Luxe Lake Living

Dr. Bruce Mitchell has struck the perfect balance in his Hot Springs home. It has clean lines and modern furnishings, yet is warm, relaxed and — because of his interests — features a bit of whimsy.

This Lake Hamilton home, which was completed in April 2006, serves as Mitchell’s primary residence; it’s a dream-come-true for this Arkansas native.

“The lake has always fascinated me. However, Hot Springs did not have the clientele to support my specialty,” Mitchell said. He is an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. “I longed to live in Hot Springs, so in 1996 I decided to buy a condo and see if I liked it. I did; so I bought a home and lived there for awhile and later began to look for land to build.”

While he looked for the perfect lot, Mitchell collected interior design ideas from magazines, other homes and the like. “I did 99 percent of the design work myself,” he said. “I’m kind of a minimalist; I don’t like a lot of clutter. I like geometrics, bright colors and tall ceilings.”

Mitchell included all of this and more in his lakeside residence. The ceilings are 18 feet high, which allowed him to use half walls to divide space and produced ample space for large artwork. The entry — made through 8-foot gray doors — is the first place one encounters the cardinal color that is repeated throughout; it’s underfoot in a plush circular rug and above in a James Hayes chandelier. Mitchell maximized his lake view with a 75 to 80 foot wall of windows that runs across the rear of his home. Visitors are wowed by the view.

The first room upon entrance is the living room, which is divided into two spaces. One is grounded with a red leather sectional sofa and two plush armchairs upholstered in geometric fabrics. An oval rug in a neutral tone, similar to the 24-by-24 travertine tiles used throughout, defines the space; a kidney-shaped glass coffee table with a wood base sits atop the rug. A trio of cherry-finish framed mirrors reflects the spectacular view. The opposite conversation area contains a zebra-inspired rug, two armless crimson chairs and a half-wall that grants display space for smaller artwork on one side and kitchen cabinet space on the other.

The half wall, just as all the cabinetry in the kitchen, is fashioned of birdseye maple. At its end, sits an open, gas fireplace, visible to both rooms. The kitchen is a study in modern with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and pendant lighting. A local craftsman created the room’s steel backsplashes and used a circular tool to add pattern and texture. A trio of saucer-like stools provides dining space at the island. Energy is brought to the dining room, just off the kitchen, with a large red wall. The dining table has a granite top and six armless dining chairs with leather seats sit opposite the wall of windows. In an ode to days gone by, Mitchell uses a refurbished art deco cabinet painted lime green for storage. A sisal rug grounds the space.

One of the crowing jewels of this home is the entertainment room, which could be called the Beatles Room. It features circular-patterned gray carpet; dark walls; seating for six to 10 music fans on traditional sofas, a half chaise lounge, chairs and ottomans; and a large projection screen — all of which make it a perfect room to view movies. Mitchell has an extensive music collection and stores items in large built-in cabinets. His various musical instruments and a couple of working jukeboxes with an eclectic mix of music also make this a great party room. Pocket doors used to separate the media room from the living space are fashioned of tiger wood, which has been used vertically. “I wanted them to function as doors and artwork,” Mitchell said.

A fan of beauty and function, Mitchell designed his office to function as a bedroom, if needed, by installing a Murphy bed. Grey and purple is the palette for this space. Two other guest bedrooms speak to the homeowner’s eclectic style. One is decidedly masculine and rustic with carved wood as the main theme; the other is very modern with a platform bed sitting upon copper-covered pedestals and lighting underneath.

Just across the hall, backing to the living room, is the master bedroom. Here a half wall is used to divide the bathing and sleeping areas; two small, floating shelves flank the king-size platform bed. The master bath is handsomely appointed in neutral tones with onyx counters, and a circular wall creates the shower space. Copper mosaic tile, also used in the other bath and powder rooms, was used on the walk-in-shower. A soaker Jacuzzi tub adds to the luxury of the space.

Of course, a lakeside home must have a great outdoor living space, and this home does not disappoint. The deck runs across the entire rear. Staircases lead left and right to a patio below and a fabulous stacked-stone waterfall. A walkway leads to the boat dock, which Mitchell shares with his neighbors.

“I’ve had parties with as many as 80 people here and still had ample space,” Mitchell said. “My favorite space is the deck. I’m kind of a type A person, but I’m more relaxed in Hot Springs than I’ve ever been. It’s because of the water; it’s so mesmerizing and tranquil.” Mitchell loves the overall openness of his home and likens the design to that of a cruise ship. “It’s 99 percent of everything I wanted.”