Log cabins tend to be dark. It is just often a reality when the space is wood; the inside tends to be moody. That is what Sam Wotring and Nicole Ray were expecting before they stepped within this 1920s log cabin on a calm lake nearby Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boy, were they wrong.
As a previous homeowner utilized a superlight grey paint to cover every log surface within the home, such as the vaulted wood-plank ceiling, the distance is far from dark. “We were so surprised by how light and airy it was inside, so enchanting and quaint,” Ray says. Meanwhile, vivid colors and original art — Ray is an illustrator and artist — further lighten the space, as do vintage chandeliers that hang in every area.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Sam Wotring and Nicole Ray
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Size: Around 1,600 square feet; two bedrooms, 11/2 baths
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The light grey paint covering the ceiling and logs produce an unexpectedly bright and airy inside. Floor markings leave clues that past owners had opened up three small bedrooms and bathrooms to create larger living spaces. The homeowner who had painted the inside also left all of the vintage chandeliers.
Ray built the side sofa table at the main living space with a wooden cage from her grandfather and thighs from Hairpin Legs.
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The home is on a former golf course, and Ray and Wotring found that it once provided summer housing for golf caddies. The couple now refers to the home since the “The Caddy Shack.”
Wotring built the sliding door and worked with a local fabricator to make the hardware and slipping track.
Door paint: New Born’s Eyes, Benjamin Moore
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2 10- by 10-foot caddie bunk rooms became one 10-by-20 principal bedroom.
Jeff Jones Snap It Photography
“The fireplace is one of my favorite items in the home,” says Ray. “It’s original to the home and is rumored to be the largest fireplace around the lake,” she states.
The coffee table was passed down from Wotring’s grandmother.
Rug: Green at Heart Rug, Etsy; sofa: Henry, West Elm; green sofa, armchair: Newton Furniture; throw pillows: Robin Cottage, Etsy
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Worktables: Norden; bookcase: Expedit; red drawer component: Helmer (all from Ikea)
Jeff Jones Snap It Photography
According to floor markings, the couple believes there utilized to be a 6-foot-long wall or half wall that ran through the center of the present office area, maybe to shut off a dining room.
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Lights over mattress: Krämare, Ikea; gray blanket: Pendleton Windowpane, Lands’ End; art: “Whale Rider,” Nicole Ray
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Wotring’s work area would be to the best of the kitchen in the living room. His desk is a vintage drafting table; the Hoosier cupboard was a family heirloom given to Wotring by his stepdad.
The lobster block-printed wall hanging is from The Sarah Elizabeth Shop at Rockport, Massachusetts.
Chairs: Franklin, Ikea
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Art of the Excellent Lakes by Marcy Davy of All Things Grow decorates the half wall dividing the kitchen from the living area. A Insufficient Ikea shelf exhibits whiskey. The butcher block table was another family heirloom passed down to the couple.
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“When we moved in, we wanted to do something new with all the kitchen floor,” says Ray. “The ceramic tile was worn out, however, a complete renovation wasn’t in our budget.” After doing some online research, the few painted above the tile with garage-floor paint. After performing two coats of primer, then they painted stripes through the hall and into the bathroom.
Paint: Behr premium one-part epoxy concrete floor paint in White Base and Silver Gray, Home Depot
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A skylight, open yellow painted cabinets and also a wood beam pot stand contribute into the open, airy feel of the home.
Jeff Jones Snap It Photography
This Winans Lake embroidery art, which hangs in the kitchen on an idea plank, was custom made for Ray from Amy Cronkite of My Marigold. The heart marks where the couple lives on the lake.
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Ray’s grandmother photographed her kitchen window at 1936. The shooter now hangs between the kitchen windows here.
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The dining area faces Winans Lake and leads out to a deck.
Dining table: Bjursta, Ikea; carpeting: West Elm
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Ray made this nook near the entry where she ships and packs her art.
Rug: Downtown Home & Garden; Michigan squirrel plate: Martha Bishop, Lazy Gal; birds plate: Janae Easton, Playpus File; art by sloeginfizz on Etsy: Seahorse Nursery, Fox in Sox, Wild Spring Ride, Turtle Flight
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Ray painted the goldfish piece, now in the guest bedroom.
Plush squid: Amber Adams, Woolly Mammoth Designs
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Rug: Emmie, Ikea; lush creature: Frankenstitch Productions
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The owners installed this tiny claw-foot bathtub.
Cabinet, stool, shelving, curtains, rug: Ikea
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Mirror paint: Dry Bouquet, True Worth; wall-mounted lights: Lowe’s; embroidered anchor, paper airplane: From J. Loo to You
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Ray relaxes in her area. Behind her is a gallery wall showcasing work from her mother, like the ’70s bird crewelwork from a kit, also from other artists.
Tree art: The Artisan’s Bench; woodpecker in trousers: Pillbug Designs; fox: Stephanie Salamone; screen-print of a woman: Kristine Virsis, Just Seeds Artists Cooperative
Jeff Jones Snap It Photography
Jeff Jones Snap It Photography
The log cabin community is built around Winans Lake, which is motor free for quiet and peace.
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