LINDA SHEARS, PRINCIPAL OF LINDA SHEARS DESIGNS IN TROY, shares her design plan for a dining room in a home overlooking Lake Michigan. Her clients wanted a clean, streamlined look, and Linda complied.
“When my clients built their second home on Lake Michigan, they wanted easy upkeep and interior selections that were simple and more streamlined. No ‘visual noise’ to compete with the magnificent views of the lake from their property. Entertaining tends to be less formal in a lake house environment.
“The dining room pictured above is part of their open floor plan. The ceiling transitions from a two-story cathedral in the great room to a lower flat ceiling in the dining area. This architectural feature helps define the space as a separate area for meals. It allows the dining table to be the focal point where family and friends are often invited to enjoy casual dinners and conversation together.
“Complementing the table is a handy built-in bar and a custom storage buffet. An oversized undulating piece of metal art over the buffet creates warmth. For lighting we used a decorative transitional style chandelier. We avoided recessed lighting directly over the table so as to eliminate harsh shadows on guests’ faces. Instead, recessed perimeter lighting encircles the space and casts a warm background glow.”
In keeping with the season, Linda offers this simple but delicious recipe for cranberry sauce.
Linda’s Cranberry Sauce
2 cups or more of raw Michigan cranberries
1/4 - 1/3 cup Real Maple Syrup
1/4 cup water
1. Put all ingredients in a pan stove-top and bring to a boil on medium heat.
2. Lower heat; continue to stir for 20 minutes.
3. Cool and refrigerate.