In Sweden, the word sommarstuga is synonymous with vacation. But in Sisters Lake, Michigan? Not so much. Maybe that’s what got us all goose bumpy when these repeat clients came to steve + filip design with the idea of building an authentic Scandinavian summerhouse in the Midwest. Making sure to include the traditional red and white trim, we set to task on the full scope, from the architecture down to the Fiestaware in the kitchen — and everything in between. And because this sassy little vacation home would be situated atop a hill with amazing lake views, we added a substantial side deck, too. Inside, we kept the design and decor authentically Scandinavian, with an emphasis on natural materials (reclaimed barn wood on the ceiling, wide-plank pine floors), and worked in nods and interpretations that allowed us to make it modern (a textile for the club chairs that features a hand-printed Josef Frank-designed fabric, ceramic wall and concrete floor tiles in folk-y prints). Now, it’s a sweet retreat for relaxing and living as naturally as possible — and charming as all get out.
