We gave the layout a little twist: the stove now sits front and center on a curved island, echoing the swoop of the living room and mirrored again in the dining nook. A 21-foot, 2,700-pound steel beam opens the kitchen to the living room, wrapped in reclaimed wood to hide the heavy lifting—and give a subtle nod to the rustic mantel beam across the room.
A once-forgotten closet is now a glamorous pantry, complete with a custom brass vent that’s as stylish as it is functional. For the curved banquette, we smoothed the trim with continuous molding, pitched the ceiling just so, and opened up the space so that light and lake views can be enjoyed from every seat.
The result? A home that keeps its ornate charm but lives like a modern lakehouse should—open, bright, and effortlessly elegant. Clever details, thoughtful design, and a touch of engineering magic make this Muskego remodel the best seat in the house—for both the lake and the design.
