Text by Cindy Cooper
At first glance upon entering the Reynolds Lake Oconee cottage, you feel the illusion of a spacious floor plan. The high ceiling and clever use of vertical windows and wide plank flooring appear to add to the small cottage interior, as does the smaller-scale furniture used throughout—which is precisely what interior designer Alicia Mooney of Alicia Mooney Interiors intended. In order to add a feeling of simplicity and retreat, she used soft lines and color throughout the home, creating a retreat from the big city hustle and bustle not far away.
In the living room, gray, blue, and aqua tones are used in artwork and accessories while rugs, curtains, and upholstery tend toward shades of cream and taupe. The dining room kilim rug is a beautiful slate blue pattern chosen to complement the linen side chairs. Small agates are framed to accent either side of the pewter mirror over the sideboard, which is painted in a blue-gray patina. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the island, topped with curved white marble and accented with backless stools. The staggered height of the slate gray-stained cabinetry adds to the optics of being a larger space and charmingly frames the kitchen’s perimeter, creating the ideal gathering spot for a casual breakfast or lunch.
The sitting room just off the kitchen serves as a great reading room—a space that proves especially cozy in the winter. The heathered blue rug and velvet navy chairs are dashingly comfortable, issuing a constant invitation to guests. A covered side porch and grill area is easy to access through the double French doors. It is truly another living space for the home, and welcomes many friendly crowds.
The master bedroom offers plenty of room for relaxing in style with the soft aqua of the window shades echoed in the pattern on the drapes. The bedding is also a welcome respite, featuring a blend of neutral tones once again accented with a soft splash of teal. Fabric insets on the headboard add a custom touch of detail to the room.
The lower level offers a guest bedroom, a playroom, and a patio for guests to spread out in comfort during holiday visits. Durable fabrics are used to encourage play outside or on the lake and golf courses nearby. Being outdoors is a great part of the attraction to the Lake Oconee area, and being privy to the sounds and smells of nature adds to the quality of life for the homeowners.
