Sometimes, the right location makes all the difference—but the house itself needs a little reimagining to truly shine. That was the case with our clients’ home on Lake Kiowa. Nestled on the water with stunning views, the property was ideal, but the layout and finishes didn’t reflect their lifestyle. After a flood in the kitchen pushed their timeline forward, they decided it was the perfect moment to bring their vision to life.

This modern lakehouse remodel wasn’t just about repairing damage; it was about creating a functional, stylish, family-friendly home designed for hosting, gathering, and enjoying lake life to the fullest. With their love of midcentury modern design and bold, high-contrast details, this renovation gave them everything they dreamed of: a home that feels both beautifully designed and built for real life.

Before the remodel, this Lake Kiowa home was full of potential, but the layout and finishes were holding it back. The kitchen was one of the biggest challenges: narrow walkways and limited countertop space made it feel cramped, especially when hosting. The entryway felt tight as well, which impacted first impressions and the flow into the main living areas. With friends and family often gathering by the lake, the homeowners wanted spaces that could accommodate entertaining while feeling open and welcoming.

Storage was another major issue. The laundry area was in a tight space under the stairs and had limited functionality. Meanwhile, an attached storage area off the home wasn’t being used to its full potential, leaving valuable square footage wasted. The master closet also lacked efficiency, offering limited storage solutions.

Aesthetically, the home didn’t reflect the owners’ style. They envisioned a bold, high-contrast look with moody tones and midcentury modern influences, but the existing interiors felt flat and outdated. At the same time, durability was a must; between kids, guests, and lake living, the finishes needed to be as tough as they were beautiful.

In short, the home’s location was perfect, but its functionality and personality fell short. This remodel was about unlocking the potential of every square foot, including expanding the front of the house to create more space for the entry and kitchen and transforming the unused attached storage into a dedicated laundry room, while creating a home that truly felt like “them.”

Our goal was to give this lakehouse a thoughtful transformation, celebrating our clients’ love of bold, midcentury modern design while making every room more functional, durable, and efficient. During the renovation, we focused on reconfiguring spaces, improving flow, and selecting materials that would stand up to daily life while achieving the dramatic look our clients envisioned.

Kitchen Expansion & Remodel

To open up the heart of the home, we expanded the front of the house, creating additional square footage for the entry and kitchen. This allowed for a more efficient layout, improved work zones, and better flow for entertaining. We installed custom white oak cabinets stained in Minwax True Black, Fab Stone Elements 3cm Calacatta Caldia honed quartz countertops, a Patara 3D hex green mosaic backsplash, and a Blanco Precis sink in Truffle, all selected for durability and ease of maintenance.

Bathroom Renovations

Both bathrooms received careful updates to improve function and style. In the hall bath, we installed 2.5×16 matte black wall tile, a patterned black-and-gray deco niche, and a black penny tile floor. A Swan-patterned wallpaper from Spoonflower added texture and interest. In the master bathroom, we updated countertops, paint, and storage solutions in the closet, enhancing usability while keeping the existing layout mostly intact.

Functional Additions

Functionality was a top priority. We enclosed an attached storage area to create a new laundry room, giving the family a dedicated, organized space for daily routines. Built-in cabinets under the stairs added valuable hidden storage. Barn doors with hidden guides in the master bedroom provided privacy without interrupting clean modern lines. Throughout the home, black-on-black Pella Impervia windows were installed to enhance energy efficiency and complement the high-contrast palette.

Flooring & Finishes

We installed Allen + Roth Pensacola Brown 6×36 porcelain wood-look tile throughout the main living areas to create continuity and durability. Trim, paint, and other finishes were carefully selected to tie the home together while meeting the practical needs of a family-friendly space.

During this phase, our focus was on solving functional challenges, implementing durable solutions, and executing a design that honored the client’s vision, setting the stage for a stunning final result.

The result of this Modern Lakehouse home renovation is a home that finally lives up to its location. The kitchen is now a showstopper, ideal for entertaining and everyday family life. The dramatic black-and-white design feels bold yet timeless, while natural textures bring warmth and depth.

Bathrooms now reflect the homeowners’ love of high-contrast design, with functional updates that make everyday routines easier. Added storage and the new laundry room make the home more practical, while updated finishes and windows create a polished, modern look throughout.

This project shows that you don’t need to move to find your dream home. With the right remodeling contractor, you can transform the house you already love, unlocking new possibilities right where you are.

Project Materials & References :

D E T A I L S :

Countertops – Fab Stone Elements 3cm Calacatta Caldia honed
Kitchen Sink – Blanco in Truffle
Kitchen Backsplash – Patara 3D Hex Mosaik Green 2” (ProSource)
Floor Tile – Allen + Roth Pensacola Brown 6×36 Porcelain Wood-Look Tile
Hall Bathroom Wallpaper – Art Deco Swans – 12″ – Cream on Black
Fridge- GE Cafe
Shower Wall and Above Vanity Tile- 2.5 x 16 matte black tile (Floor & Decor)
Shampoo Niche Tile – 8×8 black and gray deco tile (Floor & Decor)
Shower Floor Tile – Black penny tile (Floor & Decor)

P A I N T :

Walls – Sherwin Williams Pure White
Bedroom Walls – Sherwin Williams Grays Harbor
Ceiling, Trim, and Doors – Sherwin Williams Extra White
Window Trim and Stair Risers – Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black