Second Homes
WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER
A well-designed home can host all of the function a family requires. In this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home, designed by Paul Maki, AIA, Nor-Son created welcoming spaces to support the owners and their family at work and at play.
From the kitchen to the office, fine hardwood finishes and thoughtful, efficient design ensure the right mix of functionality and comfort. Custom Crystal cabinets in the state-of-the-art kitchen neatly complement high-end appliances. The office is configured for business; the craft room caters to work of a different kind.
Two fireplaces offer cozy warmth, and the outdoor stone patio is a perfect spot to unwind. The lower level is fully equipped for play, recreating the energy and excitement of a sports pub with a genuine wood bar and billiard table. An exercise room makes a trip to the gym as easy as stepping downstairs. And a heated, tuck-under garage for boat and equipment storage provides convenient storage for everything this family needs to enjoy recreation on the lake.
Nor-Son, Inc.
nor-son.com
TIPS AND TRENDS
Photo by Nelson Lumber & Home, Inc.
Nelson Lumber and Home, based in Hayward, Wis., builds vacation homes throughout northwest Wisconsin. Pat Block, Nelson Lumber design technician, shares a few observations and suggestions:
Craftsman is the new chalet. “We’ve seen a shift in design towards a Craftsman-style home” rich in interior and exterior detail Block says, adding that until recently, the predominant style in the region was chalet-style homes.
Say goodbye to stairs. Second home design is trending away from multiple levels. “We’re seeing more of a sprawling design, where a home is going to have the majority of its features on one level,” Block says.
The garage as a guesthouse. The garage at the lake is no longer just a place to park the car or boat—many are being designed with finished sleeping quarters tucked under the roof.
Do your homework. For a successful project, Block suggests interviewing builders and designers and establishing a good working relationship and trust before the contract phase. Also, he says, don’t take verbatim everything you see on TV: If you pick up an idea from your favorite show, talk to your builder or designer how that idea might apply to your project and be open to suggestions.
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