A well-designed home tells the story of its owners. The colors and furnishings, the art and decorative objects create a narrative, unfolding in chapters. For this family, their home speaks of a life on the water.
Every inch of their Northern Michigan vacation home feels like a private club for the sporty yachting set. The interiors are crisp and comfortable with each decorative object carefully selected to complete the story of sailing ships and homeward bound crew. Rooms gleam with bright white walls and ceilings, broad windows to capture natural light, deep sofas and chairs, and plenty of natural elements native to the region. Each room is adorned with a fascinating selection of nautical accouterments: model ships of every size and variety, sailing flags and trophies, a brass binnacle and authentic ship’s wheel make a definitive statement about the passions of the homeowners. Classic blue and white is a perfect choice for the sunny family rooms while the “captain’s quarters” plays off the yacht club theme incorporating the red of nautical signal flags. An elegant bathroom features a classic deep blue drawn from the burgee of the British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club.
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Image courtesy of The Cottage Company 
Images courtesy of The Cottage Company
The design theme takes a surprising twist upon entering the wood paneled sitting room adjacent to the expansive wine cellar. The floor evokes the deck of a vintage mahogany lake cruiser while the leather chesterfield sofas invite guests to linger over wine and conversation.
This home was designed and built by The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs Michigan. A multi-generational family business, The Cottage Company was founded by Rob and Vee Mossberg who bring their love of coastal interiors and sustainable building practices to the shores of Lake Michigan. A perusal of the company’s portfolio reveals a focus on timeless design and welcoming, family-friendly spaces. The company manages the entire process from design to construction, to decorating. With numerous design awards to their credit, their reputation as a best-in-class home builder is well-established.
This article appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of Lakeshore Magazine. Read the full issue here.
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