Lake Norman Boathouse – Cornelius, NC
A Boathouse Thoughtfully Designed
A boathouse may be compact, but every square inch is intentional, and this one is no exception. Each area was created with comfort and functionality in mind. Whether it’s sipping a morning coffee or unwinding with a view of the lake, this space makes lakeside living feel effortless and refined.
Kitchen
Boathouse kitchen area–
Cabinetry: Frameless Full Overlay by Walker WoodworkingWood: Quarter Sawn White Oak | Finish: Gris Beige
This custom kitchen inside the charming boathouse combines timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality. It features frameless, full-overlay cabinets in quarter-sawn white oak, and the elegant Gris Beige finish enhances the natural wood grain while adding warmth and sophistication.
The cabinetry interiors are crafted from durable maple and include tailored storage solutions such as adjustable roll-outs and tray dividers to keep everything organized. The eat-in island serves as both a functional workspace and a casual dining area, making it the kitchen’s heart.
Details like floating shelves and applied finished sides add a polished aesthetic, while the coffee station is neatly tucked behind pocket doors for a clean, clutter-free look. The Carolina slab door profile, paired with refined Jeffrey Alexander hardware, ties the entire design together with sleek simplicity and understated luxury.
Kitchen Island
Boathouse Island Kitchen – Walker Woodworking
Cabinetry: Frameless Full Overlay |
Wood: Quarter Sawn White Oak |
Finish: Black Spray Stain with Rialto Glaze
Sophisticated and perfectly suited for lakeside living, this Boathouse Island kitchen by Walker Woodworking is designed to impress. The frameless, full overlay cabinetry in quarter-sawn white oak is brought to life with a rich black spray stain and accented with a subtle Rialto Glaze, creating a bold yet elegant aesthetic. Flat maple interiors ensure durability and a clean contrast, while a furniture-style base adds a touch of classic detail.
At the heart of this space is the hardworking island, equipped with a Kohler farmhouse sink, a built-in ice maker, Rev-A-Shelf utensil and spice pullouts, and a double trash rollout. Designed for both function and relaxation, the island also accommodates four bar stools, making it the ideal place to unwind and take in the lake view.
This thoughtfully curated kitchen is a perfect blend of beauty and utility, where everyday functionality meets the calm and comfort of lakeside living.
Upstairs Beverage Unit
Upstairs Suite Beverage Area – Boathouse
Cabinetry: Walker Woodworking | Color: Naval SW 6244 by Sherwin-Williams
A refined retreat, this upstairs boathouse suite beverage area by Walker Woodworking brings both charm and convenience to lakeside living. The painted cabinetry in Naval SW 6244 is the perfect nautical-inspired hue—deep, rich, and serene—making it an ideal fit for this cozy upper-level escape.
Thoughtful features include a 15-inch Ruvati sink, floating shelves for stylish storage and display, and an under-counter beverage cooler that keeps drinks perfectly chilled. Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee or a late-night glass of wine with a lake view, this space is designed for comfort, style, and ease.
Compact, elegant, and perfectly functional—this upstairs suite is a hidden gem with everything you need, just steps away.
Bathroom
Boathouse Upstairs Bathroom – Walker Woodworking
Frameless Full Overlay | Quarter Sawn White Oak | Finish: Rubio White
Clean lines and coastal charm define this upstairs bathroom in the boathouse, where Walker Woodworking cabinetry takes center stage. The frameless, full overlay cabinets in quarter-sawn white oak are finished in Rubio White, creating a soft, natural tone that enhances the tranquil lakehouse atmosphere.
The floating vanity features stylish shiplap drawer and door fronts, double sinks, and a thoughtfully designed grooming drawer with built-in plug-ins, offering smart, seamless storage. Under-counter lighting adds both ambiance and function, serving as a subtle night light for guests and highlighting the vanity’s elegant design.
This space blends comfort, sophistication, and thoughtful design to create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and guest-friendly.
Unique Features
Boathouse – Unique Architectural & Design Features
Beyond the beautifully designed kitchen, bathroom, and beverage areas, this lakeside boathouse is home to some truly one-of-a-kind details that make it a showpiece of creativity and craftsmanship.
Under-Stair Waterfall Countertop
One of the most striking elements is the waterfall-style countertop artfully installed under the staircase. Not only is it a functional use of space, but its finished backside—visible through floor-to-ceiling glass windows—turns it into a focal point, offering architectural interest from both inside and out. It’s a perfect blend of form and function that adds a layer of sophistication and surprise to the home.
Porthole Pantry Door
In a nod to nautical design, a custom pantry door features a nickel-plated aluminum porthole window. This maritime-inspired element brings character and whimsy to the space, grounding the boathouse theme while offering a glimpse into the pantry beyond. It’s a creative, unexpected detail that reinforces the home’s lakeside identity in a fresh, elegant way.
Project Information
Design Firm: Greenbrook Design
Designer: Heather Moll
Cabinets by: Walker Woodworking
Photography: Darin Holiday, Electric Films
Project Location: Lake Norman * Cornelius, NC
See below for more photos of this one-of-a-kind project.