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 White Oak Alice Brushed DuraMatt® from our Muse Collection across the floors and a ceiling as 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
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
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
Hardwood Flooring Installation: What to Expect
In this episode of our series, Amy walks through The Arnette to peak at the hardwood flooring installation. A timelapse captures the transformation, revealing how careful preparation and precision shape the final result.
When it comes to engineered hardwood flooring, professional installation plays a critical role in protecting your investment. Experienced installers ensure each board is properly aligned, securely fastened, and installed over a well-prepared subfloor to help prevent issues such as movement, gaps, or uneven surfaces. When high-quality flooring is paired with skilled craftsmanship and proper acclimation, the result is a floor built for lasting performance.
In the video, one of Biehn's Floorworks' installers explains why Mirage's finish stands out in the industry, highlighting the durability and protection built into every plank. With Mirage prefinished hardwood, no sanding or staining is required on site, and the floors are ready to be enjoyed as soon as installation is complete.
Watch how craftsmanship and product performance come together to create a floor designed to last.
Learn about our floorboard technologies
Episode 4 of 6
Coming next: Wood plank ceiling cladding
Ceiling and Wall Cladding: Creating a Cohesive Wood Look
In this next chapter, wood extends beyond the floor to define the architectural character of The Arnette, reinforcing its warm, Wisconsin supper club-inspired vibe. With Mirage hardwood carried across floors, walls, and ceilings, continuity becomes a deliberate and defining design choice.
Wood ceilings bring depth and richness to a space, softening light and creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Timeless and versatile, wood performs just as beautifully overhead as it does underfoot. As with any architectural application, it is important to consult local building codes and regulations before installation.
In the lower-level music room, White Oak Alice Exclusive Brushed engineered planks are carefully coordinated in tone and finish with the flooring,ensuring visual harmony while showcasing craftsmanship in a more expressive, design-forward way.
Watch how professional ceiling wood cladding installation elevates The Arnette's media room from a renovation to a fully immersive design experience.
Episode 5 of 6
Final episode: Full renovation reveal
Hardwood: A Versatile Foundation for Interior Design
In this episode, the design foundation is fully revealed. Mirage hardwood extends across the floors, walls,and ceilings of The Arnette, setting the tone for each space while showcasing the versatility of wood as a unifying design element.
On the main level, which includes the living room, kitchen, and entrance, Amy selected White Oak Alice Brushed in Exclusive grade, where uniform planks create a refined, streamlined look suited to the heart of the home. In contrast, the lower level, home to the movie room and entertainment areas, features White Oak Alice Brushed in Character grade, highlighting the natural variations of wood to bring warmth and authenticity to a more intimate setting.
Throughout the home, the thoughtful use of wood grades becomes a key design strategy, balancing the richness of Character grade with the polished consistency of Exclusive grade to create contrast, cohesion, and a layered interior design.
Watch how the completed design of The Arnette establishes a cohesive foundation, ready to be brought to life with furnishings and finishing touches.
The final episode is almost here.
Stay tuned for the full reveal of the finished project.
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.