TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL

interior design:

Abigail Rizor, Wolfe-Rizor Interiors

cabinetry design:

Chris Druschel, S&W Kitchens

builder:

Darryl Hill, Michael Charles Homes

landscaper:

Andy Swanson, Signature Landscaping

photography:

Rickie Agapito

It was a dream assignment with one huge challenge — create an updated design aesthetic with all new furnishings and accessories, but on a tight timeline. “The clients had kids in high school, so they wanted them to enjoy living in the home before leaving for college. The project started as a remodel but soon morphed into an almost gut renovation because the owners wanted to do it right,” says designer Abigail Rizor, Wolfe-Rizor Interiors.

The 15,500-square-foot house was not taking advantage of its prime asset — expansive views of Lake Maitland. Rooms were small and closed off, but the potential was undeniable. The owners were familiar with Abigail’s work because they had tried to purchase another home on the lake she had done. When this one came on the market, they snapped it up.

“The schedule was the biggest challenge because we were doing this in the midst of the COVID supply chain drama. We really re-did everything — took down walls and changed the function of the rooms. When we first started, there was a tiny room when you first walked in with four chairs, but you didn’t see the lake. Right next to that was another room that was a small den. What was so spectacular about the house was the gorgeous views of Lake Maitland. So, we opened it all up and put in much larger windows. The overall goal was to see as much of the lake as possible,” she explains. And the massive makeover was completed in a year.

Top: THE FORMAL LIVING ROOM’S FOCAL POINT IS ENORMOUS PORCELAIN BOOKMATCHED SLABS SURROUNDING THE FIREPLACE AND EXTENDING TO THE CEILING. “THE GREAT THING ABOUT PORCELAIN IS THAT IT’S NOT AS HEAVY AS MARBLE OR QUARTZ,” ABIGAIL SAYS.

Top: THE BAR WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO BE MUCH LARGER BUT WITH THE LIVING ROOM OPENED UP, A SMALLER BAR WAS DEEMED MORE APPROPRIATE. IT STILL HAS AN ICEMAKER, WINE COOLER AND REFRIGERATED DRAWERS. THE STANDOUT FEATURE IS THE ARCHED, MIRRORED GLASS AND MESH CABINET DOORS.

Right: IN THE DINING ROOM THERE IS DETAILED WAINSCOTTING AND GRASS CLOTH ON THE WALLS. THE LIVE EDGE TABLETOP RESTS ON AN ACRYLIC PEDESTAL.

On page 47: THE TOTALLY REMODELED KITCHEN NOW HAS AN ADDED PREP AREA BEHIND IT WITH AN UPHOLSTERED SWINGING DOOR. DETAILS INCLUDE THE VERY CUSTOM CABINETRY DESIGNED BY CHRIS DRUSCHEL, S&W KITCHENS, WITH “X” MULLIONS, A MIRRORED CHROME HOOD AND SHIPLAP ACCENTS. THE UNUSUAL INSTALLATION OF MULTIPLE PENDANTS CLEVERLY CAMOUFLAGES THE FACT THAT THE HOOD IS NOT EXACTLY CENTERED ON THE WALL. THE COUNTER BAR ACCOMMODATES FIVE STOOLS, AND THE SEATING AREA IS DESIGNED FOR A CROWD. EVERYTHING HAS AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW OF THE LAKE.

Originally built in the early 2000s, the house was traditional in style and the clients yearned for a more transitional approach that incorporated their casual lifestyle and penchant for entertaining. Now, the open floor plan provides the functional spaces they need in a more modern, streamlined manner. That did not mean skimping on the details though as extensive moldings and woodwork were incorporated throughout. And even though the overall color palette is soft and muted, the textures and fixtures add elements of dimension and interest.

“These clients were great to work with and were very open to our ideas,” Abigail adds. The total transformation is a testament to highly honed skills, cohesive and collaborative teamwork, and a bit of perseverance.

Opposite, top: THE COLORS GOT A LITTLE BOLDER AND BRIGHTER IN THE GAME ROOM IN KEEPING WITH THE ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE THERE.

Opposite, bottom: ONE DAUGHTER’S BEDROOM, THE FORMER PRIMARY SUITE, INCLUDES A SITTING AREA WITH A FIREPLACE AND A BALCONY.

This page, top left: THE SERENE PRIMARY BEDROOM IS NOW ON THE FIRST FLOOR WITH A NEW ZEN GARDEN OUTSIDE.

Top right: ONE OF THE BATHROOMS FEATURES SOFT GRAY CABINETRY WITH A PATTERNED FLOOR.

Middle: IN THE GUEST HOUSE, THE LIVING AREA IS FILLED WITH COMFORTABLE FURNISHINGS AND STRIKING ART.

Bottom: A SPA ATMOSPHERE WAS CREATED IN THE PRIMARY BATH WITH A FREESTANDING TUB, FLOOR-TO-CEILING TILEWORK IN THE SHOWER, AND CLEAN-LINED WHITE CABINETRY.