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Chernee’s House: Embracing Coastal Living, Small Spaces & Big Style

Nov 19, 2025 | 0 comments

Welcome to Chernee’s House: Our Lake Life Adventure

Hey There, I’m Chernee!

Welcome to Chernee’s House — where cozy meets coastal.

A few months ago, my husband, our pup Daisy, and I took a big leap: we moved full-time to our lake house! After years of enjoying this space part-time, it finally felt like the right moment to make it our forever home again, now that the kids have their own spaces.

 

Picture of Chernee, Steve, and their dog Daisy.

We officially downsized from a 4,000+ square-foot house to a 1,600-square-foot lake cottage. YIKES, right? Especially for someone who loves beautiful things — from curated furniture and textiles to fashion, fabrics, and unique vintage finds. Learning to live with less has been a challenge… but one that’s brought so much joy and creativity!

 

Finding “Home” in a Coastal-Inspired Lake House

Our home is a shotgun-style double porch house — the kind you might find in charming Charleston. From the moment I first walked through the door, I felt that deep connection to the Lowcountry coastal vibe.

 

Soft hues, natural textures, and that relaxed Southern style make every space feel welcoming and calm. It’s that blend of elegance and comfort I’ve always loved — and I’m so excited to bring it to life here at the lake.

 

From Vacation Spot to Full-Time Home

We’ve actually owned this house for eight years. For most of that time, it served as our summer escape — a place for lake days, laughter, and family memories.

 

When I left my corporate job two years ago, I turned it into a profitable VRBO rental. Hosting guests and designing the space to feel like a boutique stay was a dream come true!
But as much as I loved that business, we missed the lake. We missed our home. So, this past summer, we decided to move back for good.

Phase One:

When we bought the house we did our first major “refresh:

Picture of what the house look like

  • Painted every room
  • Replaced the upstairs flooring
  • Updated both bathrooms with new vanities and flooring

Those first few weeks were a whirlwind of paint cans, tools, and design boards — but with every project, the house started to feel more like us.

Living Large in a Smaller Space

Now, the real adventure begins — figuring out how to make a smaller home feel open, layered, and full of heart.

As an interior designer, I’m passionate about mixing coastal textures, cozy layers, and curated pieces that tell a story. Whether it’s styling a tiny entryway or finding the perfect throw pillow, I love blending function with beauty.

And because I’ve always had a love for fashion and personal style, I’ll also be sharing the clothing brands, outfits, and seasonal looks that inspire me. To me, design and fashion go hand in hand — both are about expressing who you are and surrounding yourself with things you love.

Come Along for the Journey

If you love:

  • Interior Design
  • Coastal Living
  • Downsizing Inspiration
  • Fashion and Lifestyle Finds

Then you’re in the right place!

I can’t wait to take you behind the scenes of our projects, décor updates, and personal style favorites. Welcome to Chernee’s House— where we’re making small-space living feel big on heart.