Sand Lake Project: Creating a Timeless Wisconsin Retreat

Modern living room with stone fireplace, gray sofas, and wooden ceiling. Large windows reveal greenery outside, creating a cozy ambiance.

As an Interior Design firm, we get the privilege to do more than just design high-end spaces. We get to create a place that brings joy and peace to our clients. Spring 2023 witnessed the transformation of a tired and dim property nestled in Webster, Wisconsin, into a vibrant, contemporary retreat by PKA Architecture, Lake Country Builders, and Renae Keller Interior Design. Known as the Sand Lake Project, this endeavor was more than just a makeover; it was a journey to create a haven that celebrated the beauty of the four seasons in Wisconsin.

Designing A Place to Gather

The primary goal of the clients for the Sand Lake Project was one I think we can all relate to. They wanted a sanctuary that would serve as a peaceful retreat from their busy lives and a gathering place for friends and family. Drawn to our design team at Renae Keller Interior Design after reading our blogs and connecting with our approachability and messaging, they trusted us to get the job done, and we’re so glad they did!

This project required a demanding schedule and a little bit of travel given the property’s distance, which was a few hours away. Fortunately, our design team is well-acquainted with these kinds of constraints and we were more than ready to bring the client’s vision to life!

Wicker chairs surround a round table with board games under a cylindrical pendant light. Large windows reveal a lake and trees outside. Cozy mood.

Timeless Interior Design

The design choices for the Sand Lake Project were guided by the pursuit of timeless elegance rather than fleeting trends. Classic materials were selected for their durability and enduring beauty. Notable choices included Cambria Quartz for the waterfall island and surrounding countertops, chosen for both its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. The kitchen featured a unique painted color blocking of cabinetry, artfully nestled into the wood surround designed by PKA Architecture.

Key Interior Design Features

The Sand Lake Project boasts several standout design concepts, each contributing to the project’s unique charm. One of our favorites is a cozy game table nook just waiting for years of fun (and maybe a few fights if they’re as competitive as I am) doing puzzles and playing board games. Aside from being the perfect spot for all the laughs and squabbles of family game night, the game table and its textured chairs provide some excellent versatility being that they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

The porch swing, complete with a phantom screen and ceiling heaters for chilly evenings, provides a perfect spot for relaxation and living out your sweet-tea-front-porch-Anne-of-Green-Gables dreams (I can’t be the only one with those)!

We also love the kitchen, a focal point of the design project, which reflects the clients’ willingness to embrace intentional colors in specific areas for a harmonious balance throughout the home.

Cozy porch with a woven swing chair, beige pillow, wooden ceiling, and forest view. Gray rug, potted plant on table, and circular coffee table.

Products & Collaborators

For those interested in recreating elements of this project in their own homes, we’ve listed some of the key products and collaborators involved in our design process:

Cambria: For exquisite and easy-to-maintain quartz surfaces.
Sherwin Williams: The source of the project’s stunning paint selections.
Visual Comfort: Providing kitchen, powder room, dining room, and stairwell lighting that perfectly complements the overall design.
Lake Country Builders: The construction and remodeling experts who brought this project to life.
PKA Architecture: The visionary architects behind the design that serves as the foundation for this remarkable retreat.

A Designer’s Dream Come True

The best part of any project is seeing the final result and this one did not disappoint! Seeing the client’s genuine excitement over the finished product was the cherry on top of the entire process! They found it to be a true representation of their lives and the home they had envisioned which is the highest praise you can give an interior designer! Their Sand Lake retreat now offers them the peaceful haven and gathering place they had desired.

The Sand Lake Project is not just a testament to the power of collaboration but also a celebration of creating timeless beauty in the heart of Wisconsin. If you’re looking to embark on your interior design journey, this project is just a taste of the endless possibilities design offers. While we’re an interior design firm located in Minneapolis, we design near and far. Give us a call and let’s get started!

Stylish kitchen with white cabinets and glass doors, blue backsplash, wine glasses, bottle, watermelon on counter. Modern, calm vibe.

Modern living room with stone fireplace, wooden ceiling, and muted furnishings. A colorful painting and green plant add vibrancy. Cozy mood.

Modern lamp over round table with candle in glass. Large windows reveal lake and trees, creating a serene, natural setting. Warm tones.

Modern living room with a light gray sofa, patterned cushions, wooden ceiling, large windows, and wicker chairs near a dining table. Natural light.

Cozy porch with striped armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and fish decor on gray siding. Large windows reveal lush greenery outside.