Big-city living comes with plenty of perks, but postage-size plots, nonstop traffic, and hour-long waits at restaurants aren’t among them. That’s why a Dallas couple jumps in their car for the hour-and-20-minute drive to Lake Athens most weekends. Upon arrival at their 2,200-square-foot house, they immediately experience a wave of peace, followed by excitement for upcoming boat rides and catfish dinners at the local Boathouse Bar & Grill.
When the couple purchased the 1980s property back in 2017 for their family of five (and, hopefully, future grandkids), they recruited Dallas-based designer Shannon Bowers to turn the dated farmhouse into a beautiful lakeside retreat packed with modern-day amenities. While the husband loves spending time outdoors—playing tennis, going out on the boat, and taking in the views from the porches—his wife is much more interested in the great indoors. “That’s why the interiors needed to feel feminine and collected—that’s who she is,” says Shannon.
Before she could assemble her signature mix of one-of-a-kind finds scored from endless online searches and out-and-about hunts, Shannon turned to the rest of the design team to bring old-school charm to the well-built but lackluster structure. Architect Daniel Heath designed a Lueders Roughback limestone foundation, added ample porch space, and devised a better—and brighter—layout inside, including new dormer windows and a wall of windows lining the great room. “We basically flooded the house with natural light and views of the lake,” says Daniel.
Shannon worked with builder Matt Cain of Tatum Brown Custom Homes and a number of skilled craftsmen to then layer in an abundance of timeless materials, including antique oak floors and freshly milled shiplap for cabinets, walls, and ceilings. “The craftsmanship makes this place a jewel box,” says Matt.
Storied Willow Furniture
On a shopping trip in Texas Hill Country, Shannon stumbled across this willow furniture made by the storied Wimberley, Texas, artisan John Massey. John had quite the reputation with star-studded fans, from U.S. presidents to country music stars.
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Soft Layers
After new shiplap was added to the walls and ceiling, Shannon layered soft colors and patterns from the ground up. “The beautiful antique rug is a forgiving pattern grounded with brown and substantial enough to take whatever lake life brings,” she says. An old-world-style print brings country charm to the skirted sofa. In the corner, a 19th-century cabinet holds an antique miniature chair collection.
How Clever is That! To disguise the television screen, Shannon sourced two framed sets of vintage herbaria and asked a cabinetmaker to encase them and hinge the outer edges. Pull open at the middle, and you're ready for game day or a movie marathon.
Get the Look:
Wall & Ceiling Paint Color: Clunch by Farrow & Ball
Antique Rug: For similar, Carol Piper Rugs
Skirted Sofa Print: “Jammu” by Jasper from Michael Smith Inc.
Gallery Wall Games
To keep the family-friendly basement “young and happy,” Shannon gathered a mix of vintage items for a lighthearted gallery wall. Blue ladder-back chairs surround an old farm table that welcomes rounds of poker and Monopoly, while an antique verdigris rooster stands tall to make sure everything stays aboveboard.'
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Colors That Calm
Painted a soothing greenish-gray to complement the surroundings, the cabinetry’s grooved doors and drawer fronts with bronze latches and bail pulls give the airy kitchen an elevated farmhouse look. Rather than the standard upper and lower layout, a floor-to ceiling built-in cabinet mimics the opposite side’s paneled refrigerator to create calming visual symmetry.
Get the Look:
Cabinet Paint Color: French Gray by Farrow & Ball
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Luxe Looks
The kitchen’s 8-foot by 4-foot island’s Crema Marfil Coto honed marble top may look luxe, but it’s also very durable and ready to handle busy weekend traffic. “It’s all meant to be used and enjoyed without worry,” says Shannon. The tan checked curtains add softness and help frame the outside view.
Get the Look:
Curtain Fabric: “Small Check” by Chelsea Textiles
Feminine Florals
In the basement’s narrow guest room, a row of train-style bunks with built-in nooks and petite sconces maximizes space, while bedding inspired by vintage block-print fabric and Indian cotton saris adds pretty pattern.
Get the Look:
Sari-Inspired Pillows: For similar, Jeanette Farrier
A Vintage Collection
In the primary bedroom, a collection of vintage flower paintings flanks the iron bed outfitted with floral bedding. Shannon estimates she looked through hundreds of oil paintings on Chairish to find just the right pieces, many of which she reframed.
Get the Look:
Floral Bedding Fabric: “Izzy Green” by Jane Shelton
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Chippy Charm
Sourced from Atlanta’s Foxglove Antiques & Galleries, the antique dresser-turned-marble-topped vanity brings a weathered warmth to the powder room. (The crystal sconces and mirror are also antique.) The botanical wallpaper has a feminine, painterly feel, while a tiny horn lamp adds a homey touch.
Get the Look:
Wallpaper: “Beech” from Lewis and Wood
RELATED: More Inspiring Ways to Use Wallpaper in a Bathroom
