7 minute read
Diamond in the Rough
A FUNCTIONAL, COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED LAKE HOME TRANSFORMATION
Story by CHARIS PATIRES | Photography by MEL BROOKS/BLUE BOAT ART
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When Jeff and Amanda DeWit walk into a home renovation project they don’t see problems, they see solutions. Their vision is what has caught the eye of many homeowners who need a complete overhaul, especially in a real estate market where second homeowners find themselves buying “project homes.”
That was the case for Chesterfield resident Sharon Schloss. For years Sharon would visit Lake of the Ozarks frequently with her family and dreamed of owning her own place. During COVID she began looking around and found a property off of Horseshoe Bend but it needed work. Luck would have it that her realtor knew just the right people and Sharon reached out to Jeff and Amanda DeWit at 11 North Custom Services.
“Everything needed to be ripped out and changed,” Sharon said. “Jeff came in and he had all of these ideas." Trust was a big factor in hiring the right company for the job, Sharon said. Working as a CPA at a firm in Clayton, Sharon had to trust whoever she hired to keep the project moving forward without much supervision. “I never in my wildest imagination thought that they could take what it was before and make it so beautiful and comfortable,” she said. “I expected it to be nice but they made it happen. They were easy to work with.”
Jeff met with Sharon to establish the scope of the project. The house was in rough shape and needed a complete overhaul. From there, Amanda and Sharon met to establish the look.
“We kept in mind how she would be using the home and her hopes for it once completed,” Amanda said. “It really was a diamond in the rough. With careful planning and lots of work, Sharon's Lake retreat turned into a truly special place.”
BEFORE
The house is small but mighty. It has 1,350 square feet that is now all usable living space. Originally it was two bedrooms but now has four. Sharon says when she was looking for a Lake home, she didn’t want anything big, but big enough.
The challenge was taking the existing space and making it everything Sharon wanted it to be, Amanda said. Older Lake homes come with many surprises during construction so wiring, plumbing and framework had to be redone. The Lake-facing side of the house was rotted and needed to be replaced which meant bringing in house jacks to secure the roofline. Old triangle windows were replaced with modern transoms and a 12-foot slider door takes advantage of the Lake view.
Decor is comfortable and relaxed with cushy seating, layered textiles, and interesting pieces, all while keeping it clean and airy. A mix of high and low-end pieces come from stores such as Crate and Barrel, Marshalls/Homegoods in Osage Beach, and even some accessories from Bear Market and Off the Hook. “I love searching for one-of-a-kind items that add something special to a home,” Amanda said. A couple of sentimental pieces that were important to Sharon, like this credenza located to the left of the fireplace, was incorporated into the design. For the fireplace, Amanda wanted to add a unique focal point. Jeff used a board and batten treatment on the top, added a stacked stone with colors that coordinate with the kitchen, and finished it with a douglas fir mantle.
A Secluded Community In the Heart of Four Seasons
Great Retirement Area
• Private Peaceful Community • High Quality Custom Homes • Limited Lots Available Now • Four Seasons Amenities • Central Sewer & Water • Half Acre Wooded Lots • Level Street & Driveways • No Through Traffic • Close to Dining, Shopping, & Hospital Call Linnea Osment
O: 573-216-0274 C: 573-434-4926
MODEL TOURS BY APPOINTMENT
The house was lightened up by using Sherwin Williams Snowbound, a versatile, creamy white paint, all over. The overall color scheme included light chalky blues, including a kitchen island in Sherwin Williams Stardew, natural wood tones, and pops of navy and peach. The flooring was kept light but added warmth and interest. A Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank provided the look and durability needed for a lakefront home.
The bathrooms both have a coastal feel, but have their own personality with fun vanities, lighting and tile selections. This space (right) was originally a closet for the master bedroom. After some reconfiguration it was turned into another functional bedroom.
The home has 100 feet of lakefront, a large dock and plenty of desk space for outdoor living during the summer. It has a fantastic view of the four mile marker. A new screen enclosure on the patio was made on the lower level. Just behind the door is an area that served as a storage space but was turned into a bunkroom. Everybody likes how private and quiet it is. (seen in middle photo, at right, on page 89)
HOME RESOURCE LIST
General Contractor: Jeff DeWit, 11 North Lumber: High Brothers Plumbing: CM Plumbing Electric: Mac's Electric Drywall: 11 North Heating & Cooling: Comfort Care Windows: High Brothers Insulation: 11 North Doors: High Brothers Interior Decorator: Amanda DeWit, 11 North Flooring: Richardson's Carpet in
Lebanon Lighting: Lowe's Shower Door: Lowe's Counter Tops: Mid Missouri Surfaces Cabinets (kitchen and bath): Kitchen was High Brothers, vanities are from
Lowe's Appliances: Lowe's Window Treatments: Blinds.com Painting /Finish work: 11 North Exterior Finish/Siding: Materials from
High Brothers, paint and installation by 11 North Roofing: 11 North Decking: High Brothers Dock: Rich's Dock Company Painters: 11 North
ABOUT THE CONTRACTORS
Jeff grew up with construction experience and always enjoyed fabrication and woodworking. He established 11 North in 2016 when he started managing construction projects, including new builds and remodeling.
The husband and wife team at 11 North specializes in whole-home remodels as well as providing full-service design.
Amanda, who worked in the private sector as a graphic designer joined the company full time in 2021.
“I threw myself into learning all I could about materials, finishes, flooring, fabrics and so much more,” Amanda said. “That happened because we quickly realized our customers needed help selecting materials that would not only update their space, but look great together while still coordinating with the rest of their home.”
Amanda’s mom is an interior painter and operated a bed and breakfast in her home growing up.
“I grew up going to job sites and keeping guest rooms beautiful,” she said. “Having the opportunity to build a business with my husband where our skills complement each other so perfectly has been so rewarding.”
BREAKFREE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO
Jeff and Amanda DeWit with their children Arley and June.
