Text by Holly Seng
Step inside Lynn and Randy Coleman’s charming camp, located a mere 15 minutes from their home in Florence, Alabama, and you’ll instantly find yourself captivated by striking waterfront views. In fact, it’s the dreamy screened-in porch, which showcases the picturesque lake scene, that spearheaded the home’s redesign, as Lynn sought to create a well-deserved retreat for her workaholic husband to enjoy.
The Colemans came across the cabin by chance 25 years ago, and once they toured the property, they knew it was the perfect getaway for them to enjoy with their son, Kelly. “We kept it the way it was for about 13 years,” notes Lynn. “Then, we decided that we wanted to have a screened porch, and that’s where it all exploded.”
Teaming up with Birmingham-based architect Cherri Pitts of Studio C Architecture & Interiors, the couple not only achieved their desired addition, but the home’s existing layout was reworked to capitalize on the view. “I hit them with some bold moves,” recalls Cherri. “But the camp had such an interesting space with vaulted ceilings, and we were able to make some adjustments to the secondary spaces that made it work for entertaining.”
Perhaps the biggest project they tackled was creating the front entry, which had previously been a bathroom. Early on, they serendipitously discovered the presence of vaulted ceilings featuring pine paneling that had previously been hidden. Board-and-batten walls painted a crisp white guide guests down the hallway into the main living space, all while intentionally keeping the view front and center. “On the lake and porch side, it’s all glass—windows and doors,” says Cherri. “So, even while sitting in the living room or cooking in the kitchen, you’re looking through the screened porch to the spectacular lake view.”
Lynn put her background in interior design to work, taking the lead when it came to the furnishings. The open-concept living room and kitchen offer a warm welcome as soothing earth tones ground white walls and cabinets. A trio of French doors directs attention to the expansive screened-in porch that houses an additional living space as well as an area for dining. Upholstered pieces lend comfort while an abundance of woven accessories—from chairs and baskets to light fixtures and a sisal rug—captures the home’s nature-inspired muse.
A pair of Dutch doors, original to the home, leads to the primary suite, where a gorgeous coverlet in a rich brown hue balances the ethereal feel of the room. A lumbar pillow featuring a citron green print ties in with the abstract landscape hanging above the bed. Nestled beneath the window, a cozy window seat overlooks the water.
The exterior saw its fair share of changes as well, with a lower-level porch and a potting shed that was reimagined into an entertaining station fit for any and all outdoor gatherings. Bistro lights strung across the pergola ensure alfresco dinners can last well beyond the sunset.
With stylish settings both indoors and out, there’s no shortage of relaxing locales for the Colemans to take in the marvelous views of the lake. “We love it all,” says Lynn. “In the cool fall, we love to be around the firepit; and then in the early mornings, we love to be [downstairs] in a rocking chair with a cup of coffee and a Diet Coke. We use it all and love every bit of it.”
