Once a dark and closed-off ranch house, this now fresh and bright home is ready to host summer gatherings and family functions. Lylah Healy, of Rose Lake Design, created a functional open floor plan from which you can keep your eyes on little ones while enjoying tranquil views of the lake. Take a peek at the photos below by Walking Eagle Photography, which wonderfully captured the airiness of this classic transitional home.

From the designer… When my husband and I bought a 1970 single level ranch house located within walking distance of Lake San Marcos we knew it would need significant upgrades. Much of the home was in its original state, and the small kitchen was divided from the living room leaving the living spaces feeling small with limited light.

My daughter was only six months old at the time, and I dreamt of open concept living where I could see the mountain views from the living room and keep an eye on my little one while I cooked our family dinner. Much of the design inspiration came from our proximity to the lake where you can see families enjoying evening boat rides and swans and paddle boarders sharing the lake space. I wanted the house to be bright and open and have a summer cottage feel with light wood floors, organic materials, and layered livable fabrics, but also be durable and family-friendly as we love hosting. As a designer, I resonate with the philosophy that I don’t want anything in the home to be too precious. I believe a home is meant to be lived in, share your story, and should age well over time.

Since the home is on the smaller side I decided to pick some really show stopping elements to bring texture and warmth to the mostly white kitchen. The kitchen’s brass hardware will patina over time, and counter to ceiling handmade Moroccan zellige tile adorns the kitchen walls. The tiles have a beautiful reflective glow during sunset every night and we wrapped all the windows with the tile which beautifully showcases the woven wood shades in the kitchen. We tore down the wall between the living room and kitchen and added a four person peninsula as well as a custom hood vent and white oak open shelves in the kitchen. We brought in a modern element with family-friendly waterfall quartz counters.

I really needed to maximize function in the dining room so we created a built-in banquette that also serves as storage, and I again incorporated aged brass into the dining room with the oversize brass dome pendant.

Creating the open concept living area truly changed how we live in the home and I believe it’s improved our daily quality of life. We’ve since added another little girl to our family, and we’ve also hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and I’m happy to say our little lake house entertained all of us comfortably. Our once dark house is now a perfect family-friendly home and we look forward to watching the girls grow up here.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design & Styling: Lylah Healy of Rose Lake Design · Photography: Walking Eagle Photography