Lake Cabin Love: Modern Updates for a Cozy Retreat at Lake of the Ozarks

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Last updated on March 31, 2025

In case you missed it- Schloegel Design Remodel has expanded our services to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks! Whether it's a luxury remodel or a smaller handyman project, our team is ready to bring our expertise and craftsmanship to your lake home.  

One of our first projects at the lake was a cabin-esque home in need of some modern updates. From replacing the flooring to installing a fresh window and upgrading the HVAC system, this lakeside retreat got a well-deserved refresh. Emily Robbins and Lester Withers from our Handyman Services Team tackled this project and the results are awesome!  

Before Images

A dated cabin interior with dated carpet
Exterior view of the cabin. A cracked window and some damaged trim are shown.

A Flooring Refresh  

Emily and Lester began by carefully cutting the carpet and carpet pad into manageable rolls, securing them with tape, and hauling them outside. Next, they removed the tack strips, staples, and nails to ensure a clean slate. After removing the carpet, the next step was to even out the floor as there was a large hump that ran down the middle of the living room floor and another in the primary bedroom. 

Image of flooring that remained once carpet and carpet pad were removed.
Self lever applied to floor to even things out, Grey material covers parts of the floor.

To ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish, Emily and Lester applied self-leveler to even out the lumps and create a solid base. This meticulous preparation laid the groundwork for the star of the show: the new Paramount RigidCORE Keystone flooring in the finish Spanish Lookout. The team then measured and chalked out the layout for the floor panels. The next step was to install them! 

Medium toned neutral wood floor panels laid out as they are being installed.

The updated floors completely refreshed the space, adding warmth and character that complements the cabin's natural wood tones. The new flooring blends with the rustic charm of the cabin, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for lakeside living! 

medium neutral toned wood floors installed in cabin.
Medium neutral toned wood floors laid in lake cabin.

Professionally Replacing a Cracked Window 

In addition to the flooring update, Emily and Lester also tackled some necessary exterior repairs around the broken window. To replace the window and repair the area around it, the team installed protective coverings over the window's exterior to prepare for the mortar demo. They carefully removed the existing mortar from the top side of the window, cutting away nails and any remaining caulking. The existing trim needed to be removed and wasn’t salvageable, so they crafted and installed a new top trim piece to blend with the cabin’s tongue-and-groove log exterior. 

exterior view of replaced window with mortar and trim repair happening.

After ensuring a snug fit, Emily and Lester applied foam insulation to seal any gaps around the new trim. To protect and finish the job, they applied a coat of primer to the window trim and added a layer of Loxon masonry waterproofing primer to the fresh mortar, ensuring long-lasting durability and a clean, polished look.  

Exterior view of newly replaced window. Trim and mortar around the window has also been redone.

Finally, the glass of the new window was cleaned, and everything looks shiny and new! 

A Heating and Cooling Upgrade 

The cabin had electric wall heaters and a window unit AC but it wasn’t quite cutting it. Our client wanted to talk through options for comfort in the extreme heat of summer and cold of winters. We decided to add a Bosch HVAC mini-split to the home for heating and cooling purposes. A mini-split system is an alternative to central air conditioning that cools and heats without using ductwork.  It’s made up of two parts, and indoor unit and outdoor unit that work together to transfer heat. 

Mini-split condenser outdoor unit on exterior of lake cabin.
inside the lake cabin, up high on the wall is a newly installed mini-split heating and cooling unit.

With fresh flooring, the brand-new HVAC mini-split for efficient climate control, and a repaired window that’s ready to withstand the elements, this lake cabin is now more comfortable than ever. Every update was made to ensure the space remains functional but cozy and practical for lakeside living.  

At Schloegel Design Remodel, we’re passionate about helping homeowners create spaces they love to live in — from major renovations to smaller but equally impactful updates like these. Whether it’s a minor update or a major remodel, we're excited to bring new life to lake homes across the Ozarks. If you're ready to enhance your lake retreat, contact us and let's make your vision a reality!