Designed by Kate Marker Interiors and photographed by Margaret Rajic, this Wisconsin cottage grew from a rental property into a deeply personal retreat. What unfolds is a playful, vintage-inspired take on lake living shaped by collected details and layers of cozy charm. The home reflects an atmosphere of ease and intimacy, where thoughtful design choices invite connection and comfort.
From Kate Marker Interiors… When we discovered this 700-square-foot cottage in Williams Bay, just an hour from our home in Barrington, we saw incredible potential. The location was perfect – walkable to local restaurants, the farmers market, and just steps from the lake – but the real draw was the opportunity to create something special for our family. What started as plans for a vacation rental quickly evolved into a deeply personal project as we fell in love with every detail we added.
The design celebrates cottage lake living with a playful, vintage-inspired aesthetic that feels both collected and intentional. We wanted to honor the home’s original charm while maximizing every inch of the now 1,400-square-foot space (including the lower level and addition). One of my favorite elements is the river rock fireplace. We used stone that was already on the property, creating a cohesive thread from the front pathway to the interior.
The kitchen became another standout moment with its rich green cabinetry and walnut tones, a departure from our typical white oak projects. We incorporated a butcher block countertop I’d been saving for years from my hometown, and the whole space feels warm and grounded with nature-inspired elements throughout.
The biggest challenge – and ultimate success – was that spiral staircase. It’s never an ideal layout, but we wrapped it in rope to give it those lake vibes and made it work beautifully. The bunk room required some problem-solving too; after my family stayed there, we realized the layout was too tight and had our contractor rebuild the lower bunks the following week. Those kinds of tweaks were constant throughout the project since we didn’t have client constraints – we’d discover a new fabric or wallpaper and pivot right up until the last week. While we originally planned to rent it out, we’ve poured so much love and detail into this home that it’s become our family retreat, a place we’ll share with close friends and family who appreciate every carefully considered moment.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design & Styling: Kate Marker Interiors · Photography: Margaret Rajic · Architect: Tom Donahue, Donahue Design · Builder: John Widell Construction · Kitchen & Bar Cabinets: Knapp Kitchens · Paint & Wallpaper: Little Greene · Hardware: Emtek · Lighting: HVL
