Mississippi-based designer Claire Thompson, principal of her eponymous firm, completely reimagined an old lakeside home in Madison, Mississippi, turning it into a warm, modern sanctuary that still feels steeped in Southern comfort.
The 4 bedroom, 4 bath home was completely renovated, including a 600 square foot extension, creating an upscale feel. and a family of five in total. Claire shares her design approach, including lowering the ceiling to carve out more square footage above while creating a beautiful, intimate atmosphere on the first floor.
Take a look inside the beautiful conversion of this lake home.
1. Treat Dated Data as a Blank Canvas
By permission of Claire Thompson
Instead of holding on to what wasn’t working (which you can see it was not in this ‘Before’ photo), Claire approached the home from a new perspective. I knew that home was a blank slate, and that was exciting! That feedback allowed the team to move quickly to rethink form and aesthetics, rather than trying to “fix” the past.
2. A Double Height Living Room Turned into a Center of Excellence…
Andrew Welch Photography
One of the boldest, smartest moves was turning the double-height living space into something warm, inviting and fun while turning the upstairs space into a nursery.
Andrew Welch Photography
“It was a no-brainer for everyone! The double-height living area felt very heavy and lacking in structure. Lowering the ceiling really made for a warm and beautiful living room experience,” says Claire.
…With the New Children’s Area Upstairs
Andrew Welch Photography
They converted the loft into a patterned loft and playroom. “The designer has included two square images and to work, something that every family member can benefit from,” says Claire.
3. They Use Marble to Make a Statement
Andrew Welch Photography
If there’s one thing this home does well, it’s using stone as a way to tell a story. It never overwhelms the space, instead creating eye-catching moments that read more like art than material.
From Calacatta Viola in the kitchen to Breccia Capraia in the fireplace and Calacatta Vagli in the master bath, every detail of the furniture adds just enough drama.
Andrew Welch Photography
“I went to Dallas a few months before I started this project and I saw the Viola Aria slab and I fell in love completely. In the style of the house, the stones play well and bring the whole house together without feeling like it’s useless.”
All the marbles were sourced from Aria Stone Gallery, which ensures important areas with fine veining and depth.
4. Material Mixing Keeps Things Small and Warm
Andrew Welch Photography
Minimalism can easily be cold, but not here. Claire’s elegantly balanced finishes include large-format marble flooring on the main level with soft materials such as white oak on the stairs and upper floors. In the bathroom, drapery adds warmth and style.
5. Livability Was Built From The Start
Andrew Welch Photography
This is not one of those houses that you dread living in. We used beautiful and attractive furniture and fabrics, and we made sure that none of the chairs looked too expensive but everything was approachable.
Clean, Italian-made pieces and custom upholstery bring polish but nothing is cut. It’s a place designed to be used, not just liked.
6. Durable material makes it Family Proof (without sacrificing style)
Andrew Welch Photography
With three young children, durability was a must, but so was playfulness. This patterned moment, from the walls to the windows to the blankets, feels fun but still upscale.
Andrew Welch Photography
Claire says: “We chose durable rugs and fabrics for the furniture. We also loved marble. It’s refreshing: Instead of avoiding materials like marble, the design embraces how they change over time.”
7. Light & Textile Add Personality
Andrew Welch Photography
To simplify the designs and add visual interest, Claire used picture lamps from Apparatus and Urban Electric, as well as wall coverings and textiles from Schumacher – especially in the children’s areas.
These details make the house not feel too deep, adding the right personality.
Andrew Welch Photography
This home strikes a balance that’s incredibly difficult to achieve: modern yet cool, upscale yet unpretentious, and family-friendly without sacrificing design integrity. By relying on natural materials and prioritizing what the home really is lifeClaire created a space that feels as good as it looks, which is really the ultimate goal.
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