Several years after a Chicago couple purchased a Lake Michigan vacation home almost turnkey, they turned to two talented designers to give it a whole-house refresh that achieves big style while preserving the home’s bones.


Designers Jenna Wedemeyer, from Chicago, and Angela Goodall, of Traverse City’s Kitchen Choreography, began the reno at the floor by having the original natural blonde maple sanded and stained a smoky gray—a look the designers echoed with new ceiling beams. The 1980s-esque pickled pine paneling used extensively in the home is updated with coats of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.

Jenna had the living room furniture, including the couch and four swivel club chairs, custom made in Chicago. The couch is upholstered in mohair and the chairs in chenille, both fabrics selected for their comfort and ability to stand up to children and pets. The bronze and glass coffee table and metal drum table add an ethnic accent.

Photos by Jason Hulet

Leelanau County Beach House

A new Euro-style Hearthstone Lima woodstove (replacing the original Victorian-style woodstove that came with the home) is backed by a wall of textured Athens Silver Cream tiles by Ann Sacks. The sconces are bronze, made by Ridgely Studio Works, in Canada.

Leelanau County Beach House

The bar stools are clad in leather, meaning they are both durable and comfortable. The pendant lights are crocheted—the creation of U.K. designer Naomi Paul. Note how the color of the pantry door plays off the glass backsplash tiles.

Angela exchanged a peninsula that originally separated the kitchen from the dining room for an island that functions more efficiently for food prep and for mingling with the cook. She also designed—and her Kitchen Choreography team fabricated—the range hood, with its bronze band that matches the open shelving.

Leelanau County Beach House

The kitchen counters are White Macaubas quartzite, a material that resembles marble but holds up better. Ann Sacks glass backsplash tiles (style Jute; color Azure) reflect the watery view out the window.

The dining room chairs are upholstered in pleather to accommodate wet bathing suits. The table is made from bleached cedar and a glass top over antique printer cabinet drawers.

Leelanau County Beach House

In the guest bedroom, the original pickled paneling is painted Benjamin Moore Bali. The floor tiles are Ann Sacks, Cote d’Azure.

Leelanau County Beach House

The master bedroom looks out over Sleeping Bear Bay. The designers asked Artistic Innovations of Traverse City to give the sliding barn door a faux bronze finish for a touch of industrial décor.

Leelanau County Beach House

The ladder leads to a crow’s nest play area in the daughter’s room. The crow’s nest ceiling is painted with Benjamin Moore’s Lake Victoria. All of the home’s window coverings were made by Custom Sewing & Design, of Traverse City.

Leelanau County Beach House

Leelanau County Beach House

Kitchen Choreography designed and constructed the bunks in the son’s room.

Leelanau County Beach House

In the den, the original pickled pine paneling got a handsome coat of Benjamin Moore’s New Providence Navy. The carpet (used in other rooms of the home, as well) is pure wool from Karastan. Jenna had floor cushions (not pictured) custom made so they could be laid out and covered with a fitted sheet for sleepovers.

Leelanau County Beach House

Lake Michigan Vacation Home Resources:

Designers
Jenna Wedemeyer Design, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 773.814.6169
Angela Goodall, Kitchen Choreography, Traverse City, 231.932.9700

Builder
Kitchen Choreography, Traverse City, 231.932.9700

Custom Faux Finishes
Artistic Innovations, Traverse City, 503.939.2760

Window Coverings
Custom Sewing & Design, Traverse City, 231.633.0462


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Photo(s) by Jason Hulet