With three puppies and three grown sons, not to mention a regular crew of grand-dogs, significant others and friends, this Indianapolis-based couple wanted their weekend lake retreat to be serene and inviting, and also relaxed and indestructible. At SYH, we feel that a vacation house, like a basement, has to be designed so well that it compels you there. This simple, comfortable A-frame certainly makes the hassle of packing the car and opening the boat and stocking the groceries all worth it. The structure retains its quirky charm, connecting inhabitants inside and drawing them outside; by design, togetherness and nature are the focus. A formerly dark and awkward kitchen is now bright and natural, with a new window to see the lake and a layout made for a crowd to work in and move through. White paint, a new stair rail system, and an overall neutral furniture scheme lightened and modernized the main spaces, highlighting the blues and greens outside. We pulled the soft lake palette into the reconfigured bath that serves the main floor and also has a door into the primary bedroom. As always, we balanced new and old, retaining the original pine ceiling and an heirloom dining set. It's hard to choose our favorite bit, but it has to be the custom reading nook that fits a full sized mattress - a great place to curl up and catch the afternoon sun, or make into a bed for extra visitors.