Tag: home design

Biophilic Design: A Trend You Should Know About

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Home Stratosphere

On the Lake Homes blog, we often cover interior design trends related to lake living. Hygge, a Danish concept defined simplistically as “coziness,” evokes comfort in the home by using warm tones, candles, fireplaces, and blankets. Another recent trend is wabi-sabi design, a Japanese concept that focuses on finding beauty in imperfections. Natural materials like driftwood, personally significant artwork, and repaired pottery are all emblematic of wabi-sabi. Each of these trends reflects the spirit of lake living in different ways. 

Today, we’re introducing a new concept for lake lovers to adopt in their homes — biophilic design. Although it was introduced in the 1970s by biologist E.O. Wilson, it’s been practiced since ancient times (e.g., the rumored Hanging Gardens of Babylon). To learn more about this style, we talked with Hope McMahan, project manager at Deltec Homes in Asheville, NC. Read on for everything you need to know about biophilic design.

What is Biophilic Design?

Photo courtesy of Deltec Homes

Biophilic design is all about connecting back to nature through architecture and decor. But it’s more holistic than simply adding a few indoor plants to your lake home. McMahan explains that biophilic design can be broken down into three components. The first is the direct experience of nature (e.g., letting in more natural light, incorporating greenery). The second is the indirect experience of nature (e.g., paintings of scenery, natural colors, wood furniture). Finally, the third component is the physiological connection to nature. 

McMahan clarifies, “There’s fear in nature, and at the end of the day, we’re still animals. We need to feel safe and secure in our environments.” Features like large windows play into this sense of safety, allowing you to physically witness any impending threats and rest in the security of your home’s protective qualities. In the same way, many biophilic homes expose the beams of the trusses so you can see the structures that are keeping you safe at home. 

Essentially, all three components focus on enhancing our connection to the natural world. This connection, McMahan says, is one that’s often lost in traditional homes. “Biophilic design reminds us that we’re still animals, and we need to exist more like that. We can actually think about the living things in our world.”

Why Is Biophilic Design Trending Again?

Photo courtesy of Architect Magazine

According to research from the University of Vermont, more people, especially women, are turning to the outdoors for comfort these days. The resurgence of biophilic design reflects this desire for nature that has become more prominent since the rise of COVID-19. McMahon says, “During the past year, we’ve all been trapped inside. We’re experiencing this trauma together. We’re also starting to understand how our homes make us feel.” 

To illustrate this point, she explains the ways in which architecture can evoke certain feelings. For example, the brutalist, concrete structure of a courthouse creates solemn, stoic vibes. By contrast, a biophilic design with wooden cabinets and expansive windows manifests a sense of peace and comfort that we’re all craving amid this global crisis. “Biophilic design is not just functional — it’s also an art,” she says. 

Another reason behind biophilic design’s revival is its connection to the popular sustainability movement. Although it’s possible to practice biophilic design without being environmentally friendly, they often go hand in hand. McMahon describes biophilic architects as “the green builders before it was cool to be green.”

What Are the Benefits of Biophilic Design?

Photo courtesy of Deltec Homes

Perhaps the most apparent benefit, biophilic design is simply beautiful. By bringing the outdoors in, both literally and metaphorically, your home blends more seamlessly with the natural world. But beyond aesthetics, biophilic design also has several psychological benefits. Many research studies have demonstrated that those who inhabit biophilic spaces experience lower stress levels and more positive moods. It also has physical health benefits. McMahon mentions the myriad of studies suggesting that patients in hospitals with biophilic design recover more quickly than those in traditional buildings. In workspaces, biophilic design is also linked to greater productivity. With all these clear benefits, what’s not to love?

How Can I Incorporate Biophilic Design in My Lake Home?

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via ArchDaily

Whether you’re redesigning a home or looking for minor improvements, biophilic design can be for you. If you’re remodeling your lake home, consider a round wooden ceiling. Deltec Designs features a 360 Collection that is completely round, allowing it to withstand higher winds due to its aerodynamic frame. From a design perspective, its structure resembles a tree, eliciting a sense of biomimicry. In these round homes, be sure to install wide windows to connect the home to the landscape. At a lake house, this is especially important since the lake view is a central feature of the home. 

However, you don’t have to completely rebuild in order to incorporate biophilic design into your home. Simple changes like adding indoor plants, choosing curtains with natural materials like 100% cotton, installing hardwood floors, and picking native plants can go a long way in establishing your biophilic home. The important thing is to keep it natural. “The more synthetic it is, the less we’re able to realize that it’s from the earth,” McMahon explains. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake plants or photos of plants can offer the same effect. 

From the ancient Hanging Gardens to your own lake home, biophilic design is both beautiful and beneficial. We wish you luck in incorporating this trend into your home!

Things to Consider When Designing a Mudroom for Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

If you own a lake home, you’re no stranger to bringing the outdoors inside. And we don’t mean that in a good way. While we love to incorporate outdoor items like driftwood into our home decor, we’re not fans of muddy footprints and wet swimsuits ruining our floors. However, keeping a lake house immaculately clean is impossible. After all, we love the messy fun that comes with living out in nature, and sometimes this mess makes it into the home. The solution? A mudroom. 

Traditionally used as a casual secondary entrance to one’s home, a mudroom serves as a place to hang wet clothing, remove muddy boots, and generally deposit the debris from outside. It’s usually located towards the back of a house attached to a garage. 

According to Home Beautiful, while your front entrance should be as polished as possible, the mudroom is the “hard-working skivvy behind the scenes.” If you’re considering adding a mudroom in your lake home or looking to renovate your current mudroom, we have some advice for you. After talking with some experts, we’re here to answer your most frequently asked questions about mudroom design.

Does a Mudroom Add Value?

In short, yes! Tim Bakke from The Plan Collection calls mudrooms an “especially desirable design feature.” They allow you, your family, and guests a space to drop off dirty shoes before stepping into the more manicured parts of your lake home. According to McFall Builders, mudrooms are “beautiful and functional, meaning organization and more storage to potential buyers in the future.” If buyers can see that there’s storage space to hang up coats and shoes, it’ll help them envision living in their future home. HGTV even listed mudrooms in their article about “6 Smart Ways to Add Value to Your Home in Unexpected Places.” Although a mudroom is typically not the home’s cleanest place, its value should certainly not be underestimated.

How Big Should a Mudroom Be?

Photo courtesy of Home Stratosphere

Although the mudroom is a crucial feature of any lake home, it shouldn’t necessarily be large. Since its primary function is to store dirty items, essentially serving as the gate between the outdoors and your home, it should only be big enough to fulfill that purpose. Unlike other rooms in your home, the mudroom is transient. It won’t be a room for guests to hang out. According to Houseplans.com, the ideal mudroom design should be at least 5 feet wide and 11 feet long. This allows a few people to enter the house simultaneously and store their items in cubbies.

What’s the Best Floor Surface for
a Mudroom?

The number one rule of mudroom flooring, according to Bakke, is “easy to clean.” He elaborates, “Rather than track the outdoors inside onto carpet or difficult-to-clean rugs, make sure the floor itself is made from a durable, waterproof material.” These materials could include tile, laminate, or vinyl. In some cases, sealed wood could be used with some success, but it isn’t ideal. When picking out flooring for your mudroom, keep in mind that you’ll have to clean it more frequently than other floors in your lake home.

How Should a Mudroom Be Organized?

Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

There are a few “must-haves” for every mudroom design. First, one of the biggest mudroom perks is having a space to deposit dirty shoes and overcoats. Bakke notes that you’ll need an ample amount of hooks and cubbies for storage. He adds, “Built-in storage like lockers, cabinetry, and shelving is great if not essential; however, you can also use simple baskets and bins to hold your galoshes and gloves.” It’s also a good idea to have a closet nearby for storing out-of-season items like winter gloves and coats. Finally, since a mudroom will be a place for tracking dirt, it’s a smart idea to place it near the laundry room.

Any Specific Lake House Features?

Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

At a lake house, a mudroom is a critical feature. Andra DelMonico, an interior design expert for Next Luxury, says, “A unique idea that’s perfect for a lake house is a boot wash station. This mini-tiled space is just big enough to rinse your feet off. Mount the controls and shower head low to avoid splashing. A showerhead with a handle on a hose will make it easier to rinse everywhere. As a bonus, you can also use it as a dog wash station.” Just like beach houses have outdoor showers for this purpose, she recommends a similar feature for lake homes. 

If you have children, other special mudroom considerations apply. For example, DelMonico recommends skipping the open cubbies if you have kids. “They will always look like a tornado just came through,” she elaborates. If your lake house has a garage, it’s best to place the mudroom near the garage entrance. Without a garage, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the side or rear of the house — whatever is closest to the lake itself! 

From us at Lake Homes Realty, we wish you the best with your mudroom design renovations!

Flexible and Functional: Lake Home Design 2021

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of UrbanGrace.com

Over the past year, vacation homes—particularly lake homes—have become much more than just a place to escape for a relaxing weekend. Since the pandemic took hold, more and more homeowners have decided to give up city living and retreat to a lake home full-time or make their existing lakeside vacation property their co-primary residence.

Tranquil, comforting, and connected to nature, these soothing lake-based sanctuaries offer a peaceful alternative where families and empty-nesters alike can safely work, learn, entertain, and embrace life to the fullest during these challenging times. In turn, this new movement has inspired lake-home owners to re-invent their spaces to meet the functionality demands of our “new normal.”

What do we need now? Chicago interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, founder of Michelle’s Interiors and owner of her own lake home retreat in Wisconsin on Lake Camelot, shares her wisdom, innate sense of style, and conviction that every home should embrace the spirit of the people who live there.

Here are her tips on how you can amp up the functionality of your interior—and exterior—lake spaces:

Optimize Your Home Office

Photo courtesy of Lillian August

“Our homes have always been our safe places away from the stresses of the day, but COVID has eroded some of that sanctuary feeling,” says Michelle. “More than ever, our homes are where we work, which brings that stress in through the front door. Yes, we need home offices—and learning spaces for our children—and those must be carefully designed to make long sessions comfortable, organized, and productive,” she notes.

Aesthetically, your home office style and its furnishings should always reflect the design incorporated throughout your home. For instance, if your home embodies a rustic farmhouse vibe, consider implementing knotty and imperfect repurposed wood flooring and dramatic ceiling beams. Pair this look with the rich patina of elegantly finished custom cabinetry, desks, and storage units for a visually satisfying contrast.

Next, make sure your office is Zoom-ready with the right equipment and lighting. Since video conferencing is now our primary connection to clients and co-workers, we—as well as our home offices—need to be dressed for success.

Beyond a great camera, microphone, and a comfortable chair, we want our workspace to look appealing, professional, and uncluttered. “Task lighting is important for reading, and your computer monitor should be positioned to avoid glare from a window or overhead light,” Michelle recommends.

Soundproofing, storage, and concealing all your cords are other factors to consider when planning your personal home office. For more tips and home office eye candy, visit Michelle’s Interiors.

Jump Start Your Home Gym

Photo courtesy of MiddleForkLuxury.com

With all the time we spend sheltering in place these days, working out at home has become necessary for burning off stress and staying fit. While we love to exercise outdoors, a home gym is often the easiest option when we’re super busy, or the weather is bad.

What are the must-haves for an aesthetically pleasing and inspiring home gym? “Bright lighting is number one,” says Michelle. “Evenly spaced recessed lighting and lots of natural light can make us feel more energetic—which equals a better workout.”

Other key essentials include a wall of mirrors to magnify the light and make a space look larger, an interlocking rubber floor, mats, or other cushioned surface for comfortable floor workouts and noise suppression, plus acoustical tiles and sound-proofed walls to create a quieter workout.

A TV monitor creates a great distraction while you burn calories and brings an element of luxury and value to your home gym. You can listen to your favorite music, binge-watch a Netflix series, or live-stream a motivating fitness program.

Plenty of smart storage solutions will ensure exercise equipment and towels are conveniently stowed away yet still within easy reach. “An eco-friendly water dispenser is also handy and cuts down on plastic bottles,” notes Michelle. “Everyone can fill up their reusable bottles—and you know how important that is to me! I am always thinking of ways to help people live greener lives at home.”

Take It Outside! — Design Your Alfresco Dream Kitchen

Photo courtesy of subzero-wolf.com via Michelle’s Interiors

We all love to cook and dine outdoors these days—especially while enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding our lake homes. After spending more time in open-air environments than ever before, we now crave the same luxuries and amenities outside as we do indoors. “An outdoor kitchen extends your food prep and dining space substantially—and it requires careful planning,” says Michelle.

Key considerations to discuss before launching a project include lifestyle, location, the traffic pattern between your indoor and outdoor kitchen, layout, and the type of appliances desired and placement.

When designing outdoor spaces for her clients, Michelle approaches it the same way she would for the interiors. How will you use the space, and what is your preferred aesthetic? Do you want to incorporate comfy seating and cozy focal points such as a built-in fireplace or firepit? “Regardless of your style and how you use your backyard, the exterior should be a natural extension of your interior style so that it flows effortlessly in both directions,” she sums.

For more stylish outdoor kitchen inspiration, visit houzz.com.

Perfectly Pet-Friendly

Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Custom Homes via Michelle’s Interiors

Not surprisingly, pet adoption has been on the rise since COVID-19, as many of us are feeling isolated and in need of a comforting companion. Integrating pet-friendly design into your lake house not only benefits our furry friends but also makes care and maintenance easier and less time-consuming—which ultimately makes us happier, right?

“Pet design, particularly organizational solutions, makes your home more functional and enjoyable for you and your new best friend—or friends,” says Michelle. “The way you plan a house influences a dog’s behavior and spirit, and good design makes pets feel cared for and content,” she adds.

Some of her go-to solutions? Multi-purpose pet showers are perfect for your laundry area or mudroom. Having your dog wash near an exterior door is the ideal location—no more muddy or snowy paws tracking all over the house! Whether you choose a floor-level or counter-level shower, a flexible goose-neck faucet will help direct the flow of water wherever you need it.

Plenty of storage is also key. Pull-out bins for pet food, treats, and built-in bowls are easy to access—and hide—and other essentials such as leashes, medications, and brushes can be stashed inside designated drawers in the same area.

“Pet doors are a great way to give your cat or dog the freedom to go outside for business or pleasure, or to access a litter box in the basement,” shares Michelle. “Some can be monitored remotely via a smartphone, and others work in sync with a sensor attached to your pet’s collar so they only open for your pet—not the neighborhood skunk or raccoon,” she laughs.

Want to dive into some lake home updates of your own? Start by reimagining your rooms, considering your individual lifestyle, family needs, and how you want to live in your space. After all, your surroundings are the backdrop of your life—and your home is a personal expression of who you are and the place where you feel your best.

What to Expect From Home Design in 2019

Posted on Staff

The new year is the perfect opportunity to give your home a fresh look. Check out the home design trends experts predict will gain popularity in 2019 and help increase the value of your lake home!

Dark Exteriors

In 2019, expect to see more dark home exteriors   in combinations of navy, steel grays and flat, deep reds, accented with contrasting colors like white door frames and/or natural wood shutters.

Photo Courtesy of Studio McGee by Xo Mrs Meacham

In choosing paint or material colors to work with, consider the personality you want your home’s appearance to communicate.

Dark blues are often associated with integrity and power, while dark reds communicate vigor and leadership. Charcoals and steel-gray tones often represent sophistication and masculinity.

Such combinations will help create a stark and compelling new look to your lake home, as well as yield as much as 43 percent return on investment.

Mismatched Metals

Uniformity has its place, but not in 2019.

When you’re working with metals, Invaluable.com advises homeowners to mix no more than three metals in a room, and to choose one dominant material and one to two accents.

Photo Courtesy of Invaluable.com

Aluminum is a cool-toned metal that works well as a room’s dominant material and is often seen in kitchens, particularly those with stainless-steel appliances. Copper and gold make the best accents to use with silver.

If you want your kitchen to feel warm, incorporate gold and copper in drawer pulls and cabinet handles, lighting fixtures and counter-top baubles.

Or keep your kitchen cool with cast iron fixtures. Replacing these small details can have an almost 90 percent return on investment, according to USA Today.

Also consider using textured metal finishes. For example, if your kitchen appliances are stainless steel and you choose copper as your accent color, swap your coasters with hammer-finished copper ones or replace your backsplash with hammered, bronze sheets.

Spa-Style Landscaping

Simply living at the lake can help reduce your stress thanks to the “blue mind effect,” which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and peace people experience near the lake. But spa-style landscaping, which is expected to become an emerging trend in 2019, can take these feelings to the next level.

Enhance your shore appeal with a small zen garden under a big pergola. Enclose the area with warm-toned wooden benches and airy drapes, or feature a quiet, miniature reflection pond or tricking waterfall wall.

Photo Courtesy of MyNorthMedia

For something simpler, landscape with aromatic plants along your waterline or retaining wall, such as rosemary or lemongrass.

Gardenias, jasmine and lavender are also calm-inducing plants to include in your landscaping. These flowers fare poorly in consistently moist soils, so try planting them closer to your home than the water.

And be sure to include some stabilizing vegetation too to protect your shoreline, like blue flag irises, lemongrass and cardinal flowers.

In fact, USA Today also reports these small upgrades can more than double your money in resale value.

Interested in more lake home decorating tips and ideas? Read our articles “Lake Home Decor: Living in Style“ and “Unique Landscape Designs for Lakefront Properties.“