After living in land-locked Kansas, Amanda Gorecki gravitated toward water in Georgia.
Gorecki, her husband, John, and children moved to the Atlanta area in 2009, and as home prices reached a bottom, they found a new Lake Lanier home with a slashed price on a steep yet deepwater lot. The view captivated Gorecki, who knew she could change the less impressive light fixtures, cabinets and doors.
There are plenty of places where she could go to get away in the 7,580-square-foot home, but the mom of four gravitates to the sitting area in her master bedroom.
“It is my sanctuary and special place for my husband and I,” she said. “We pray in this space, talk about our day, work through challenging subjects where we need privacy.”
Snapshot
Residents: John and Amanda Gorecki and their children, Mitchell, Alexis, Ireland and Ocean. John is a neurosurgeon and owner of Neurosurgery Answer; Amanda, a registered nurse, is president and founder of Healing Waters and Pure MD.
Location: Gainesville
Size: 7,580 square feet, six bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths
Year built/bought: 2009
Architectural style: Contemporary classic lake house
Renovations: They replaced the windows and doors with Pella products, and removed the columns and added shiplap in the entryway. They also purchased upscale light fixtures, changed the paint, and refinished the floors and the cabinetry.
Cost of renovations: About $250,000
Consultants: Leigh Olive Mowry with Olive Interiors; Elizabeth Thompson and Meg Nivens with House Dressing; contractor Bob Wagoner; J Rudisill Custom Cabinets; Bottega Stone; Lowell Whitmire with Outback Lawn and Landscapes
Interior design style: Contemporary classic
Favorite interior design elements: The furniture, fabrics and surfaces are beautiful, yet durable for a family, Amanda said. "I wanted them to be as comfortable in their jeans or in their shorts as they would be coming to do prom pictures with their friends," she said.
Favorite artwork: Paintings by Jill Holland, Melissa Payne Baker, Andrea Costa and Carylon Killebrew from Huff Harrington Fine Art and Gregg Irby Gallery, portraits by William Branson III, family photos by Tamara Lackey
Favorite outdoor features: The three decks, screened porch, saltwater pool and gas fire pit near the dock. "We wanted to live on deep water, and this house exceeded our expectations because of how it maximized the lot," Amanda said.
Resources: Furniture by Bernhardt, Worlds Away, Barclay Butera, Lee Industries, RH, Hickory White, Gabby Home, Councill and Pottery Barn. Lighting by Visual Comfort, Arteriors, and Currey and Co. Fabric by Lee Jofa, Schumacher, Osborne and Little, Lacefield Designs, Thibaut, Ferrick Mason, Lewis & Sheron Textiles, Barrow Fabric, Duralee; bedding from Peacock Alley; plants from Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts; containers from Pike Nurseries.
Decor tip: For a clean and classic look, use white accessories.
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