[From the 2024 Holiday Magazine]
When you look, you find love all around a special home in the Southern Adirondacks.
Originally built in the mid-1970s, but when purchased in 2021, this well-loved 1,121 sq. ft. home carried decades of designs past.
Beginning in January, the turquoise carpeting, linoleum flooring, popcorn ceilings, Formica countertops, and dark, rustic furnishings were removed and replaced with new light - in a miracle makeover that was ready by Memorial Day.
The relaxing atmosphere of this two-bedroom, two-bath lakeside retreat promotes balance and harmony in a place where new traditions take shape.
Because the existing porch windows blocked the view, it was impossible to see how incredible it really was. That is, until Eric and Matt Henry of E & H Custom Remodeling worked their magic. By removing the sliders that shuttered the porch off from the rest of the house, they added space to the living area and further exposed that vivid view.
Creating an ideal spot for soaking in the natural beauty of the lakeside locale. Now, sitting back in an overstuffed chair, there’s a clear view of the sunrise glistening off the water as foxes, deer, and even baby bear cubs frolic near the forests’ edge. In a cool, comfortable complement to the creamy, neutral palette, Angela Pachal, Owner of Deck Your Halls NY, dresses the picture windows in a garland of frosty evergreen stems, milky poinsettias, glittery golds, and douses of blue.
With its abundance of recessed lighting, the great room befits a runaway for the brightest star, while dual control panels empower a more intimate atmosphere (when desired) in the dining and living areas.
Luminescent trees, rich with ribbon, golden fronds, and snowy baubles enhance the festive atmosphere.
Large, showy hydrangea, magnolias, and roses add a touch of natural romance to the dark dining table, while fun snowflake placemats introduce a bit of playfulness to the elegant array.
To find just the right holiday theme to suit a space, whether residential or commercial, Angela looks to what her client already loves.
Here, her inspiration came from that spectacular view!
In a “happy accident” the glowing bits of brass sprinkled throughout the space create harmony for the eye, balancing the dark tiled wood-burning fireplace (which is offset to allow for the chimney flue from the condo below to stretch to the sky).
Sophisticated quartz countertops grace the custom cabinets with enough storage to stash away holiday décor in the warmer months. A hearty dose of plush throws and holiday pillows make curling up on the couch extra-inviting.
Falling for the cozy feel, the holidays here are all about stocking the fridge with easy favorites from the local market and watching classics like “The Christmas Story” and “Love Actually” with a bowl of popcorn, a mug of spiced cider, or a cup of eggnog with a dash of rum.
Where today is a restful retreat, lies the story of a home built on faith.
Taking shape during the pandemic, this was a project that, in addition to experiencing substantial shipping delays, involved constructing a new galley kitchen, renovating the bath, adding heating and cooling updates, and element upgrades (including the refinement of Karastan flooring) along the way - inflating the renovation’s budget, like a Grinch’s heart, to three times it’s original size.
Serendipitously, it was finished in the nick of time.
Now, this divine space is filled with peace, happiness, and joy.
In the bedroom, the drama of royal blues and dark greys is softened by fuzzy, velvety texture and kisses of champagne golds.
In a sanctuary like this, one just might catch sight of the still moon’s twinkling light while drifting off to sleep on a cold winter’s night.
May all your days be happy and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.