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The
lake-facing elevation at the back of the Kryshaks’ Mequon
home is a wall of windows that climbs to a height of 17 feet,
capitalizing on the spectacular views of the backyard and
lake. The B&E General Contractors design team accomplished
the open layout for the interior by raising the roof, yet left
the street-side elevation intact as a traditional Colonial
structure.
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The view of Lake Michigan and the Mequon location were the selling
points of this property, but Mike and Loretta Kryshak’s vision was
far beyond the home’s 1985 design style. "We wanted to stay in
Mequon, but finding a home with private lakefront property was very
important to us," Loretta Kryshak says. "We saw the
potential with this home and the possibility of opening it up to
create a much different feel."
The renovation project called for a gut and remodel that
transformed the home into a more open, dynamic living space.
"We left the traditional elevation at the street side and
gutted the interior. We wanted to focus on the lake views while
creating a post-industrial, modernist feel," Adam Schwai,
architectural designer for B&E General Contractors, says.
While most traditional spaces offer a grand and voluminous entry
that leads to more traditional room layouts for specific family
functions, Kryshak and Schwai worked together to take a different
approach. "We created a layout that pulls you through the space,
a traffic pattern that any guest can maneuver by themselves. You are
drawn through and the experience builds up to a big dramatic
space."
The large, open living area accomplished just that, dramatic
impact. While the numerous windows highlight the lake view, the design
details within the home create additional focal points to capture
attention. The design team raised the roof to create an impressive
entry and then created room layouts to accommodate both daily family
life as well as entertaining.
"It was quite an engineering feat to open up the home while
maintaining the structural integrity," Schwai says. "We
wanted to expose some of this structural work to show off the dramatic
angles and other interesting elements while balancing that rawness
with soft edges and a warm residential scale."
Precast concrete, steel and granite are combined with clear birch,
bamboo and eucalyptus and set against an orange backdrop to create a
décor that has post-industrial and modern details within a warm and
inviting setting.
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The colorful
and fun décor continues upstairs in a gathering space perfect
for entertaining. Oranges, reds and yellows dominate this area,
an energetic explosion of color to brighten any gloomy Wisconsin
day. Due to the open layout, finishes incorporated on the first
level are carried into the design of the second level. Kitchen
materials such as the eucalyptus and glass mosaic backsplash are
repeated in the bar design. The tiles are arranged as if they
are trickling away, leading the eye back to the same familiar
elements on the first floor. These blue tones once again
complement the dominant orange palette and offer some cool,
colorful relief. Across from the bar, a high-gloss orange media
center is surrounded by furnishings that are clean lined and
linear in nature, yet have soft, subtle curved elements.
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A precast concrete two-way fireplace
glows with a fire crystal ignited flame and serves as a divider
between the semi-private dining room and great room adjacent to
the kitchen. Accent lines in the concrete help break up this
substantial structural element and reduce its impact on the
space. A circular area rug with an organic pattern in orange and
cream sets the scene for an array of modern furnishings,
including a Nelson Marshmallow sofa, Jacobsen Swan chairs and a
Noguchi table. The soft edges and red-orange tones of this
lounge space complement the clean linear feel of the kitchen
with its cool blue palette. The light tone of the bamboo floors
seen throughout this open space is accented with the warm medium
wood tone of the eucalyptus cabinetry. Midnight star granite
offers an iridescent blue counter surface and is accented with a
mosaic backsplash of blue, gray and white glass tiles. This
kitchen design offers a sophisticated aesthetic that is equally
sophisticated in its functionality. Conveniences such as a
built-in coffee station, pot fillers and a Poggenpohl storage
garage make this an easy entertaining space with efficiencies
that improve daily life.
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Each powder room makes its own signature
design statement, another level of pizzazz to the home. On the
second floor, this lavender lavatory offers fluid lines to
complement its cool color palette. A featured circular mirror
and sculptural vanity create a fluid and feminine feeling for
this intimate space.
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Follow the black-and-white tile to the
utility spaces of the home, including a bathroom that is also a
passageway to the backyard. The bathroom has dual access for
maximum functionality and plenty of design flair. While the
walls offer another cool green hue, the contrasting white and
black palette is continued in the trim tile of the wainscot and
millwork details.
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Old, new and
colorful too, this powder room is infused with energy. The loud,
apple green hue is plenty to focus on, but the custom
glass-topped, birch vanity with its bridge faucet paired with an
antique mirror and understated sconces offers a combination of
stylish elements.
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