Life at the lake evokes images of relaxation and lots of fun, punctuated by ease. And if finding and decorating that lake house is easy as well, then all the better. Designer Mark Kennamer, who grew up on Lake Guntersville, was always interested in a lake house but wasn’t in serious pursuit when one basically fell in his lap. “Jason and I weren’t exactly looking, but friends decided to sell their Smith Lake house and asked if we were interested, ” says Mark. “I had decorated the place, so naturally I was very familiar with it and the neighborhood. It really was a no-brainer.”
The house, located in Silver Rock Cove, is one of only 94 homes in the development, which appealed to Mark and Jason. Additionally, the community includes a marina and two swimming pools. Once the pair purchased the house, they began the process of changing it up a bit to suit their tastes.
The stained pine walls were painted white, instantly brightening the rooms, and the kitchen cabinets received a smart glossy blue makeover. “I really approached every decision with comfort in mind, and I didn’t want anything too formal, ” says Mark. The main living room’s blue-and-white palette also brought a fresh look to the space. “It does have a bit of a coastal attitude, which appeals to Jason since he grew up in Mobile, ” says Mark. The space has lots of seating options for entertaining, and many pieces are upholstered in practical but pretty Sunbrella fabrics and even lake-friendly vinyl. While the living room has some sophisticated notes, the original pine floors and painted shiplap walls impart a cottage feel, keeping the house grounded in its lakeside location.
For his bedroom, Mark left color behind and embraced a neutral scheme with a statement-making iron canopy bed. The windows, dressed in sheer panels, soften and contribute to the soothing atmosphere. Jason’s bedroom leans masculine, anchored by a rich paisley Schumacher wallpaper that inspired the rest of the choices in the room. “I held on to a sample of that wallpaper for 20 years waiting for the perfect place to use it, ” says Mark. “Although it had been discontinued, there were enough rolls left to do the job.” A handsome striped Brunschwig & Fils fabric makes up the tall custom headboard, while the bedding is from Pottery Barn. “It really is a mix of high/low throughout the rooms, ” says Mark.
Now that the home reflects their style, Mark and Jason enjoy hosting neighborhood gatherings, especially in the fall while watching Auburn football. “We welcome the escape here, and we’ve made many friends at the lake, ” says Mark. “We tend to hang out in each other’s homes with everyone taking turns hosting.” Just one more easy aspect of lake life.
RESOURCES
Interior design: Mark Kennamer • 205.413.6976 markkennamerdesign.com Architect: Louis Nequette Nequette Architecture and Design nequette.com Kitchen cabinet paint color: Benjamin Moore ‘Hale Navy’ benjaminmoore.com Rugs: Hiltz-Lauber • 205.879.0039 hiltzlauber.com Hardwoods: furniture: MCJ Co Interiors • 205.458.2700
