Lakefront Foyer Design
Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid
A Grand Welcome: Designing an Elegant Lakefront Home Foyer
At RCQ, every project we undertake is driven by a unique vision, and this lakefront home was no exception. From the very first conversation, the client’s directive was clear: the house needed a “welcoming handshake.” It had to instantly greet guests with warmth while also offering an unobstructed view straight through to the lake beyond. The design needed to feel inviting, upscale, and elevated—making an elegant statement without ever feeling stuffy or overdone.
Defining the Goal and Scope
The goal was to craft a space that blended traditional elegance with modern flair, offering a refined but approachable atmosphere. The scope focused primarily on creating an impactful yet harmonious entryway that would set the tone for the rest of the home. Every element had to contribute to this first impression without being distracting, ensuring that intricate details quietly told a cohesive, sophisticated story.
The Sought-After Interior Aesthetic
The desired aesthetic combined classic traditional roots with modern sophistication. We focused on rich materials, custom craftsmanship, and subtle grandeur to achieve a sense of elevated hospitality. The client wanted guests to feel the quality and intention behind every choice — from the custom front door to the stunning marble floor — without any single element overpowering the others.
Phases of Design
Concept Development – Establishing the "welcoming handshake" feeling, unobstructed lake views, and an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
Material Selection – Choosing luxe materials like Calacatta and Thasos marble for the waterjet floor design, finished with a strategic diagonal layout to enhance visual interest.
Custom Details – Commissioning bespoke elements, including the front door, leaded glass inserts from Artique Glass, and Rocky Mountain door hardware.
Lighting and Architectural Accents – Selecting simple yet elegant sconces to complement a statement chandelier and an Eglomisé glass ceiling panel that brought a champagne-hued shimmer to the foyer.
Final Touches – Incorporating custom art pieces, such as the Tommy Mitchell triptych and the Abner Henry bench, along with continued floral and detailed motifs leading into the master suite.
A Favorite Moment
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing the spectacular waterjet marble floor come together. Laying it diagonally elevated the entire entryway, offering an unexpected, luxurious twist to a traditional pattern. Watching how the custom stair railing, inspired by the floor’s design, brought additional cohesion and elegance to the space was deeply satisfying.
The Biggest Challenge
The most challenging moment came when convincing the client to proceed with the Eglomisé glass in the coffered ceiling. Understandably, there was concern that it might overwhelm the chandelier. However, pushing forward with this detail proved crucial — it grounded the chandelier, completed the space beautifully, and added a subtle layer of artistry that truly finished the room.
What Made This Project Unique
This project stood apart because of the balance we had to maintain — blending heavy customizations with a light, airy feeling of invitation. The collaboration with artisans like Artique Glass and custom furniture makers allowed us to create something deeply personal and one-of-a-kind. Every detail, from the door hardware to the hand-painted wall coverings in the master vestibule, was carefully curated to reflect the client's vision while pushing the design to new heights.
In the end, the house didn’t just offer a handshake — it gave a warm, graceful embrace, setting the perfect tone for a life well-lived by the lake.