The lively interiors of a lakefront North Carolina retreat reflect the joy of the family and friends who vacation here.
When the Anderson family stumbled upon this 1970s cottage on North Carolina’s scenic Lake Norman, about an hour from their Wilkesboro home, there was an instant connection. “The view is absolutely priceless,” homeowner and designer Erin Anderson says.
The Andersons went years without changing a thing, but eventually decided on a remodel to gain space to entertain. They doubled the footprint of the kitchen and converted a screened porch into a bunkroom for their three daughters, freeing up bedrooms for visitors.
Since it was a vacation home, Erin chose bright, whimsical patterns and fresh colors that blend with with chinoiserie accents as well as distinctive artwork—all by Southern female artists. “Filling our spaces with art we love is always a priority,” she says.
Charming works displayed in the heart of the home represent exactly what this dwelling means to the Andersons: a place to gather with loved ones. “It’s designed to be a space to entertain, welcome friends, and spend time together as a family,” Erin says.
The living room’s wood beams flow into the kitchen, bringing depth to the smaller space and coordinating with the open shelving. “I knew immediately that is what I wanted and what would work best in the limited space we had,” Erin says. “I love that the open shelves make my antique dish collection look like art.”
Delightful color and décor that play into the joy of lakeside living make for a vibrant dining and bar area. A cozy banquette in a neutral contemporary fabric pairs well with more lively pillows and chair cushions.
Blue-and-white undertones flourish, hinting at the waterfront locale. The bar was a part of the home’s remodel—as was its icemaker, a must-have for Erin’s affinity for entertaining.
The renovation also freed up rooms for guests like this serene space with a crisp white foundation, enlivened with fun notes of color that appear in bolder fashion throughout the home. Visitors can take in the glorious view on Adirondack chairs on the porch.
Don’t miss our delicious recipes, party ideas for every occasion, and seasonally themed special issues! Subscribe to Southern Lady today!
