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The large picture window anchors the main living room with spectacular views of Swan Lake.

Featured Article

At Home on Swan Lake

A retrospective look inside a mid-century charmer in one of Tulsa’s most desirable neighborhoods

Article by Debra Laizure

Photography by Shutter House Tours

Originally published in Tulsa City Lifestyle

Austin and Sally Rutledge are embracing lake living at its finest. Built in 1951, their home is in the historic Swan Lake neighborhood and is quintessentially mid-century modern. The couple purchased the midtown home “as-is” and have spent the past six years lovingly transforming it into their family’s home. The Rutledge’s have fostered a warm and welcoming environment where family and friends can enjoy the lake together.

The home’s exceptional location, facing the lake, invites a flood of natural light to pour through the interior and offers breathtaking views from the living room and kitchen windows. The couple says the midtown location is hard to beat, but the culture and community that exists on Swan Lake is truly special.

Sally says, “Gardening is a passion of ours and we have devoted countless hours landscaping the outdoor spaces. The tulips are the first to bloom, followed by stunning purple and pink azaleas around the porch and front picture window. The garden then bursts into an array of colors as peonies, roses, and hydrangeas bloom.”

The Rutledge’s cherish their home and enjoy hosting dinners on their deck overlooking Swan Lake. According to Austin, “Living on Swan Lake expands your neighbors. The people who live around the lake are all quite connected.”

“The midtown location is hard to beat, but the culture and community that exists on Swan Lake is truly special.”

  • Interior design provided by Transitions Home Staging.
  • The large picture window anchors the main living room with spectacular views of Swan Lake.
  • Swan Lake is home to a collection of native waterfowl maintained by the Swan Lake Waterfowl Society and Tulsa Parks.
  • The opalescent fireplace tile offers a fresh play on patterns.
  • The outdoor entertaining space offers spectacular views of the lake.
  • The MCM chandelier adds a bit of glam to the newly remodeled kitchen.
  • Smart and stylish finishes create a clean, modern workspace.
  • The quaint built-in breakfast nook overlooks Swan Lake.

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