Tag: interior design DIY

Decorating Ideas for Your Lake Home’s Powder Room

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Most likely, your powder room feels ignored. While this small yet essential space may not be the most popular area of your lake home, it has more potential than you know. For professional decorators, this liberating and delightfully noncommittal space is just the place for taking design risks. And because of its inherent smallness, you can remodel or quickly change the look at a reasonable cost. Consider it your creative canvas for experimenting with bold hues, textured wallpapers, a montage of tiles, and statement mirrors, fixtures, and lighting. If your lake home powder room or half-bath needs a makeover, here are some tips to make it memorable.  

Wrap It Up!

Photo courtesy of Elle Décor

If you’ve fallen in love with a wallpaper pattern, and you’re dying to try it but don’t want to commit to a large room, the powder room is the perfect place to do it. Small but mighty powder rooms typically don’t have a lot of square footage, so you won’t have to invest in too many rolls. With wallpaper, you can create your own vibe with bold graphics, calming botanicals, dainty toiles, or whatever pattern strikes your fancy. For this space, you don’t have to consider moisture issues from a shower or bathtub, so wallpaper is always permitted here.

Artful Solutions

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Beautifully minimal in both its design and color palette, this sleek little powder room integrates storage solutions without disrupting the smooth visual flow of the space. A luxurious marble backsplash inspired the designer to add a small shelf in the same material for lotion and hand soap. Cabinet space underneath an elegant black and white floating sink creates hidden storage for stowing away bathroom essentials. To punctuate the room, a single pendant light hangs next to a compelling work of art—an unexpected element in the bathroom in place of the usual mirror. Instead, an adjacent mirrored wall provides reflection and makes the room feel more spacious.

Relish the Rustic

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

If your lake house has a more rustic style, carry it into the powder room to create a nice visual flow and a satisfying continuity. Here, chicken wire replaces glass on these charming cabinets, and you can still see the contents inside if that’s the look you’re going for. A tip? If you have exposed cabinets, make sure to style them neatly with essentials that are neatly folded and blend with your color palette. Select a mirror, fixtures, and faucet that aligns with your rustic aesthetic and keep them in finishes that either match or blend harmoniously. For instance, the silver hardware used here mixes effortlessly with the burnished metal on the wall sconces. The painted beadboard walls and ceiling add to the casual farmhouse vibe, and a simple patterned roman shade lends a delicate touch without interfering with the overall rustic feel.

Tile Tableau

Photo courtesy of Dwell

If you’re crazy for tile, the powder room is your design laboratory for trying your hand at blending styles. Infused with glamorous touches, this chic space mixes a bold black and white print on the floor with a stylish yet subtle herringbone pattern on the walls. In addition, the color black may not be a hue typically found in the bathroom, but in the powder room, all design rules are made to be broken. Here, luxe splashes of black in the tile, rug, and drapery introduce an element of drama to an otherwise bland and forgettable space. Matte black vanity fixtures complement the look and heighten the luxurious aesthetic.

Moody & Masculine

Photo courtesy of The Spruce

Deep, rich hues are not off-limits in the powder room. In fact, this is the perfect space to try them if you love color. Here, an intense, deep red shade mixes elegantly with bold matte black and an impactful graphic black and white floor tile. The floating vanity creates the illusion of more space, as does the long mirror behind it. Ivory accent pieces used sparingly produce eye-pleasing contrast atop the black surface. White globe lights create a visually powerful focal point and bring a welcome sculptural element to this tiny but tasteful space.

Beach Bliss

Photo courtesy of Houzz

A universal favorite, the beachy farmhouse style has a broad appeal. Crisp, clean, and simple, this look is ideal for a lake home with its pared-down, laid-back aesthetic. Here, limestone pavers set a relaxed tone along with whitewashed beadboard walls and a beautifully rustic vanity topped with a wide vessel sink. Gold fixtures and glass pendant lights create a sense of casual elegance to this charming cottage-like space, and woven baskets stashed with white towels introduce lovely texture to the bare floors.

For more brilliant ideas to power up your powder room, visit HGTV.

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!

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.

Top 3 DIY Design Trends for Fall

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine.

At the end of October, we’re finally in the thick of autumn. It’s the perfect time to relax on your back porch, gaze out at the lake, and enjoy a warm beverage. In preparation for this season characterized by hygge, many lake home residents decorate their houses with the latest fall trends to ring in the season. But this doesn’t necessarily mean traveling to the store or hiring an interior decorator. There’s plenty of ways to create these trends with DIY projects. From vintage decor to pumpkin centerpieces, we’re here with some advice on DIY design trends for this season!

Incorporate Natural Decor

To complement the scenery around your lake home, try incorporating natural decor into your interior designs. This style is especially popular during autumn when the colorful shades outdoors are incredibly vibrant. “From the lakeside, any decor you choose should be complementary to the area as well as to the season,” says Sarabeth Asaff, home design expert at Fixr. who lives on the lake. “That means a lot of natural decors – mums, pumpkins, corn stalks – things that fit in well with the natural feeling of the space, while still highlighting the season.” 

If there’s a local farmer’s market near your lake house, it’s a great place to pick up pumpkins, flowers, and other decorative items. For a specific DIY project that incorporates natural elements, check out these homemade fall decor crafts. Sarabeth also advises looking directly to your backyard for the best DIY inspiration. She urges, “Don’t be afraid to bring the outdoors inside. If the leaves are changing color, why not snip off several twigs with leaves in vibrant colors to create a centerpiece that’s natural and colorful at once.”

Embrace Hygge

Hygge, the Danish concept of being comfortable and cozy, is completely aligned with the lake lifestyle. And this fall, this life philosophy is trending. “Both inside and outdoors, put an emphasis on the cozy this year”, Sarabeth says. “It’s about comfort, so line your outdoor chairs and benches with soft pillows in fall hues. Swap out your window treatments for something a little heavier, and make sure to include plenty of candles and throws throughout your living spaces.” If you don’t have candles at home, candle making is a quick, simple hobby you can take up. It’s also a fun science lesson about how wax burns and consolidates! 

Another component of hygge is embracing warmth and familiarity. As such, a related trend is vintage, nostalgic items. Jen Stark, the founder of Happy DIY Home, recommends mixing vintage plates, frames, or vases with fall decor like pumpkin displays. She says to use these items as a “throwback on your mantle or coffee table with brown-hued bottles surrounded by faux fall flowers.” Get inspired by these fall centerpiece ideas to create your vintage table spread.

Dark Accent Colors

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.

While pastels and floral prints characterize springtime, dark tones are in season this fall. Think mustard yellow, a “mulled wine” shade of reddish-purple, and copper. Jen Stark comments, “This year, we’re seeing pops of dark accent colors being really popular for fall decor. Bring in evergreen foliage in deep green with navy tones that mimic the crisp, night sky.” 

If you’ve adopted a sewing hobby during quarantine, this would be a great opportunity to sew window curtains or a pillow cover with a dark purple or burnt orange fabric. You could also try reupholstering a chair with a velvet fabric to add a sense of warmth and texture. These DIY sewing projects will certainly capture the essence of fall at your lake home. 

Happy decorating!