The porcelain figures on the bookshelves are Tricia’s collection, given to her by her mother. The home’s color palette comes through in the fabric on the furniture. An Oriental rug completes the look, giving the space a slightly more formal feel. Sarah says the rug has a very unusual color pattern of purples and browns.

Little did Tricia Bortz realize, when she collected four porcelain plates she liked, that one day those plates would be the driving force behind a home remodel’s color palette.

But that is exactly what happened. When Tricia and Reb Bortz purchased a home on Lac La Belle, they decided to have it remodeled prior to moving in. For six months, various crews painted, wallpapered and laid new carpeting.

The home was transformed from a Cape Cod style with a nautical feel to a more traditional style with a warm color palette of greens, purples and reds.

Armed with the four porcelain plates, Sarah Steltenpohl of Swan Interiors in Wauwatosa set out to fulfill the Bortz’ wishes.

The color palette was slightly unusual, says Sarah, using a brighter red with green and brown, but it all came together beautifully.

The original homeowners, who built the home, are Bill and Jane Wierdsma, an owner of Oliver Construction Co. The home was placed on a certain angle to take full advantage of the lake view. The rooms were designed in a particular way so they connect like puzzle pieces and make for an interesting flow through the home. The result is a unique design with a cozy atmosphere.

Homeowners:

Tricia and Reb Bortz, Oconomowoc

Interior Design:

Sarah Steltenpohl of Swan Interiors of Wauwatosa

Remodeling Contractor:

Weisflogs Design Center of Pewaukee

Floral Arrangements:

Sarah Geboy of Avant Garden of Delafield

	A large comfortable sofa, love seat and chair form a wonderful conversation area around the fireplace. The wood doors on the cabinets flanking the fireplace were saved from an original cabinet installed when the home was built. The doors match the built-in bookshelves perfectly. Wood beams in the cathedral ceiling, along with the large rustic chandelier, give a lodge feel to the space.
The four-season sun room has a playful feel yet a formal ambiance, since it is adjacent to the living room. The walls are covered with a red grass cloth that gives the room a slightly Caribbean feel and works well with the neutral tone floor covering. The large windows provide plenty of sunlight and a beautiful view of the lake.
	The basement was converted into an English pub look, with a custom-built bar (not pictured) by Weisflogs Design Center. The two-sided fireplace gives the room an open feel yet defines areas, including one for the TV, pool table and game room. The red color continues in the lower level and the English pub feeling comes through with the plaid pattern in the carpet. A door behind the bar opens into a chilled wine closet which was built by Weisflogs. The reason the basement works, according to Reb, is that the angle of the bar flows with the angle of the wall on the opposite side of the room, creating a perfect traffic pattern.