Text by Audra Shalles
Photography by Emilly Followill
Photography Styling by Holly Bryan and Erin Haraway

Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors was still putting the finishing touches on the Atlanta home of Brook Sutherlin and Andy Wardner when the couple purchased an additional property on Georgia’s scenic Lake Lanier. Though summer was only a few months away, they asked the interior designer if she would help renovate the three-level house within the short time frame so their family of five could enjoy the forthcoming sun-kissed season. Wasting no time, Liz pulled together a plan. “We amped everything up,” she says. Using the existing footprint of the abode, Liz launched into creating a polished yet playful retreat.

Since the dwelling was built in 1976, Liz endeavored to allow the home’s last-century spirit to shine amidst contemporary upgrades. Brook’s passion for color also significantly shaped stylistic choices, beginning with the side entry door painted a cheery green shade reminiscent of wild thyme. The verdant color carries into both the galley kitchen and an entryway thoughtfully configured to contain an eye-catching banquette intended for formal meals or days when inclement weather impels a retreat from another table positioned on the porch. A bespoke chandelier punctuates the tall ceilings, while a vibrant kilim rug below makes a soft spot for bare feet to land.

In the airy family room, large windows and doors that open onto a screened porch provide an abundance of light. “We left the angled balcony, which felt a little nautical,” says Liz of the redesign, but like the walls and fireplace, it received a facelift with white paint that allows colorful artwork and textiles to pop. “I love the mix,” Liz says of the fabrics and textured furnishings, which include a vintage-inspired peacock chair.

Found in the early stages of the remodel, framed antique bird prints by artist John Gould gave flight to inspiration for a dining nook that designer Liz Williams ingeniously carved out of the entry. A large dining table finished in ceruse oak anchors the area, while the custom blue banquette and French-style upholstered dining chairs exude an easy elegance.

The striking floral print adorning bedding in the primary suite provided a starting point when selecting patterns for the upholstered headboard, rug, and stylish ikat-clad slipper chairs. Like other furnishings in the house, the chairs are covered with performance fabrics, making them both durable and pet-friendly. An en suite bath benefited from a reconfiguration, allowing the tub to be placed beneath the window for relaxing soaks. Rather than leaving it white, Liz painted the exterior of the bathtub gray to mimic zinc. Luxurious wallpaper adds to the soothing ambiance. “It’s a small, subtle pattern to give it interest,” Liz says of the wallcovering. “We wanted to keep it soft and peaceful with the pretty wooded view.”

Upstairs, two bedrooms and a shared bath accommodate family members or guests. The classic American bicentennial color combination of red, white, and blue gives one room a more masculine feel, while sweet floral flourishes lend feminine charm to the other. In both, two full-size beds maximize sleeping space. Far below, the basement level is also outfitted with extra bunks and a full bath embellished by wallpaper appropriately adorned with retro boats and water skiers. Entertainment space abounds on this floor, and bifold iron doors fold back to frame a pristine lakeside vista, a sight that needs no changes to instill serenity, just as it has for half a century.

A spirited round of table tennis takes on an even more exhilarating dimension when played against the backdrop of such a spectacular outdoor view. In the event more space is needed, the homeowners simply slide it out of the way. Crafted by artist Stephanie Wheeler, a framed collage echoes the leafy landscape.

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