Misty Mill By Wade Works Creative

Design
Architect: Chip Wade
Photographer: Tomas Espinoza

Materials
Wd-series Heaters In Black
universal Control Panel

Architecture, design, and real estate firm Wade Works Creative is led by Chip and Pauli Wade. Lead designer Chip grew up working on woodcraft and carpentry projects with his father and eventually became interested in design, landscaping, and renovation. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering, earned a certificate in residential construction and began working for a home builder in his hometown of Atlanta. In 2007, Chip joined the Atlanta carpentry team of HGTV’s Designed to Sell, which led to appearances on HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block, Ellen’s Design Challenge, HGTV’s Showdown, HGTV’s Design Star, HGTV’s Wise Buys, Oprah, and CNN. He is also the host, designer and executive producer on the Emmy winning series, Elbow Room. He enjoys helping viewers create homes geared toward their individual lifestyles, with a focus on innovative materials and processes, and designs infused with authenticity and creativity.

Before construction The property that would become Misty Mill was, on purchasing, a rundown log cabin, built from a kit in the 1980s. Although the lakeside location was spectacular, the shape of the cabin was not. There were some areas of quality: the cabin logs were hewn from hemlock, with some up to 40″ long, and with the original chinking. However, that woodsy feel carried through from outdoors to indoors, and wasn’t always in great shape or visually appealing. The rooms were small, the kitchen was tiny, and there weren’t enough windows. Project goals Chip wanted to stay true to the log cabin aesthetic, while updating the color palette and improving the quality of materials. He believes a destination structure should not be high-maintenance. Vacation home owners should be able to visit and enjoy their investment without constantly having to work on upkeep.

Our slogan for the property is ‘come enjoy and leave inspired.’ … it’s comfortable but you can tell it’s thoughtful in everything, from the space, the comfort, and the views. When you’re sitting there, every space invites you into it and encourages you to relax. It doesn’t just happen by accident in design.

— Chip Wade

Project Inspirations
From the very beginning, the Misty Mill project was all about family. The location had been discovered by the Wades while boating around the lake; they thought it would be an ideal spot to blend their kids’ interests with those of the adults. At Misty Mill, the family could spend time away, out in nature, enjoying the lake. In keeping with this family focus, Chip and his father built 100% of the redesign with their own hands over the course of a year.

Outdoor Design Approach
Since the beauty of the outdoor setting was the initial appeal for the property, views and access to the lake were paramount. Chip ripped out the original deck and added a new one that went all the way around the house. He also installed a new piling dock with a hydraulic boat lift that extends 100 feet out on the water.

About The Design
To open up the space and accommodate a young family, Misty Mill required a complete rework of the floor plan. The kitchen was moved and turned into a modern, open concept kitchen. Chip added two large suites, two bathrooms, and an open concept loft for the kids. The entire design was centered around lake views and access to the outdoors. At the heart of all this was Chip’s desire to build a home away from home that his family could be proud of, where everyone would feel both overwhelmingly comfortable and inspired. Misty Mill was designed to be thoughtful and inviting, a place where no one has to walk around as if they’re wearing kid gloves, where every space encourages relaxation.

Integrating Infratech
The dock area became the centerpiece for outdoor living with an outdoor bar, misting sprayer, fans, and Infratech heaters to keep the space welcoming, winter or summer. Chip also incorporated heaters on the back porch above the sitting area and hot tub area, so these areas can be enjoyed, even in times of heavy rain or other inclement weather.

The Wades’ initial draw to Misty Mill was its lakeside setting. This focus on outdoor living can be seen throughout the design of the home, and is accentuated by the updated color palettes and improved quality of the materials chosen by Chip.

Before renovation, the lakeside home had a tiny kitchen, too much structure, and not enough windows. Chip Wade reworked the entire floor plan, moved the kitchen over, and created a welcoming space for the multi-use dining room.

The Misty Mill property was purchased to give the Wade family more time together in the great outdoors. The outdoor living spaces are central to the home design, whether the family is lounging on the patio, cooking dinner outdoors, or relaxing on the dock.

Chip Wade replaced the old dock with a new 40' x 60' fixed piling dock fully equipped for outdoor enjoyment with a hydraulic boat lift, misting sprayer, fans, outdoor bar, and Infratech heaters.

"If you’re in a spot that just feels so peaceful, i guarantee you it was thoughtfully considered for a long time. That was my goal: for family, friends, and anyone who comes to be able to have a little slice of peace and enjoyment." — Chip Wade