Re-Imagining a Deep Creek Retreat

A Blend of Rustic and Modern in Deep Creek

While I consider my self a hands on partner to my decorating and real estate clients, the COVID-19 pandemic made the in-person aspects of my work much less common (for good reason). Especially as a decorator and design consultant, there really is no substitute for seeing a space in person — understanding the charming details and pain points, seeing how light plays in the space, etc.

I have worked with clients in New York and New Jersey remotely but this past year gave me the opportunity to take on my biggest design project to date — a 4,400 square-foot vacation home right on Deep Creek Lake in Swanton, Maryland (and to do it almost entirely remotely, save one site visit on a rainy September day). Earlier this month, I had a chance to finally see the fruits of our collective labors, the Ar’ya Relaxed Chalet, in person (in addition to inviting along the talented Beth Caldwell to capture it).

BEFORE: The pre-renovation kitchen blended in, was smaller and allowed less opportunity for family and friends to gather (Photo Courtesy of Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Rentals)

AFTER: The renovated kitchen offers more storage, seating and a modern twist with a funky tile and sleek quartz countertops; the stone was repurposed from the peninsula (Photo: Beth Caldwell)

First off, this is a log house (we won’t call it a cabin, Dave). There is no changing that…not that anyone wanted to. The vision we crafted for the vacation home (which is also a rental/investment property) was to create cohesive spaces that infused modern sensibilities without being at odds with the rustic nature of the home. While my clients purchased the property pre-pandemic and Deep Creek has long drawn vacationers year-round from the region, we wanted to make a departure from the country quilts and appeal to new and return urban dwellers looking for an escape. So, what did this mean in terms of the approach?

1. Striking a Balance: The logs and overall wood tone (which is warm and on the orange/red part of the spectrum) wasn’t going to change. We needed to balance it out with a complementary palette (lots of cream, blue and gray with flashes of green) and fixtures in matte black, for example, that feel simultaneously modern and rustic. We also kept in mind that pieces can be moved around between rooms and spaces and still “work” (as my clients reminded me that things often grow legs when guests arrive).

2. Form AND Function: As with all my projects, we focused on both form and function. The final product had to be a showstopper but we had to make sure it could comfortably welcome 12 guests — so we needed enough sleeping, dining and sitting spaces for them (and we were able to do that without the previous bunk beds). We also wanted surfaces that were easy to keep clean and fresh looking, like quartz and darker grouts (contrasting or not).

3. Mix High and Low: While a family vacation home, this is also a rental (scroll down to the end for a link to make your reservation!). As much as we may have wanted to splurge on furniture pieces and elevated design elements, we had to keep in mind the heavy use and eventual replacement. Most of our furniture pieces came from Ashley, Wayfair, HomeGoods, etc. (sourcing a new house of furniture during a time of supply chain issues when you had guests coming was a challenge). However, where it was warranted, bigger investments were made — like the custom concrete quartz dining table and quartz countertops throughout, beautiful KitchenAid gas range and custom cabinetry and the large vegan-leather sofas.

BEFORE: The largest bedroom featured built-in bunk beds… (Photo Courtesy of Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Rentals)

AFTER: The re-decorated bedroom uses black accents in the bed frames and other furniture pieces to create a fresh look when paired with cream linens, and soft rugs, pillows and cozy accent chairs (Photo: Beth Caldwell)

Rather than try to recount every detail, let’s look at a few pics of the project below with more detail in the captions. We ran out of time to capture every space (including the fun mudroom with a big pop of color and the primary bedroom — awaiting a final piece) but you get the gist! Special thanks to Beth Caldwell for visiting and capturing the stunning “afters”.

The Heart of the Home

By removing the peninsula, moving the fridge (pairing with pantry space) and anchoring the kitchen with new black cabinetry and quartz countertops, we made sure it was easy for everyone to join in. The large milk glass pendants from Pottery Barn give the island more purpose and hold up to the scale of the space (and the large “tree” nearby).

Open Concept Dream

With distinct spaces and an improved flow, the main level makes gathering with friends and family a breeze.

Modern Touches

Logs and custom stonework pair nicely with the new modern sofas (Remi in vegan leather from West Elm). Clean lines and lower profiles keep the focus on the beautiful canopy outside.

Study in Contrasts

A Blanco concrete sink is durable and stylish, in a darker finish (Cinder) to contrast with the MSI quartz (Cashmere Carrara) and ties in with the decorative backsplash from Floor & Decor.

Custom It Is!

After a hunt for the perfect dining room table it was clear custom was the way to go. This beautiful table features a Caeserstone Cloudburst Concrete top that has such great texture but, most importantly, holds up to heavy use. Paired with modern faux leather chairs it’s sleek but welcoming.

Let There Be Light!

By removing the frets from the soaring windows in the living room, we have created a more modern look and upped the focus on the outdoors.

Little Updates, Big Impact

In the main level powder room, we simply updated the sink to a wider console style sink with black legs and paired with an budget-friendly mirror that helped the space feel updated but rustic.

Cozy and Classic

New bed frames, linens and additions, like pullout sofas, make the sleeping spaces clean and welcoming.

Accent Lighting

New ceiling fans in all the bedrooms and main living area quickly change the overall aesthetic.

Updated Farmhouse

These sconces replaced their kitschy predecessors and blend new and old.

Bunk Beds No More

By removing the bunk beds, we created a more open and welcoming sleeping space..

Repurpose & Renovate

The upstairs bathroom lost a tub and gained a large walk-in shower with a textured tile; however, we repurposed the vanity by painting it (Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams) and adding a quartz top (Viatera in Minuet) and new mirror.

Walk On In!

The new walk-in shower features Adessi’s 4x12 Urban Groove ceramic tile (Floor & Decor)…the perfect cool-toned contrast with a rustic feel.

Multipurpose Space

The loft upstairs overlooks that stunning living room but also now offers an optional sleeping space (the sofa pulls out), game area and place to workout. As with other pieces throughout, we repurposed wall art from another area of the house and added these fun swivel chairs.

Lower Level Luxury

Downstairs is a needed departure from upstairs, replacing carpet for luxury vinyl tile in a wood-look finish and repurposing old kitchen cabinets to create a new wet bar. What sports fanatic wouldn’t want to hang out down here (with three TVs!)?

Perfect Partners

Once the old kitchen cabinets were painted black, we added MSI’s Statuary Classique quartz and paired with stacked 3x12 tiles in a rich blue to create a focal point. The veining in the quartz has some blue tones and pairs nicely with the tile (La Belle Antique Blue by Canvas from Floor & Decor).

Pull Up a Seat

Inexpensive outdoor metal tables paired with faux leather stools offer flexibility (they can be easily moved together) and anchor the three TVs, as well.

More Space for Guests

The lower level also features two more bedrooms, including another with a dedicated en suite.

Slightly More Modern

Because of the lack of natural wood on the lower level, we were able to make the aesthetic a little more modern.

Floor Goals

The LVT looks lovely against this modern leaf mosaic.

Simple But Different

We went vertical with the white tile and used a contrasting grout to tie into the floor tile (and keep maintenance easier).

Cool and Collected

The second bedroom downstairs features a darker palette in black, white and grays .

Keeping it Simple

We only added a few accessories to allow space for guests.

Final Facelift

The second lower level bathroom feels totally different with just new flooring, vanity , mirror and hardware.

There are too many fixtures and finishes to list out (although I have noted some in the captions) but I will add that all the tile all is from Floor & Decor and the beautiful pool and shuffleboard tables are from West Penn Billiards in Pittsburgh. Finally, let me give a big shout out to my clients, Alpa & Dave, Tim Reed and his team at BILT Construction, UPS and FedEx for all the deliveries, and the namesake of the home, Arya, who kept every Zoom consultation interesting and personally re-set every stone on the front face of the island (as she’ll tell you)!

If you’re intrigued by this project, want to know more about a fixture or finish or are contemplating a renovation and/or redecoration of your own, reach out! And if you want to escape to this beautiful home…

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

From Homeowner to Real Estate Investor: What You Need to Know

A good financial planner will advise you that you want to have diversity in your investment portfolio, with the mix depending on your risk profile, stage of life and short- and long-term goals. Homeownership is a great way to build wealth, as your housing costs are helping you gain equity (instead of paying someone else’s mortgage and expenses) and realize other advantages (from tax savings to simply enjoying making a home your own).

Photo Credit: PT Money

Many individuals and families will own a primary or secondary residence, perhaps a vacation home, but others will jump back into the market with the goal of acquiring a property purely as an investment. Some will join a REIT (real estate investment trust), while others will buy and hold (waiting to sell when the time is right) or flip (making improvements and selling right after). However, many investors will buy and become landlords, having someone else pay most or all of their mortgage (and, ultimately, securing equity over time).

In the DC area, we have a very fluid population, with people constantly coming to and leaving the area for work and study — meaning there’s a strong demand for rentals. And, while DC’s rate of population growth rate has slowed down a bit, the region continues to be a draw for individuals and businesses. So, what should you ask yourself if you and your financial advisor agree a new real estate investment may be right for you?

• What’s my budget? Adding a property to your personal portfolio will require an initial investment and ongoing maintenance and carrying costs. You’ll want to consider the upper limit on your investment and then calculate the associated expenses — down payment (with higher requirements from lenders for investment properties), closing costs, professional fees (for the purchase, finding tenants and perhaps property management), maintenance reserves, etc.

• Where’s the “sweet spot” in the market? An investment property may or may not be a property you could see yourself in. As an agent, I advise my clients on the state of the rental market and what types of properties (size, location, price point, etc.) are the most likely to be consistently in demand and rented with limited gaps in tenancy. Just because it doesn’t meet your needs, tastes and location preferences doesn’t mean it isn’t a good investment.

• What’s my required capitalization rate and/or cash flow? Investors often evaluate potential properties by looking at their capitalization rate, or cap rate. Simply put, the cap rate is your annual return, calculated by dividing the net income by the market value of the property. In more competitive markets, like DC, lower rates might be expected. Another key consideration is your projected cash flow. Ideally, your rental income should cover the mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance on the property at minimum. If you are looking at investments that may have a slightly negative cash flow, take the time to even further evaluate if this is the best investment for you now. Perhaps you’d be better served by putting your funds into another short-term investment so you can increase your down payment and lower your PITI or by finding another property.

• What type of landlord will I be? If you are buying an investment property near your home (or where you have a network already established), you may be able to self-manage your property. While this will require you to invest time and be on call 24-7, you will be reducing your ongoing expenses. However, carefully consider the trade-offs in time and stress if your budget allows you to outsource the property management (with fees running up to 10% of the rental income). Either way, if you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with landlord-tenant laws in your area. You’ll want to ensure, whether you are hiring a property manager or self-managing, that you are a well-respected landlord , abiding by rules and regulations and understanding the processes for handling any potential issues.

If you’ve asked yourself these questions and think acquiring an investment property may be right for you, reach out to an experienced agent to dig in deeper and talk about next steps in evaluating your readiness!