Marble fireplace at Deer Lake with a lit fire and a fluted wood surround

Deer Lake Lakeside Retreat Renovation

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Deer Lake just north of Stillwater, over the river into Wisconsin, this stunning renovation transformed a gorgeous home into the ultimate summer sanctuary. The family needed additional space to accommodate frequent lakeside gatherings, so we designed and built a thoughtfully integrated two-story addition that extends their living experience.

View Gallery

Deer Lake

Kitchen Remodel & Addition

(Bar Lounge-Dining-Carriage House-Breezeway- Guest Suite-Bathroom-Deck-Boat House Rooftop)

The Addition: Where It All Comes Together

Removing the original screen porch and creating a new doorway into the existing living room opened up sightlines that make the space feel expansive and connected. Stepping through that threshold now welcomes you directly into a breathtaking dining room.

Exterior at Deer Lake showing the shingled garage wing and the main house across the driveway

Kitchen at Deer Lake with a vaulted white ceiling, exposed beams and a walnut island

The Dining Room is a showstopper, completely surrounded by windows that frame stunning lake views. We chose sophisticated dark green trim paired with lighter green walls to create a serene, nature-inspired atmosphere. A custom gas fireplace (without a screen for authentic warmth) anchors one end of the room, creating an inviting focal point. In the center sits a cozy conversation area where family and guests naturally gather.

The Bar is the coolest detail of the space. Featuring custom cabinetry with gorgeous vertical reeding, it's specifically designed to beautifully display the family's record collection. We chose playful pink grasscloth wallpaper as the backdrop, paired with elegant gold flower pendant lights that add a touch of sophistication and fun.

Bar corner at Deer Lake with pink walls, framed art and a record collection

Staircase at Deer Lake with a white railing and striped wallpaper

Primary bedroom at Deer Lake with a window seat, lounge chair and black beamed ceiling

The Second Level: Gateway to Relaxation

Upstairs reveals a charming breezway lined with fun plaid wallpaper and thoughtful trim details. This hallway is the connector. It leads to the stunning carriage house (which the family uses as a golf simulator lounge and hangout zone), serves as the main circulation hub, and provides access to a full guest bathroom.

The Guest Bathroom is where design playfulness meets elegance. We brought the home's coordinating pink and green color palette into this intimate space, paired with deep wood tones and custom cabinetry featuring the same beautiful reeding detail found throughout the addition.

The Guest Suite is pure luxury. Positioned to overlook the lake, this dreamy bedroom centers around a window bench that's perfect for morning coffee or evening reflection. Black vertical wood paneling creates drama, while a white shiplap vaulted ceiling with exposed beams keeps the space feeling open and airy.