Tag: home improvement

Four Ways to Make a Deer-Resistant Lake Homes Landscape

Posted on Staff
deer fawn
Photo courtesy of Lori Grant via Country Magazine

By Fletcher Allen, Noah Ryan, and Kristen Carr

Anyone that lives in a rural or even suburban environment will tell you hungry deer can make annoying neighbors. Deer are generalist herbivores, meaning they prefer to consume a variety of plants. They rely on all their senses to navigate their environment and forage for food, and once deer find a spot with food to eat, they are likely to return for more. With a little planning, creating a deer-resistant landscape is easy.

There are an array of plants, barriers, tools, and deterrents, however, that can assist in discouraging our furry-tailed friends. Using a combination of two or more methods is the most effective way to make your landscape deer-resistant. Here are four effective ways to create a deer-resistant landscape.

Deer-Resistant Plants

White Irises
Photo courtesy of Peter Krumhardt via Better Homes & Gardens

One classification of plants to consider is fuzzy or hairy plants. Deer generally consider the soft bristles on certain plants to be unpalatable and thorny plants can prove difficult to consume. An exception to this rule is roses. While they may seem like a good choice, deer seem to have no issue gnawing on their thorny canes.

Plants in this category include lamb’s ear, lady’s mantle, Siberian Bugloss, flowering tobacco, yarrow, and many others. Online companies like Garden Goods Direct and Amazon are great places to find these plants. You can also find them at many local nurseries or markets if you prefer to see them in person before you purchase them.

Deer don’t seem satisfied with fibrous or leathery plants, as the texture can be hard to chew and digest. Examples of these plants are elephant ear, pachysandra, irises, and peonies. Just like the thorny plants, these can typically be found at your local flower market, but online shops like Holland Bulb farms can save you the trip, and you can order them online.

The following plants are nothing to snub your nose at, as deer have an acute sense of smell and use this when seeking a meal. Plants emitting heavy fragrances may encourage deer to search elsewhere. Their sense of smell is a powerful tool, but overwhelming scents may cause disorientation.

Various types of herbs like this Hidcote lavender, mint, dill, and sage plants from Burgess Seed & Plant Co. are great options.

Some plants are toxic to deer and cause nausea or constipation. Note that these plants may also be harmful to people or pets, so exercise caution when selecting. A few examples of these toxic plants include daffodils, false indigo, and poppies.

Fencing

Deer fence
Photo courtesy of cropsreview.com

Proper fencing is one of the most efficient methods to make your landscape deer-resistant. Erecting a fence for this purpose can be costly and could prove pointless if done wrong. Deer can jump up to eight feet high, so your fence must be at least this tall.

Choose your fence type wisely, as a deer is much more likely to hop a fence it can see through. Stockade fencing like this one from Lowe’s is a good choice in this regard. Using chicken wire to protect singular plants can prove helpful but may not stop a deer from crushing the frame.

Electric fences are another popular option that discourages deer. Places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon have multiple options for you to choose from. The shock will be enough to fend off the deer, but they won’t be harmed.

Scare Them

Motion floodlight
Photo courtesy of pestrepellerultimate.com

Protecting your lake home from deer is already laborious, especially if it’s your vacation home. Having a few passive methods to scare deer away from the property is a popular approach to managing wildlife.

Overpowering the senses is a powerful way to deter deer. Using motion-triggered floodlights like this Bell and Howell Bionic Floodlight Max may cause them to panic and flee the area. Another method is using sound-emitting devices. The Guardian thermal motion sensor has specific frequencies that you can choose depending on what pest animals you are trying to repel. A loud noise ringing in a deer’s ear has proven effective but can be an expensive route.

Motion-activated sprinklers like this one are a good option but be aware of a few caveats to this method. If you’re trying to protect a large area around your house or the perimeter of your property, you’ll need more than one. Invest in an Ultrasonic Repeller that sends out ultrasonic waves to protect your property night and day.

During the winter, hoses can freeze and render your sprinklers useless, so employ more than one method for the best results.

Deer Repellant

Deer & Rabbit Repellent
Photo courtesy of Amazon

There are a plethora of deer repellents available on the market that can be effective. 

The key to making the best out of your deer repellant is to be consistent; one spritz of repellant is not enough. Make sure to follow the instructions for application rigorously if you want good results. 

Just like the plants that deer will avoid, repellants rely strongly on the senses of smell and taste. Some good brands for repellent are Deer Out and Liquid Fence. Both options are rain resistant, can be sprayed directly on plants without harm, and are environmentally friendly.

While there are some DIY repellents, the smell and ingredients of store-bought repellents tend to bother humans less and won’t lure raccoons or other critters to come and check out the formula.

There’s no way to completely avert deer from your yard or garden and some solutions might work better than others, depending on your area. Consider asking your neighbors or local garden experts their solutions and execute some trial and error to find what works best for you.

Deck Design Ideas for Your Lake House

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Thomas J. Story via Sunset

For those who love the lake lifestyle, an outdoor deck means much more than a wooden platform extending out into your backyard. These coveted al fresco spaces offer a glorious place to take in the view. Decks also offer an effortless setting for outdoor entertaining and a favorite go-to spot to sip drinks and chill out any time of day. All you need is a little imagination, a good plan, and a great design that befits your location and your home’s orientation to the lake. To find one that suits your unique situation, your style, and your budget, here are some inspiring ideas to get you dreaming.

Architectural Harmony


Photo courtesy of Corey Gaffer via Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

When designing your outdoor space, think of it as a visual extension of the overall architecture of your home. This will ensure you create a seamless and well-balanced transition from indoors to out, giving a sense of harmony to the complete design of your home.

Overlooking Lake Superior, the deck of this contemporary waterfront home designed by Snow Kreilich Architects emulates the dwelling’s beautifully restrained modern architecture. Designed mainly with stone, blackened wood, and glass, the house extends its sleek aesthetic to the outdoor space with clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and natural materials complementing the rugged landscape. A glass railing echoes the home’s stunning transparency and provides sublime unobstructed views.   

Waterside Wonderful

Photo courtesy of Decoist

Delightfully rustic, this outdoor haven offers a lakefront experience so seamless you feel as though you’re floating on top of the water. Dotted with flickering lanterns and an outdoor fireplace on an elevated tier around the deck perimeter, the space beckons for an outdoor get-together under the stars.

Start by selecting your favorite wood from an array of choices to achieve the look you’re going for. Rustic decks can be built from ipe, cedar, redwood, or any type of pressure-treated lumber. This one even incorporates tree-stump tables that lend an organic vibe. Low-slung woven chairs, a comfy cushioned daybed-like sofa, and a plush furry rug create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.   

Slope Solutions

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Deciding what to build on a steep lakefront hillside might seem like a slippery slope to navigate. But what about incorporating beautiful wooden steps that ease down to a generous platform deck overlooking the lake? A brilliant idea indeed. This one in the Lake Austin area makes the most of its magnificently perched setting with elegant glass-enclosed stair and deck railings that enhance the view. Lanterns hung from the treetops overhead make a graceful and unexpected decorative accent.  

Destination Deck

Photo courtesy of California Redwood Company via HGTV

Create a staycation vibe on your lake property with a beautiful deck set away from the house that captures a breathtaking vista. Crafted from California redwood, this lovely platform deck provides a walkway and a destination seating area for taking in splendid views of the water, wildlife, and passing boats. Think of it as a little escape to enjoy sunset cocktails with friends or just a quiet respite where you can enjoy the open air and get away from it all.  

Sunken Spa

Photo courtesy of HGTV

If your lakeside setting includes a slight slope and a fantastic view, consider punctuating it with an expansive seating area that steps down gradually to a luxurious sunken hot tub. This beautiful oasis overlooking Montana’s gorgeous Whitefish Lake offers a spacious deck that stretches the rear expanse of the house. A lower-level hot tub creates an appealing focal point and an idyllic spot to soak, relax, and take it all in. 

Cozy & Covered

Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

This lavish covered deck brings the comforts of your family room outside into the fresh air. Outfitted with a stone fireplace and a soaring beamed ceiling accented with a wrought-iron chandelier, this all-seasons deck amplifies the square footage of your lake home and provides an irresistible gathering spot. Plush seating pieces invite comfy seating, rain or shine, and the warm crackle of a fireplace offers cozy warmth on chilly evenings. The wrap-around style and pierced wood railings create unobstructed views from any vantage point.

Picture Perfect

Photo courtesy of Lisa Romerein via House Beautiful

For a deck style that befits the front of your home instead of the back, keep it clean and simple with a built-in bench that wraps the perimeter. The clean lines and the bench’s low positioning visually frame the entrance to your home while emitting a warm, welcoming feel. Enhance with beautiful potted plants in matching containers to create satisfying symmetry and bring about a lush botanical element that will soften the hard edges.

Small & Sweet

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners via HGTV

If you’re short on space, no worries. You can have your cake and eat it too by creating a small but incredibly charming space outside that’s packed with personality. Choose your favorite style—from urban chic to country cottage—and create your own slice of heaven with just a few necessities. A couple of chairs, a tabletop surface, and some pretty floral accents will do the trick with minimal effort and cost. Here, well-worn stacked crates and wooden chairs lend a vintage feel while pots of flowers introduce vibrant color that lends an alluring WOW factor to this tiny deck.

Now is the perfect time to get started on your dream deck at the lake. For more ideas and helpful tips, visit House Beautiful.  

5 Simple Upkeep Tips to Rejuvenate Your Lake Home

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Houzz

After everything we’ve been through these past couple of years, we could all use a fresh start—and so could our homes. Just as personal rejuvenation is therapeutic for mind, body, and soul, so is it for the dwellings we live in. If your lake home could use a little pick-me-up, here are some simple upkeep tips that pack a powerful punch and make your rooms look and feel renewed. 

Keep It Clean

Photo courtesy of The Lilypad Cottage

We all dread household chores but love the feeling and satisfaction we get from a clean home. After all, it makes no sense to spend a fortune on our homes and all the furnishings if we don’t keep them clean. The payoff is well worth it, so let’s face it—we can’t avoid this unpleasant task. But it doesn’t have to be as unbearable as you think if you plan ahead and implement some handy gadgets that make cleaning a breeze.

Consider investing in hi-tech housekeeping tools such as a robot vacuum, a carpet spot cleaner, and an electric mop to make tasks go quicker and seem virtually effortless. Keeping floors, furniture, baseboards, ceiling fans, and surfaces dirt and dust-free—and washing windows regularly—makes all the difference in the world in how you and others perceive the look and feel of your home. Plus, if you keep things clean regularly, you won’t have to put as much effort into it each time.

Also, make a schedule and stick to it. Break up chores in simple, easy-to-digest increments, so they won’t be such a pain and take up an entire day. If you’re not doing it all yourself, make it a family project and delegate jobs each week. For truly huge tasks, don’t be afraid to call in a professional.   

Declutter and Downsize

Photo courtesy of ecko360estates

Removing visual clutter from your life is a beautiful way to keep your home looking smart, stylish, and organized. Also, as many of us are downsizing to smaller places these days, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of our belongings and get rid of things we no longer want in our lives. The minimalist look continues to trend today—so less is more.

In the kitchen especially, keep countertop clutter to a minimum and arrange the daily objects you use efficiently and within easy reach. Group items on trays and in canisters to keep things looking clean and orderly. Don’t forget to edit and arrange your pantry, cabinets, and drawers neatly—even though their contents are hidden from sight. Most of us accumulate clutter in those very places, including our closets, and later dread the thought of clearing them out.

We all know how difficult it is to part with our personal possessions, so be mindful and practical about the process. Consider gifting or donating things you no longer need—or have a yard sale. Without all that baggage, we tend to feel lighter, freer, and more at peace in our surroundings.

Maintain What You Have

Photo courtesy of Serena & Lily

Our lake homes are our sanctuaries, so make it a priority to maintain what you already have. Keep your beloved rugs and plush carpets clean and odor-free, replace any worn rugs, patch holes in the wall, polish bathroom and kitchen fixtures, replace cracked tiles, and regularly clean grout on all your tile surfaces. If your rooms look tired and outdated, give them a fresh facelift with new fixtures, hardware, and lighting.

Don’t forget to maintain your lake home’s exterior features as well. For example, clean your gutters to direct water away from your house, seal your driveway to prevent cracks and preserve your pavement, and touch up your home’s exterior paint if you notice any chipping or peeling.

By keeping up with these essential maintenance tips, you can avoid living in a house that looks and feels neglected and instead enjoy a well-dressed home that feels fresh, clean, and cared for.

Paint Power

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change the complexion of any room. So don’t be afraid to introduce a splash of color to your kitchen with painted cabinetry, an island base, or even your wooden floors. Paint will instantly transform your rooms and dramatically change the mood with a simple color change.

If your bright white walls look sad and dull, there’s no better way to revive them than with a brilliant new coat of your favorite hue. To create an eye-catching focal point, consider painting an accent wall in a darker, more richly pigmented tone that will make a striking contrast to the adjacent walls while still complementing the style of your interior.      

Fresh Linens and Towels

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Let’s confess, we all have them—flattened pillows, ratty towels, and old worn-out sheets that are either stained or torn. And the sad truth is, nothing makes bedrooms and bathrooms look more unkempt than having these less-than-luxurious items in plain view. However, you can elevate your spaces instantly simply by replacing them with plush, luxurious bed linens, fluffy towels and bathmats, and plump new pillows—either down-filled or a down alternative. Also, consider using two duvets to get a more sumptuous plumped-up look. You can stuff two duvets into one duvet cover or simply layer them one on top of the other over your bed.

For more tips on how to freshen up and rejuvenate your home, click here. From all of us at Lake Homes Lifestyles—here’s to a beautifully renewed 2022!

Best Whole House Air Filters

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Photo courtesy of Second Nature

Upkeep and maintenance on a lake home can be tough, especially if it’s a second home. With vulnerability to dust, smoke, and other particles in the air, you’ll want a reliable air filtration system to keep your home air circulation clean and fresh. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose which works best for your lake house. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the best whole house air filters on the market in 2022. We’ll be including both small and large air purifiers, for a variety of lake house types!

Alen BreatheSmart Air Purifier

Photo courtesy of shoppedonline.com

We’ll start with the one which covers the smallest amount of space. The Alen BreatheSmart Air Purifier is ideal for homes that are 1100 square feet or less. With a unique HEPA filter, it can capture airborne bacteria and small particles that would otherwise float throughout your home. Extra quiet, this machine comes with a “pink noise” that helps you achieve better sleep. If you live with pets, this one is especially recommended for dust, dander, and pet fur. Plus it helps relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma!

Medify MA –112

Photo courtesy of Air Honest

The Medify MA air purifier is great for larger homes of up to 2,500 square feet. The HEPA H13 filtration system offers a powerful cleaning tool for these large spaces. It also offers automatic quality updates so you can be assured that each time you walk into your lake home, you’re achieving the best possible medical-grade filtration. With four fan settings (and the lowest one nearly completely silent), you can customize the speed and efficacy of this air filter to your preferences. It also comes with a child lock that works great for both kids and pets!

PureAir3000 Air Purifier

Photo courtesy of Greentech

Small yet powerful, PureAir3000 Air Purifier cleans the air in spaces up to 3,000 square feet. Its size makes it simple to set up and use, and it doesn’t require frequent air filter replacement. In action, this air filter removes mold and other harmful pollutants, as well as invisible irritants and odors. It’s built to refresh the air even while you’re away, making this a perfect choice for a second home.

Aprilaire 5000 Series

Photo courtesy of Amazon

If you have an especially large lake house, the Aprilaire 5000 might be for you. According to product reviews, it’s able to filter more than 3,000 square feet of space. This high-tech filtration system can hold up to 400 pounds of air at once. Although it does require being plugged in to an outlet, it’s ultra-quiet, allowing you to hear the sounds of nature, rather than the whirring of an air filter. The best part — it’s great value for your money. If you were to leave this device on all day, every day, it would only cost $70 per year.

Honeywell F300

Photo courtesy of Honeywell Home

The Honeywell 5300 doesn’t have the same “quiet” pro as the other options. However, its plentiful benefits outweigh this cost. According to its product reviews, it can clean a 4,500-foot home, making this option excellent for large lake homeowners. It contains three steps of filtration – the first step collects larger particles like dander and dust, the second step is the HEPA 13 filter, and the third is electrostatic technology, which increases the air purification speed. As a bonus, the Honeywell 5300 has a low electricity cost. Lower than the typical whole-house air filter, it only uses 36 watts of power. 

We hope you find the right whole-house air filter for your lake home!

Preventing Shoreline Erosion on Your Property

Posted on Camille Smith
Image courtesy of Flickr

Regardless of location, any coastline can be affected by erosion. When storms, high winds, or other natural forces blow across your lake area, over time, the line that connects land to water begins to wither away. While the most damaging conditions tend to affect coastal areas near the ocean, lake homes are no strangers to this issue as well. To learn more about shoreline erosion and how you can help prevent this phenomenon from drastically affecting your lake property, we spoke with a few experts in the field. Check out these tips!

Re-Plant Native Species

Image courtesy of Greenwood Nursery

If there’s one take-home message for understanding gardening at your lake home, it’s the fact that native species will most always thrive. Knowing your gardening zone, you can determine which plants will most easily grow in your area. But did you know this information is helpful for shoreline erosion prevention, too?

According to Brian Kearin, founder of Boat Easy, a simple solution is to re-plant native vegetation that was cleared away during construction. “Native vegetation will trap soil in its root system and stabilize the existing shoreline to prevent erosion,” he describes. “Here in South Florida various species of mangroves are common and are incredibly effective at stabilizing shorelines, even in the face of large waves and boat wakes. However, native semi-aquatic plants differ by region. Consult a local landscape expert or learn about native plant species yourself and DIY.”

Buy on the Right Lake

Image courtesy of The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds

When it comes to owning a lake house and customizing your property, a generalizable lesson is to work alongside nature, not against it. For this reason, it’s important to consider the type of natural shoreline on the lake where you’re investing. Paul Johnson, founder of NorthOutdoors, adds, “Perhaps the biggest thing to keep in mind when evaluating your shoreline options is to buy on the right lake. Some lakes have sandy shorelines, others have rocky or rip-rap, and others are more grassy or wooded.  If you try to make a shoreline into something it was not intended by nature to be, you will increase your odds of erosion.”

Consider a Vegetated Dune

Image courtesy of Wild South East

If you live on a lake with a beach shoreline, such as one of the Great Lakes, building a vegetated dune might be helpful in warding off shoreline erosion. Paul says, “The dune is meant to create a backstop for larger wave days, but building a steeper “bluff” on the back edge of a beach or shoreline. The key is to vegetate it with perennial grasses or small ground cover, but something that will develop a strong and intertwined root system.” These plants, especially those with sturdy roots, will help create a barrier between your shoreline and risk factors for erosion.

Invest in Rip-Rap Shorelines

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a more hardy solution to shoreline erosion, hiring someone to create a rip-rap shoreline at the edge of your lake property is a smart idea. Aesthetically, a rip-rap shoreline is a set of rocks that guard your yard from crashing waves and high winds. However, the strategy behind the process is more complex. Joe Palumbo from Lakeshore Guys, who installs rip-rap shorelines professionally, comments, “It’s important to note that a proper riprap shoreline is NOT a single row of large boulders placed along the shoreline and it is NOT several stacked rows of large boulders either. It’s a combination of compacted crushed rock (for a non-sandy base) laid down below filter fabric and then natural rocks (which vary 6-30″ in diameter) and it doesn’t exceed an average of 3:1 slope (horizontal to vertical).” While the installation does require a professional, the outcome — an extra-durable landscape — is worth it. 

We hope these tips are helpful in keeping your shoreline strong for years to come!

Living Beautifully: Easy Tips to Make Your Lake Home Feel Luxurious

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Beach Pretty

Making time to enjoy the simple things in life has taken on new meaning these days. For many of us, our lake homes have recently brought us a much-needed sense of refuge, tranquility, and, quite literally, a kind of shelter from the storm.  As we savor more moments with family and friends, we value the comforts of home now more than ever. Even life’s little luxuries have become front and center in our focus—and why not? After all, you only live once.

The best part is that luxury doesn’t have to be expensive. It might appear so, but then again, that’s the beauty of it. So, if you want to create an air of luxurious comfort in your lakeside interiors, here are some easy tips to get you started.

Adaptable Neutrals

Photo courtesy of My Domaine

If you’ve ever walked into an upscale furniture showroom, you’ve probably noticed that nearly all of them display an overall neutral color palette—and for good reason. An unassuming yet powerful neutral scheme instantly elevates the style of the space, making everything in the room look sleek, polished, and pulled together. It creates a cohesive look like no other and is also highly adaptable if you want to make seasonal changes with your accessories. For instance, adding a splash of color with sumptuous throws, pillows, and other decorative accents to warm up your interiors during fall and winter is quick and simple against a neutral backdrop. Nearly anything works within a monochromatic color scheme, and vibrant accessories, playful patterns, and elegant touches of black—used sparingly—always look crisp and impactful.

Think furniture, wall color, and even bed linens when building your serene and luxurious neutral palette. In this bedroom, white walls, curtains, roman shades, lamps, artwork, bedding, and plump, fluffy pillows work in harmony to create this tranquil and inviting space. The soft slate-blue bench cushion, along with the graphic patterns on the accent pillows, strikes a lovely counterbalance to the all-white palette while also creating a satisfying focal point. The nubby area rug underfoot adds texture and anchors the bedroom’s ethereal feel.   

Full-Length Curtains

Photo courtesy of Erica George Dines via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Don’t skimp on this one if you really want your rooms to shine. Nothing creates more elegance than long and luxurious floor-length curtains. They dress your rooms in sumptuous layers of fabric and, if hung appropriately, bring an exquisite sense of height to your interior spaces. Make sure to measure correctly and take curtains all the way to the floor, even allowing for the fabric to puddle a bit at the bottom if you prefer. Another trick is to hang your curtain rods as close to the ceiling as you can to bring the eye upward and create more visual height.

In this beautifully rustic lake home with soaring ceilings, the designer takes the curtain rod to the top of the first beam so the curtains can block out the sun when needed and create a sense of privacy. The windows above are left bare to allow for optimum natural light. And again, the ivory curtain fabric here coordinates effortlessly with the soft, neutral palette of the overall space, creating a pleasing continuity throughout the home.

Quick Tip: If you can’t do full-length curtains, opt instead for simple woven blinds or roman shades for a clean look.

Large Mirrors & Artwork

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Incorporating a large mirror into your interiors will immediately create the illusion of having more space. It will also reflect light and illuminate your room with a dazzling effect—think natural sunlight, candlelight, and firelight. You can use a large full-length mirror as an accent piece that sits on the floor or hang a large mirror on the wall in place of artwork. Just make sure your mirror reflects something that is visually appealing and beautiful to look at.

When considering your artwork, the bigger, the better. Large statement pieces will instantly give your home a gallery vibe and create a dramatic effect. An over-size, museum-worthy work of art or even a pair of magnificent paintings or drawings bring powerful visual impact and interest to any room.

Vintage Rugs

Photo courtesy of Home Bunch

The floor offers an ideal opportunity to introduce pattern, so don’t be afraid to accent your rooms with vintage rugs. This will instantly upgrade your spaces and infuse them with a bit of antiquity and colorful personality in a truly luxurious way. If you don’t want to afford the expense of an authentic vintage rug, consider using a vintage-style rug or even a natural-fiber area rug to complement your space.

In this hallway and dining room, the homeowners created satisfying continuity with two plush vintage area rugs that befit the style and size of each space. These gorgeous rugs ensure softness underfoot and incorporate lavish texture into the décor.

Lighting & Hardware

Photo courtesy of Waunakee Remodeling

Upgrading your hardware can make a tremendous difference, especially in your kitchen and bathrooms. You can give these rooms an instant facelift simply by replacing faucets, cabinet handles, drawer pulls, doorknobs, and even electrical outlet covers and light switch plates. This easy fix can give your spaces a fresh modern update and transition your rooms to reflect any style you desire.   

Installing new lighting is also a brilliant way to change the look and feel of any space quickly. With a good lighting scheme, you can create soft pools of light, crisp focal points, and dramatic areas of interest. Transform any room quickly with a large-scale pendant light hanging over a kitchen island, a dining room table, an entrance hallway, or even a bedroom. Wall sconces are a perfect solution if you want to make a stylish statement in your bedrooms and bathrooms.

Keep in mind the overall mood you want your interiors to emit and choose lighting accordingly with warm lightbulbs and dimmer switches. To create truly luxurious spaces, remember to layer your lighting with a mix of the following styles: recessed lights, strip lights, down-lighting, up-lighting, overhead lighting, ambient light, and task light. If you like to use smart lights, motion sensors can highlight focal points such as stair steps with a WOW-factor effect.

For more ideas, click here. We hope you enjoy bringing a touch of comfort and luxury to your lake home this season—cheers!

The Best Types of Ground Covers for Your Backyard

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Lowes

As anyone who owns a lake house knows, landscaping is hard work. Countless hours spent in the garden, mowing the lawn, and keeping pests out of your yard can be tiresome. Plus, it takes away from your time enjoying the lake. On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve written about low-maintenance landscaping solutions to minimize your manual labor. Among these ideas, ground covers are a helpful yet often overlooked strategy. 

As the name suggests, a ground cover refers to any plant that covers some part of the ground in your backyard. Unlike grass, ground covers don’t need to be mowed, which will cut down drastically on your work in the garden. So, that slope in your yard that’s too steep for a lawnmower? Or patches of dirt underneath a shady tree where grass can’t grow? Ground covers are the ultimate solution. Not only do they solve your landscape problems, but they’re also beautiful. For clarity’s sake, a ground cover is different from a cover crop. While cover crops are annual plants designed to die and provide mulch for your plants, ground covers are flowery perennials made to last. 

If you’re looking to incorporate ground covers into your landscaping at your lake house, check out some of our favorite kinds.

Bugleweed

Photo courtesy of Gardenia.net

Members of the mint family, bugleweed plants are a common ground cover in zones 3-10. These fast-growing plants are known for filling in shady areas where grass is less likely to grow. Their ability to spread throughout a landscape is also reflected in their species name, reptans, which means “creeping.” In warm climates, bugleweeds are evergreen but are most beautiful in summer. This is when their purple blossoms stand out in your garden.

Creeping Phlox

Photo courtesy of Gardenia.net

These small ground covers, perennial in most regions (zones 3-9), are a popular evergreen choice. Most times during the year, the creeping phlox doesn’t draw much attention to itself. However, these small pink, blue, and white star-pointed flowers particularly shine in springtime. When planting these in your yard, be sure to cut them after flowering to promote a second bloom in the following year.

Hosta

Photo courtesy of Gardening Know How

Reliable perennials, hostas make excellent ground covers across a variety of gardening zones. These ground covers boast tall white and purple flowers during the warmer months. At colder times in the year, their leaves are still stunning. Today, there are over 2,500 variations of hosta plants, making these some of the most popular ground covers. When deciding how much sun exposure to give them, you can use the plant’s color as a rule of thumb. A darker hosta will adapt better in the shade, while those with lighter leaves enjoy the sun.

Sweet Woodruff

Photo courtesy of Mother Earth Living

Want a simple, timeless look for your garden? The sweet woodruff, which blossoms lacy white flowers in warmer months, is a popular ground cover for those in zones 4-8. Keep in mind that it can be an invasive plant in moist soil, which makes it harder to keep under control. However, the plus side to its invasiveness is that it’s very low maintenance. So if you don’t mind it overtaking an entire section of your backyard, this plant may be perfect for you.

Sedums

Photo courtesy of The Spruce

For lake homeowners looking to avoid high-maintenance ground covers, sedums are one of the more forgiving plants out there. Their thick, drought resistant qualities, typical of most succulents, make them quite hardy. It’s no wonder they’re often named among the best  evergreen ground covers. Sedums come in a variety of different species including dragon’s blood, blue spice, and lime twister. Typically found in climates with milder winters, these ground covers flourish best where it’s warm. 

From our backyard to yours, happy landscaping!

Back to Basics: Interior Design Tips for Your Lake Home

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of DesRosiers Architects

There is something deeply meaningful and nostalgic about owning a lake home. This is the place where memories are made, where families and friends gather, and where life is blissfully celebrated. Lake homes are sanctuaries that comfort us, draw us in, and invite others to come inside, relax, and stay awhile. No matter your style—whether cozy and casual or opulent and grand—the essence of any lake home captures the beauty of its surroundings within the walls of the interiors.

So how do we go about getting the right look that suits our functional needs and individual tastes? We spoke to Marta Mitchell, ASID, the owner and president of the award-winning MM Interior Design Group in Greensboro, NC. Marta has designed numerous waterfront properties nationwide, and her tireless attention to detail ensures a unique design that reflects every homeowners’ artistic vision and desire.

Capture the View

Photo courtesy of DesRosiers Architects

“With a beautiful view right outside, why not take advantage of it?” says Marta. “Every room should be designed in a way that highlights its natural surroundings. The interior should be designed with windows and glass doors as focal points. Let visitors enjoy the outdoors from every room possible,” she sums. Unless you need added privacy or shade from intense sunlight, consider leaving windows in public spaces uncovered. Limit sumptuous draperies to your private rooms to cocoon them in softness and create a sense of coziness.

Color Scheme Strategy

Photo courtesy of Laurey W. Glenn via Southern Living

“The trick is to keep it simple,” Marta explains. “Consider a more neutral palette rather than bright window treatments, furniture, and rugs. That way, your eyes won’t be distracted by the interior, and you can focus on the beautiful lakefront surroundings,” she adds. If you absolutely love bold colors, fear not. Introduce them in accessories that can be easily changed when you’re ready for something new.

The designer suggests repainting dark ceilings in lighter tones to open up space visually. She also recommends painting walls, trim, and paneling in monochromatic hues to create a satisfying unity. “For color relief, leave the ceiling white,” notes Marta. “But always feel free to mix and match motifs and styles however you like to create a carefree informal look.”

Clutter-Free Kitchen

Photo courtesy of MM Interior Design Group

“Keep clutter out of your lake house kitchen and try to limit dishes and glasses to the essentials,” Marta suggests. “If you have space, installing a second refrigerator is a great idea for storing drinks and leftovers,” she adds. Lots of cabinet storage space will also eliminate visual clutter.

Other elements to consider when planning your kitchen include plenty of seating for family and guests. Most kitchens are the heart of the home and the place we prefer to gather for every occasion. Ample counter space and island seating with counter stools make it comfortable for everyone to sit and keep the cook company while preparing meals. It’s also a great space for overflow entertaining when the whole house is being used.

Flexible Furnishings

Photo courtesy of Nancy Nolan via Southern Living

“Choose durable seating for minimal worry and upkeep and design a color palette that connects visually with the surroundings to blur the distinction between indoors and out,” says Marta. “If you’re planning on entertaining or inviting guests, it’s a good idea to add furniture and accessories that can double as extra seating to accommodate a crowd,” she adds.

Other ideas to consider? Have large custom cushions or pillows made and use easily movable ottomans for additional seating in a pinch. If you know you’ll need extra sleeping space year-round, built-in bunk beds are a great space saver and perfect for kids’ rooms.

A Serene Escape

Photo courtesy of Dwell

“After a busy day with friends and family, you need a peaceful place to relax,” says Marta. “Think of the master bedroom as your serene oasis at the lake. A calming palette is a perfect thing to create this effect—consider a grey or white scheme. If privacy is needed, opt for soft linen draperies or blinds, which will allow light filtration and not completely obstruct beautiful views,” she adds.

Mix rustic woods with lavish textures to create a pleasing contrast, and consider adding a fireplace to invite warmth. Plush area rugs create softness underfoot, and luxurious blankets and throws wrap you in cozy comfort on cool nights.

Outdoor Oasis

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

When planning outdoor spaces, your lake home’s geographic location and its orientation on the lot are key considerations. “Morning or afternoon sun is critically important to take into account and will determine your space planning and furniture layout,” says Marta. “Also, keep in mind the function of each space—will it be used for lounging, entertaining, playing games—and do you plan to include other features such as an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, or a swimming pool,” she notes. Deciding these things early on in the process will help create a cohesive design, a smooth traffic flow, and an effortless indoor/outdoor feel.  

“For both covered and uncovered seating areas, fabric selection is essential,” adds Marta. “Performance outdoor fabrics have come a long way, but most manufacturers don’t recommend leaving cushions outside year-round. Making sure you have convenient and adequate space for storage is an important consideration,” she sums.

We hope these ideas get you thinking about your own dream lake home. For more inspiration, visit Marta’s showroom of Signature Projects and her project Gallery.

Pro Tips on Controlling These Common Water-Loving Lake Pests

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Weeder’s Digest

Summer is just around the corner and if you’re a lake homeowner, that means you’re probably gearing up to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or soaking up the sun, you’ll most likely encounter a host of creepy-crawly creatures and other flying insects that weren’t invited to the party. We all know the usual suspects—from mosquitos to mayflies—so we talked to pest control expert Wesley Wheeler, founder, and owner of Bug Lord, who helped us compile a list of some of the most common lake pests and ways to control them.

Mosquitoes

Photo courtesy of Consumer Reports

Mosquitoes go hand-in-hand with lake life because they breed in shallow pools of water, which are quite common around most lakes. They’re also attracted to standing water, yard debris, and clogged gutters and drains. While mosquitoes are a menace in every U.S. state, Minnesota has such an impressive population that they’ve been not so endearingly named the unofficial state bird. Having a very flat topography as well, the land of 10,000 lakes delivers ideal conditions for spawning hordes of mosquitoes that are difficult to treat.

“Mosquitoes can travel miles from their breeding grounds, so it’s not always possible to treat your own property and take out the population,” says Wheeler. “Instead, using mosquito repellents with an active ingredient of DEET (chemical name, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or oil of lemon eucalyptus are proven to be effective,” he adds. There are many natural options for controlling mosquitos with ingredients such as rosemary oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil, and even garlic that are more eco-friendly and much safer to use than chemical pesticides. Severe mosquito problems might require more potent chemical intervention. Check out this list of natural and chemical yard sprays for the best options as well as other pesticide-free strategies for mosquito control.

Chinch Bugs

Photo courtesy of Modern Pest Control, Inc.

Lake homes are all about enjoying the great outdoors, but when your lush green lawn turns into a barren wasteland, you have a real eyesore on your hands. If you live on the Gulf Coast, Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina, there’s a good chance you have St. Augustine grass, which is susceptible to chinch bug infestations.

Chinch bugs will suck the moisture out of your grass and replace it with poison that kills it. These bugs are very tiny and hard to see unless you’re down on your hands and knees inspecting the grass. A chinch bug infestation typically starts as a patch of dead grass that doesn’t respond to watering. The patch will slowly expand until you realize what’s happening.

“Once you recognize what the problem is, I recommend treating it by spreading some pesticide granules on your lawn (DeltaGard G or Talstar granules work great) and watering the lawn once applied,” explains Wheeler. “You should see results quickly, and this will kill other insects like ants and spiders too,” he notes.

Giant Water Bugs

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

The giant water bug is a very suitable name for a creature that can grow more than four inches long! These bugs look like giant cockroaches, but they have front pincers, and unlike cockroaches, they have a stinging bite. Some people call giant water bugs “toe biters” for good reason.

Giant water bugs live in most regions of the U.S. along the fringes of lakes. Luckily for us, they typically don’t bother humans, so you can usually avoid them easily enough. “You may, however, find them swarming your porch lights at night—that’s right, they fly,” says Wheeler. “If this becomes an issue, you can use a classic bug zapper outside, which will make short work getting rid of them.” Be sure to turn off your porch lights, so there’s no competing light source.

Ticks

Photo courtesy of Bug Lord

Ticks are a vast and growing problem in the Northeastern United States because they can spread some nasty diseases to humans—Lyme Disease being the most prominent one. If you have a wooded lake house in the New England region, you probably have ticks around your home.

There are some easy ways to make your yard less welcoming to ticks. Start by cleaning up yard debris (leaves, downed branches, deadwood, tall grass, and weeds). “A barrier of wood chips or stones between your yard and the woods can stop them from crossing over,” notes Wheeler. “You should also do what you can to keep deer and small mammals off your property, as ticks use these animals as hosts to feed on,” he adds. Remember to fence off any gardens or flower beds that may attract deer. Check out this list for other surefire ways to rid your lake home property of ticks.

Midges

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Midges are flying insects that many people mistake for mosquitoes, but most varieties don’t bite humans. “Seattle sees swarms of midges emerge around the lakes in numbers that seem almost biblical,” says Wheeler. “They can fly half a mile from their breeding ground (and much farther in a strong wind) so proactively preventing these insects isn’t an option,” he adds. “Your best course of action is to avoid turning on outdoor lights until an hour after sunset.”

Midges are attracted to light and are most active as the sun is going down, so if you can avoid luring them towards your home, you’ll see a lot less of them. You can also place a “decoy” light further from your home to draw the bugs to this area instead of your living space.

Gnats

Photo courtesy of Orkin

These pests are very similar to midges. Depending on the type of gnat, they can be tough to prevent. Fungus gnats may lay their eggs in damp, overwatered areas or decaying wood and mulch. Getting rid of those environments will help. Other gnats lay their eggs in lake water, which isn’t safe to treat with pesticides.

“Some lakes, such as California’s Clear Lake, introduced certain fish species that compete with gnats for zooplankton—its preferred food source,” says Wheeler. “An outdoor bug zapper or decoy light will also help control gnats.”

So, if you’re heading out to enjoy your lakeside setting, fear not! Encountering these pests and other familiar lake-loving creatures such as ants and flies is a natural part of lake living and doesn’t have to spoil your time outdoors. Arming yourself with knowledge (and insect repellent) and consulting a professional for any severe pest issues is always your best bet.