Julie Shaw fondly recalls the day she and her husband found their dream home on Hot Springs’ Lake Hamilton just six years ago. “At the time, there was nothing available. The economy was booming and people were purchasing property right and left. But then we found this house. It was in the perfect location—on the lake, yet close to town,” she says.
When the Shaws purchased their dream vacation home it had been neglected for quite some time and they knew it would be a lengthy renovation. “Since we spend most of our time outside, we decided to start the renovation there,” says Shaw. The first priorities were to create an outdoor kitchen, cabana area for sunning and an outdoor shower. The couple often travels to the British Virgin Islands, and as a designer Julie drew her inspiration for the renovation from these trips. “I wanted to bring all the color and casual simplicity of the tropics to this home,” she says.
While the stone and lakeside decking existed when the Shaws bought the home, they wanted to add their own touch and did so with the addition of a cedar cabana. Four Smith & Hawken teak lounge chairs coordinate beautifully with the cabana and offer a spot to relax in the shade. To bring in a bit of the tropical flair, Julie added orange-and-red throw pillows to contrast with the furniture’s off-white cushions. The family and guests alike enjoy soaking in the sun on the teak deck chairs that flank the cabana.
…
