extending to the second floor allow light to flood the space, bringing the beauty of nature indoors.
The main floor also features a powder room, laundry room, primary suite, office, and a serene three-season room. A modern, clean-lined staircase leads to the second floor, which includes three guest rooms.
The lower level showcases a space designed with the homeowner’s grandchildren in mind. “Winters in southeastern Wisconsin can be long, so we wanted to create an area where the grandchildren could play,” the owner shared.
The space is undeniably a child’s dream, featuring a bunk room with four built-in bunks, ample shelves, and storage for toys and books. Adjacent to the bunk room is a large play area equipped with a climbing wall, monkey bars, and a foam pit. This expansive area flows into a great room that includes a snack zone, a bar, and a small kitchenette.
The homeowner’s passion for design is evident in every detail of this thoughtfully crafted home. When asked about her sources of inspiration, she simply states, “I enjoy selecting things and using different resources. I love finding pieces from vintage stores, flea markets, and anything unique or different. Then, I build around those pieces.” Her love for design shines through in every room.
The home boasts numerous unique features that reflect the craftsmanship of the talented finish carpenters. Hidden closets, which required precision and detail, exemplify this attention to detail, including the careful relocation of entire walls to create space. The homeowner’s were also thrilled with the finish carpenter’s work on the wood ceiling, beam work, and the staircase. They were pleased with how every aspect and detail of the home came together.
The success of the home is a joint effort, as the owner explains, from Kent Johnson’s architectural design to final details. Working with Kent Johnson and JDI Architects… “It was an outstanding experience, and they are a wonderful team to work with. The quality is amazing, and they truly involve the owner in the entire process.”
