REAL PROJECT • REAL RESULTS

Lake House Fireplace + Built-In Storage

This four-season lake house in West Branch, Michigan needed a cozier gathering space for the colder months, but it was also seriously lacking storage. We looked at the existing brick wall and staircase area as an opportunity to solve both problems at once. The plan was to add a fireplace as the focal point while building functional storage around it so the room could feel warmer, more finished and better suited for everyday lake-house living. Custom built-ins were added on both sides of the fireplace, creating concealed storage below and open shelving above. The fireplace surround was updated with tile, the television was incorporated above the mantel, and the surrounding finishes were coordinated so the entire wall felt intentional and connected to the rest of the room. The finished result gave the family a cozy place to gather and warm up during Michigan winters while also adding much-needed storage and making better use of an awkward wall.

STYLE + SIMPLIFYFunctionStorageHome Project Support

Original lake house living room with white brick wall, small TV cabinet and no fireplace

01 • BEFORE

Before

The original white brick wall held a small television cabinet but offered no fireplace, built-in storage or clear focal point for the room.

Fireplace and built-in cabinet framing during construction in the lake house living room

02 • IN PROGRESS

In Progress

The fireplace and built-in framing turned the underused wall into a plan for warmth, concealed storage and coordinated open shelving.

Completed lake house living room with tiled fireplace, television, built-in cabinets and shelving

03 • AFTER

After

The completed wall combines a tiled fireplace, integrated television, mantel, open shelving and concealed cabinets in one cohesive, hardworking focal point.

WHAT THIS PROJECT SHOWS

Practical help from idea to finished space.

Seeing the Opportunity

Recognizing how an underused brick wall and awkward staircase area could solve two important needs at once.

Function + Space Planning

Creating a warmer gathering space while making the wall work harder for everyday lake-house living.

Built-In Storage

Adding concealed cabinets below and open shelving above where the home previously lacked practical storage.

Project Planning + Support

Guiding the fireplace, built-ins, television placement, tile, finishes and styling from concept through completion.

Cohesive Finishing

Coordinating materials and styling so the new focal wall feels intentional and connected to the rest of the room.

A warmer gathering place, much-needed storage and an underused wall transformed into the heart of the lake house.

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