WATER COLORS

THE SUMMER LIVING ISSUE

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ON THE LAKE Water Colors

Inspired by the view, shades of blue and white fill this recently completed waterfront home

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

LIGHT AND LIVABLE An all-white kitchen adheres to the couple’s desire for a clean, unfussy design. A geometric-shaped backsplash and bamboo barstools keep the look visually interesting, while glass-front cabinets give a place to display blue-and-white pieces, tying the room to the home’s overall palette. Quartz countertops are a durable option that will stand up to the wear and tear of family dinners and weekend gatherings.

aterfront homes have always been popular

Wfor their ability to offer an escape, and that was never more prized than last year when travel was limited. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that as 2020 played out, the owners of this newly built Hot Springs home on Lake Hamilton were looking for a getaway close to home—and fast. To make it happen, they turned to local design professionals Debi Davis of Debi Davis Interior Design and builder Doug Rodgers of Carriage Custom Homes.

“This house has a great plan for outdoor living— which is what everyone who builds on the lake wants. Even when you’re inside you can see the water and enjoy its beauty,” says Doug. He and his wife, Lain, have specialized in the Hot Springs area for more than a decade, he as a builder and she as a Realtor, selling both their spec homes and other lakeside properties. Their knowledge of the area helped them make this custom build a success on a tight schedule. The home was constructed and fully furnished in just five months, a feat even during a normal building climate. “I went every other weekend to see the progress in person,” Debi says. “And the Carriage team was amazing, calling and Facetiming me to keep the process going.”

While the timeline seemed to flow quickly and effortlessly, no detail was sacrificed. “We do high ceilings, vaults, and lots of windows in everything we build because it’s so great for the lake,” Doug says of the architectural features. Debi had worked with the couple on previous projects, which gave her a good sense of their style and allowed her to keep decisions moving when it came to building materials as well as furnishings. “They have grown children, grandchildren, and three dogs, so it needed to be comfortable and practical,” she says, noting family-proof fabrics and treated rugs are a constant throughout the house. “I don’t ever want people to feel like they can’t walk around or sit down on the furniture in my projects,” she adds.

“Here, the homeowner also said she didn’t want a design that was busy, busy,” Debi says, pointing to the restrained palette of blue and white. “This house is very cohesive, and there’s nothing dark or heavy about it.” The result is a retreat that feels as relaxing as it does airy and sophisticated, a perfect reflection of both the natural setting and those who are there to enjoy it.

“Dover White” by SherwinWilliams

The dining space adjoins the kitchen and looks out to the outdoor living area and the lake beyond. The traditional-style table and mirror are from Debi’s Reborn Relics line.

ROOM FOR A CROWD Since lake houses are often a gathering place for extended family as well as friends, it was key to have plenty of seating. Two sets of swivel chairs make it easy to converse with the cook in the kitchen, while a pair of oversized ottomans and stools provide additional seating for a crowd. The coffee table is from Reborn Relics and complements the dining room’s similar pieces that can be seen in the open floor plan.

“This is a great plan for outdoor living—which is what everyone who builds on the lake wants. Even when you’re inside you can see the water and enjoy its beauty.”

—Doug Rodgers, builder

With home offices currently a priority, Debi created a nook off the front entry with a sleek desk for returning emails and attending online meetings.

The outdoor kitchen has everything the homeowners need to make a meal on the patio, including a grill, prep sink, and wine fridge.

THE PLACE TO BE A covered patio offers protection from wind and rain as well as a comfortable spot for relaxing or entertaining. Outdoor furnishings from Serena & Lily carry a variation of the home’s palette to the space while lending a natural, light feel. A swing that hangs outside the master bedroom is a favorite spot to catch the afternoon breeze.

Twin beds and a lively Serena & Lily wallpaper create a fun guest room for the couple’s grandkids.

MASTER MIX “When you do tone-on-tone rooms, which I do a lot, you have to use a ton of texture to keep it interesting,” Debi says. Here, she points to the rustic vibe of the bedside tables alongside the casual chair fabric and more luxurious bedding. In the mornings, the homeowners can pull back the floor-to-ceiling drapes to reveal a view of the water.

In the master bath, a double walk-in shower, separate his-and-hers vanities, and a soaking tub are outfitted with fixtures and hardware in a current antique gold finish. Porcelain tile gives the look of marble and carries up the wall around the tub to act as a backsplash.

Design Resources BUILDER Doug Rodgers, Carriage Custom Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Debi Davis, Debi Davis Interior Design APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Amelia Ray, Carlley Riggan, Ashley Saer, and Laura Watts BEDDING, FABRICS, AND LIGHTING Debi Davis Interior Design CABINETRY AND MILLWORK Carriage Custom Homes FIXTURES Falk Plumbing Supply FLOORING AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock FURNITURE AND MIRRORS Debi Davis Interior Design and Reborn Relics Home PAINT Sherwin-Williams RUGS Debi Davis Interior Design and Martinous Oriental Rugs