Designer Q&A
Interior Designer Paige Sumblin Schnell Talks Lake House Style
As the owner of Rosemary Beach, Florida-based Tracery Interiors, designer Paige Sumblin Schnell has brought her comfortable, sophisticated style to homes across the South, and especially around lakes in Alabama — including Lake Martin (pictured). Here, she shares a few of her favorite picks and tips for decorating a beautiful and worry-free lake retreat.
What three words would you use to describe the perfect lake house? Relaxing, inviting, rustic-modern charm. That was more than three!
Favorite paint color: Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore. (see image of color as drop out)
Go-to fabric: Basic linen is a lake house must.
Furniture favorite: A big old dining table. The table can truly be old or made out of old wood. Texture and comfort are key to creating a beautiful lake house.
Favorite shopping source for lake house style: Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta.
Best trick for a living room that holds up to lake house traffic: Mix old found objects and furniture in places such as the coffee table so fun can be had without worrying about the furniture. Plus, it adds layers of texture to a room.
In the kitchen, you’ll always find … Counter stools and places to gather and hang out. We’ve heard it a million times but it still rings true: The kitchen is the heart of the home.
Modern or rustic? Somewhere in between is my favorite spot. As in this Lake Martin project, I like to pair clean and modern upholstery and draperies with rustic wood and antiques.
Material favorites: Raw wood and galvanized metal.
Porch-sitting: wicker or teak? Both. A matching set is too sterile for the lake, so I say mix it up.
A lake house isn’t complete without … A rack for hanging hats, towels, etc. Always remember it is a “lake” house.
What’s best left in the city? Electronics. Escape, read in a great chair, take a boat ride at sunset, and enjoy dinner on the screened porch … that is the lake.
Click below for more photos of this stunning lake home.
Styling and photography credit: Designed by Paige Sumblin Schnell, Tracery Interiors; Photos by Jean Allsopp; Portrait by Sheila Goode
