Written by Victoria Hittner / Photography by Lauren Miller (@lomillerphoto)
When designer Ashley Montgomery moved from the bustle of the city back to the lakeside town she grew up in, she looked for a home with “good bones” with room for entertaining and a growing family. “I got lucky,” she says. “When I saw the . . . beams and fireplace, it just had so much potential!” As the founder and principal designer of her eponymous design studio, Montgomery was no stranger to highlighting a home’s best features—like these stunning waterfront views—while maximizing both function and character. Inspired by the changing seasonal palette and landscape of the lakefront, Montgomery leaned heavily into earthier hues and natural materials like stone, wood, and linen.
Designer Ashley Montgomery created “something timeless with a little hint of character” in this renovated home, built on the very same lake she grew up on. “Balance and cohesion start long before we select finishes or furniture,” explains Montgomery. “I always look at the home as a whole and think about how each space will connect visually and emotionally.” The repetition of natural materials like the stone and warm woods create a cohesive—and practical—family home. The designer intentionally chooses “living materials, organic textures, and furniture that . . . can keep up to life’s messes.” Semicustom drapery was created for each room, like the primary bedroom drapes from RH and café curtains that Montgomery made herself.
“I wanted the main spaces to feel calm, light, and comfortable, while bringing in deeper, moodier tones in the more private areas to create contrast and warmth,” says the designer. “I’m always drawn to colors that feel soft and timeless rather than stark.” For this renovation, Montgomery repeatedly turned to warm shades like Farrow & Ball Salon Drab and Swiss Coffee and Wind’s Breath from Benjamin Moore.
While Montgomery is partial to the sitting room (the dusty pink was a particular favorite), she says the kitchen was the true standout and cornerstone of the project.
Patterned hardwood floors from Unik Parquet, fixtures from Perrin & Rowe, and hardware from Rejuvenation breathe a touch of sophistication into the open space, while open shelving and ample cabinet storage offer functionality. Pendant lights from PINCH add both texture and continuity to the other woven elements found throughout the open concept space—from the vintage dining room chairs to the repurposed baskets in the living room.
The nearby butler’s pantry is a home chef’s dream, perfect for entertaining or hiding the messier bits of daily life. “I wanted a space that was able to be the workhorse,” says Montgomery. “With the kitchen being in the main living room, I didn’t want to see all the things you usually see on a counter.”
In the living room, the revamped stone fireplace and wood mantel (a beam salvaged during renovation) provide a natural focal point that complements the rugged waterfront views. Vintage pieces like the armoire in the sitting room, dining chairs, and print in the powder room help create a sense of timelessness. Montgomery turned to salvaged pieces and Facebook Marketplace finds for character that feels both collected and curated.
“I love the process of layering in personality, history, and functionality in a way that feels effortless and deeply personal,” says Montgomery. “The best spaces are the ones that not only look beautiful, but genuinely make everyday life feel better.”
Keeping It Cozy
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort when creating a beautiful home. Use these tips to keep your chic spaces feeling warm and inviting.
Layers and Texture. Designer Ashley Montgomery says that “a home feels balanced when there’s a mix of old and new, texture and softness, light and dark.” In this home, for example, she utilized light, natural fabrics like linen “to add subtle contrast and depth without overpowering the palette.”
Size and Scale. “I pay close attention to contrast and scale,” explains Montgomery. “Most of the drapery [in this home] was semi-custom to ensure it fit the scale and softness of each space properly.” Also pay attention to furniture size. Oversize can easily feel overwhelming instead of cozy.
Patience. Don’t feel rushed to fill your space with decor. Prevent the sterility of a showroom by sourcing a mix of new and vintage pieces, like Montgomery did here. Slowly adding items you love over time will help your home reach that just-right feeling of curation.
