Tears of Joy

Recently, I was invited to my clients' (and friends') Lake House in Hiawasee, Georgia. We've been talking about me coming up for over a year; for the last 2 years, I helped renovate and decorate their wonderful home in Marietta.  I had met Larry at Scott Antique Market, and after a brief chat, he took one of my cards and went home to talk to his wife about hiring me to help with some renovation work.  He seemed to like my portfolio on my website, www.msunderland.com, and called me to schedule a complimentary first-visit to their home. 

I arrived a few days after his call, met his wife, Cheryl, and I knew early-on that they were going to be fun to work with.  They both have an innate sense of style, good taste, and are very intelligent.  Larry has a tendency to buy something EVERY time he goes to Scott's; that was evident when I walked their home for the first time.  They have the largest collection of antique American Eastlake furniture I've ever seen!   

We scheduled their Renovation in two Phases, based on both timing and budget.  Fast forward to 18 months later, when their 1990s home was decorated "The Mark Way," fresh paint colours (Farrow and Ball), furniture re-arranged, some new draperies, and additions from Mark Sunderland Antiques.  I must say, it turned-out pretty-nicely, and they were pleased. 

Sooooooo,....on to the LAKE!!! 

Within minutes of arriving on a Saturday afternoon, the cog wheels in my brain were a-turnin', ....and I immediately started doing my "thang.". I cannot move furniture (lower-back), but Cheryl and Larry were eager to help, and they did (I think we all lost 10 pounds in 3 days,.....Cheryl called it the "Mark Sunderland Boot Camp.").   

As I often do, I forgot to take "Before" pictures.  Suffice it to say that just-about 90% of the furniture you see in these photos was originally in a different place.  

On the third morning, as I was decorating Larry's Über-Cool huge country-store glass-doored cabinet, Cheryl came up to me, touched my arm, and said, "Mark, I can't tell you how happy you've made me and Larry.". She cried.  I cried.  Larry didn't cry; he was labouring in the Guest Bedroom, installing a huge antique shutter headboard!!!....... Maybe he cried later.

Folks, this is what Decorating is ALL ABOUT.  It is SO rewarding receiving positive-feedback, and tears of joy are just-about the highest form of gratitude.  This was certainly one of my highest moments in decorating in the last 20 years.  This Designer, following his passion, becomes even-more energized with feedback like this.  

So, without further adieu, here is their re-decorated Lake House:

Billy Bob

Dog Hall of Fame

Downstairs TV Room

Ducks Unlimited

Better wall for this beautiful Elk Oil Painting

Family Heirlooms; LOVED Grandmama's squirrel!

Gone Fishin'

This Hoosier cabinet just HAD to move upstairs to Cheryl's kitchen

Larry collects antique sportsmen calendars (among other things!!!!!)

Sorry, Larry...you don't get to hang an elk painting over this beautiul lead-glass window!

My "Ralph-inspired" Living Room

Reeled In

 

Son's bedroom

Still-life 

Upstairs Children's Bedroom

 

Max was my "Design Assistant." He followed me everywhere....guess I tuckered him out!

Last Look at Lake...

It's okay to Cry Here

 

 

Did you shed a tear or two? Probably not, but I did, and, most importantly, my client did. Thank You, Cheryl and Larry, for yet another opportunity to feature your wonderful things you have collected in all the years you've been married.

 

 

KEEP CALM AND IT'S OKAY TO SHED A TEAR........

 

 

......Mark.