Follow a real home renovation, guided step by step by seasoned designer Amy Carman and her collaborator, Carman Made.
The Arnette is more than a designer showhouse. It is a deeply personal project rooted in family, an homage to Amy's mother and her Midwestern upbringing.
From hardwood flooring to wood-clad walls and ceilings, Mirage products shape key spaces in this premium transformation. Explore the design choices, the showroom visit, the installation process, and the final reveal, and discover what it truly means to build a home with intention, quality, and lasting character.
Midwest Setting
Shores of the Fox River
Waterford, Wisconsin
Design & Craft Teams
Amy Carman Design
Carman Made
Biehn's Floorworks
Hardwood Coverage
Over 2,000 sq. ft. of American & European White Oak from our Muse Collection across the floors, ceilings, and architectural cladding
An Ode to Family. A Home Designed to Last.
Located along the shores of the Fox River in Waterford, Wisconsin, The Arnette is a classic lake cottage reimagined with deep Midwestern roots and a reverence for enduring quality.
Named in honor of Amy Carman's mother, Lynn Arnette Stanley, the home is both a personal tribute and a reflection of the values she grew up with: family, craftsmanship, and materials chosen to stand the test of time.
Guided by those principles, Amy transformed this once modest 1960s home into a warm, thoughtfully designed showroom where wood plays a defining role, from the floors underfoot to the architectural surfaces above.
In the video, Amy shares the story behind The Arnette.
Episode 1 of 6
Coming next: The showroom visit
New episode drops Monday. Don't miss it!
Why Seeing the Floor in Person Matters
In this first video, Amy visits Biehn's Floorworks to explore their showroom, experience Mirage hardwood firsthand, and speak with their expert, Brian, an essential step in any hardwood flooring project.
Even the most accurate online renderings cannot fully capture the true character of natural wood. Large in-store samples allow you to see the grade in detail, feel the texture, observe how the finish responds to changing light, and even walk across installed displays in a hardwood flooring showroom environment.
Experienced flooring professionals like Brian know Mirage products inside and out, from construction and finish to long-term performance. Having guided hundreds of renovation projects, they understand the right questions to ask and how to help homeowners select flooring that aligns with both their design vision and their everyday lifestyle.
Watch Amy gather inspiration and insight during her visit, a key step in bringing The Arnette to life.
Episode 2 of 6
Coming next: Behind the design process
New episode drops Monday. Don't miss it!
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring for a Renovation
In this next video, Amy shares her thinking behind one of the most important decisions in The Arnette renovation: exploring premium engineered hardwood flooring as a foundation of her design.
For the main living spaces, Amy selected quality hardwood flooring made in North America: White Oak Alice Brushed DuraMatt® in 7-inch-wide planks in random lengths from the Muse Collection.
“To be honest, we chose it for durability. Designers don't get credit for that, but we do think about it. We wanted a really hard wear layer. We also wanted a really nice warm finish that was forgiving.”
These engineered planks, built with a locally sourced SPF core made from fast-growing species, support responsible forest regeneration and long-term stability.
Watch the video to see how Amy narrowed her selection of materials and why performance mattered just as much as beauty.
See this floor in your home with our Visualizer
Episode 3 of 6
Coming next: The installation reveal
New episode drops Monday. Don't miss it!
How to choose hardwood flooring for your renovation
Are you starting your own hardwood flooring project or working with a designer on your home renovation? Choosing the right premium hardwood flooring involves more than selecting a color.
Consider where the flooring will be installed, the level of activity in your home, and whether humidity fluctuations are a concern. Engineered hardwood flooring is often preferred for renovations because of its dimensional stability and compatibility with a variety of subfloor conditions.
Ordering samples, visiting a hardwood flooring showroom, and working with experienced professionals can help ensure you select flooring that delivers both performance and timeless design.
Begin planning your renovation with confidence right here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hardwood flooring for a home renovation?
The best hardwood flooring for a renovation depends on several factors, including where the flooring will be installed, the level of household activity, your maintenance expectations, and whether features like fireplaces or radiant heat systems are present. Many homeowners choose engineered hardwood flooring for its added stability and long-term performance. A trusted Mirage dealer can help you compare options and select premium hardwood flooring that fits both your design vision and your lifestyle.
Is engineered hardwood better for basements?
In most cases, yes. Engineered hardwood flooring tolerates wider humidity ranges and temperature fluctuations better than solid wood planks, making it a strong choice for basements and lower levels. Its layered construction provides enhanced dimensional stability while maintaining the authentic look of real wood.
Can hardwood be installed on ceilings?
Hardwood can be used for wall and ceiling applications when properly installed. However, requirements vary by region, so it is important to consult local building codes and regulations before beginning installation. Using high-quality engineered planks and experienced installers helps ensure a secure and lasting result.
How durable is the DuraMatt® finish?
Mirage's DuraMatt® finish is engineered for long-term durability and everyday performance. It is backed by a 35-year residential warranty against finish wear-through and a 3-year warranty for light commercial use, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.
How long does hardwood flooring installation take?
Installation timelines vary depending on factors such as subfloor condition, total square footage, plank width and pattern, and the installation method used. Working with experienced professional installers helps ensure proper preparation, acclimation, and a smooth installation process for long-lasting results.