http://www.pickellbuilders.com. Horizontal lap siding is Hardieplank "Heathered Moss." Vertical board and batten siding is HardiePanel "Sail Cloth." Square pillars rest atop brick piers. Two 9'x8" overhead garage doors in mahogany finish. Photo by Paul Schlismann.

http://www.pickellbuilders.com. Horizontal lap siding is Hardieplank "Heathered Moss." Vertical board and batten siding is HardiePanel "Sail Cloth." Square pillars rest atop brick piers. Two 9'x8" overhead garage doors in mahogany finish. Photo by Paul Schlismann.

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

This masterfully designed outdoor living space feels open, airy, and filled with light thanks to the lighter finishes and the fabric pergola shade. Clean, modern lines and a muted color palette add to the spa-like feel of this outdoor living space.

Dining Room and Kitchen Framed By White, Square Columns and Wood Beams

Architectural Design: Austin Design Group Builder: Pillar Custom Homes Interior Design: Chelsea+Remy Interior Design Photography: Twist Tours