interior design tips Archives

Quiet Luxury: Top Interior Design Trends 2024

Posted on February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 Jeanne Delathouder

Lake home living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, nature views, neutral interior palette, stone fireplace wall — *Photo courtesy of* *Decorilla*

Quiet Luxury dominates the interior design trends in 2024—with or without bold color. This is a fresh new year that empowers personal preference over enforced design rules and the dreaded over-styling of eras past. With organic shapes, biophilic design, and a connection to sunlight and nature still going strong, we are drawn to pieces with style, soul, and timeless appeal. Additionally, there is a focus on eliminating decision fatigue by selecting spectacular statement accents, larger, more impactful art pieces, and visually powerful focal points. Behold the modern kitchen’s dynamic range hoods and eye-popping tiled backsplashes. As lake lovers, we also value tranquility and brief pauses from technology, hence the emerging popularity of luxuriously substantial soaking tubs, in-home spas, and saunas.

With an ongoing quest for individuality, we can bet that 2024 will continue the pursuit of personalization throughout our homes, from unexpectedly fresh color combinations to dopamine décor with nooks that soothe, calm, and relax. While smart technology and A.I.-assisted homes are all the rage, some of us are taking a step back to a less-is-more approach as a way to feel more mindful, grounded, and connected to the human experience.

Nurturing Hues, Materials, & Spaces

Soothing color choices, dramatic accent walls, sculptural hanging artwork, and custom hand-painted murals are just a few of the ways people are adding more expression and character to their homes. Customized secondary spaces like butler’s pantries, wine storage, and wet bars are on the rise like never before, with a continued focus on functionality, convenience, and transitional spaces that can be closed off behind doors if desired.

Innovative sustainable materials also remain at the forefront—seaweed fibers, mycelium features, non-toxic Japanese shikkui plaster, cork, bamboo, natural stone, and reclaimed woods. Warm spaces layered in texture, natural materials, and moody earth-toned palettes of rust, brown, cream, and subtle green create an organically inviting vibe for living spaces. People are embracing dramatic black accent walls and dark woods to cozy up quiet spaces like bedrooms, studies, and reading nooks. And some are playing up individualized eclectic looks with antiques, vintage finds, rich color, and playful patterns—and yes, wallpaper is back in many ways. Love it or leave it!

Now more than ever, people are intent on creating personalized homes they can grow with and change—just as styles will do. By starting with a solid foundation of quality materials, soulful accents, and functional, hard-working spaces, your lake dwelling can become a flexible, personalized sanctuary able to adapt to your ever-evolving lifestyle.

Breezy, Blissful, Blue

Snapshots of Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year, Upward in a kitchen, with accessories, and cabinet wall — *Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams*

With the introduction of Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year, Upward, along with an inspiring color-pairing palette, we see a restful mix of relaxed and carefree hues that encourage us to take a breath, slow down, and allow our minds to clear. “A hint of silver lining,” says the well-known paint brand. “Upward is a sunny-day shade for spaces brimming with positive energy, creative thinking, and total contentment.” Their soothing collection invites us to experience the transformative power of paint, bring a sense of serenity to our spaces, and express ourselves through color that nurtures mind, body, and soul.

Mid-Century Modern Moment

Lake home with sweeping lake views and mid-century modern decor — *Photo courtesy of Decorilla*

The ubiquitous mid-century modern look appears to never go out of style. In fact, homeowners seem to be embracing the trend like mad in 2024. There is something to be said about its timeless appeal and enduring aesthetic that offers an elegant blend of organic curves, clean lines, and optimal functionality. Gracefully designed, these fluid works of art mesh effortlessly with almost any era. Lauded for its staying power, this storied aesthetic captures the very essence of our desire to connect with nature in simple yet innovative forms.

Hoodwink

Statement range hood in dark olive-green with accent lights and a green tile backsplah, stone flooring — *Photo courtesy of Ryan Dyer via House Beautiful*

Dynamic range hoods are all the rage and one of the top interior design trends in 2024. What better way to customize your kitchen? There is no limit to your creativity with all the options available at your fingertips today. Various designs include painted plaster, fluted woods, sleek, low-profile stainless steel island hoods, luminous bronze and gold finishes, and glamorous metal trims.

Here, an arched olive-green hood lends a dramatic accent to this modern kitchen, blending seamlessly with an emerald-green tile backsplash. The design incorporates an entire feature wall spanning the length of the prep area, creating a moody focal point that all but disguises the hood entirely. Stylish lighting accents enhance the modern aesthetic. For more inspiration, visit Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio.

Sculptural Lighting

Sculptural pendant lighting at kitchen island and dining area — *Photo courtesy of Mike Van Tassell via Good Housekeeping*

Driven by our desire to connect with nature, organic shapes and materials continue to trend, especially in furniture forms, dinnerware, accessories, and artistic accent pieces. But in 2024, lighting fixtures have jumped aboard the organic bandwagon and are emerging as a top interior design trend. These curvaceous, sculptural silhouettes bring movement and a graceful fluidity into our homes. Earth tones and organic shapes also bring a sense of comfort to our interior spaces. Lighting options in natural materials, including wood, clay, rattan, seagrass, and other rustic textures, lend depth to our spaces. Add to that the soft glow of ambient light, and you can create inviting and serene spaces bathed in refined elegance.

Curves & Clean Lines

curved sofa sectional against a linear built-in shelving unit in living area — *Photo courtesy of PION Studio via* *Elle Décor*

Today’s modern spaces encourage curves and clean lines to coexist in harmony. Soften your linear pieces with curvaceous, serpentine sofas for a satisfying counterbalance that works with any aesthetic—whether ultra-modern or vintage eclecticism. It’s all in the fine details, including scalloped embellishments, undulating sculptural accents, and curvy framed mirrors resembling organic shapes. Artisans and designers are gravitating to more fluid forms that defy the boxy and rigid straight lines of the past. Curves lend an approachable warmth, nestling spaces in luxurious comfort.

Tile Style

green-tiled shower wall with brass hardware accents and built-in shelving — *Photo courtesy of Katie Griff via Good Housekeeping*

Both statement and accent tiles are having a moment in 2024, especially in the bathroom, where walk-in showers are becoming more spacious and elaborate. The “jewelry” for your shower wall and other wet areas, decorative tiles have evolved into more sophisticated choices and are available in an endless array of colors, styles, and textures. A stunning tile application in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area creates a powerful visual impact, lending a gorgeous signature mark to your lake sanctuary.

Metals & Mirrors

mirrored dining table in retro-inspired dining area with jewel-toned color palette — *Photo courtesy of Yoshihiro Makino*
*via Architectural Digest*

glamorous white walk-in closet with mirrored cabinetry, white cabinetry with silver hardware, and drum-shaped chandelier — *Photo courtesy of Yoshihiro Makino*
*via Architectural Digest*

A resurgence of reflective metals and mirrors is in our future for 2024. Luminous cast-aluminum furniture, polished chromes, brushed nickels, and glam mirrored pieces amplify light and exhilarate the vibe of your space—whether dark and moody or light and cheery. Silver finishes and hardware dominate the trend, replacing the excess of golds and blacks that gained traction over the last decade. Mixing metals is also gaining acceptance as a top interior design trend, paving the way for more playful and balanced spaces.

For more design inspiration and top trends from the experts, visit Decorilla. From all of us at Lake Homes, here’s wishing you and yours a tranquil, refreshing, and reflective 2024!

Decorating Ideas for Your Lake Home’s Powder Room

Posted on October 7, 2022January 26, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2021 Winter Interior Design Tips

Posted on December 20, 2021March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

Photo courtesy of Clayton Boyd via *Boston Magazine*

Even as temperatures plummet, there’s still lots to love about winter at the lake. Whether it’s spending evenings by the fire, watching movies with friends, or savoring the sweet aromas of holiday baking wafting from the kitchen, there’s always something innately soothing about the cozy comforts of hearth and home.

Our desire to retreat indoors when the weather turns cold and cocoon ourselves in softness and warmth is perhaps one of the most essential elements of our well-being. We all know the feeling—so how can we bring more of that wonderfully calm and relaxed vibe into our lake homes? Here are some easy tips you can apply to any room in your house to instantly generate a sense of coziness that even your guests will notice.

Pull Up a Chair

Photo courtesy of Philip Vile via *Elle Decor*

The first step? Rethink your furniture arrangement, especially if you have a fireplace. Begin by pulling everything inward—closer to the fire—to create a relaxing and intimate oasis that immediately draws people in. If your sofa doesn’t face the fireplace already, move it either directly in front or perpendicular to the hearth so you and your guests can bask in the warmth and ambient glow of firelight. Pull in armchairs for extra seating that complements your new sofa arrangement and accent with occasional tables so that every seat has a surface within reach to hold drinks and snacks.

Layered In Luxury

Nothing speaks of toasty winter warmth like plush throws, pillows, blankets, and rugs. Use them in abundance throughout your rooms, and layer them to your heart’s content to design lavish texture vignettes that comfort and invite. Toss a fluffy sheepskin rug on the floor or atop a leather bench or ottoman to create cozy areas for morning coffee and evening cocktails. Drape smaller pelts over benches and dining chairs for added cushion and warmth. Pile pillows high with a mix of cable knits, faux furs, and other snuggly-soft fabrics, and keep enough blankets on hand for family and guests to stave off winter’s chill.

Quick Tip: When layering, make sure your soft goods adhere to a harmonious color scheme to ensure eye-pleasing continuity throughout.

Enlighten & Illuminate

For instant gratification that requires little effort on your part, there’s nothing like the allure of candlelight to generate an instant cozy vibe. If you’re a scented candle connoisseur, even better. A seasonal fragrance—think cinnamon, clove, spiced apple, bourbon-vanilla, birchwood, pine—can lift your spirits and transform the mood of your spaces with the strike of a match.

Battery-operated candles offer a safe, mess-free option, and some come with timers so you can walk away and forget about them. For a more casual, Bohemian-chic look, string lights can illuminate windows, ceilings, and even artwork for an extra glint of glamor. And lastly, be sure to limit cold-temperature lights throughout your lake home and install warm light bulbs instead. Click here to learn more about lighting temperatures.

Natural Beauty

Photo courtesy of William Waldron via *Elle Decor*

Celebrate the beauty of nature and bring it indoors. Despite frigid temps, this spectacular outdoor space blends seamlessly with the frosty winter landscape and exudes an enchanting sense of warmth and charm. Take inspiration from the simplicity of its design and bring similar elements inside your home to warm up your rooms. Think pine branches and pinecones to adorn a table setting or stunning potted plants and floral bouquets to integrate splashes of green, pink, red, or white into your winter décor. No matter the season, the simple beauty of nature is at once tranquil, lively, and uplifting.

Cabin Cozy

Photo courtesy of *House to Home Designs*

Don’t forget your bedrooms when cozying up your lake home this winter. Swapping out your bedding is the quickest way to make a seasonal statement, and it doesn’t have to be costly. Adding colorful quilts or coverlets can transform your bedrooms in an instant and create that snug winter feel that you—and your houseguests—will love sinking into at night. Rich reds—solids, stripes, and plaids—generate a warm vibe and wrap the room in luxurious comfort. If color isn’t your thing, layer your bed with an ethereal mix of soft whites, creams, grays, taupes, and browns in a heavenly blend of cottons, cable knits, faux furs, and fleece. A plush, neutral-hued rug underfoot will add extra warmth and ground the vibrant color palette.

Mantel Makeover

When the hearth takes the spotlight in winter, now’s the perfect time to give your mantel an alluring new look. Dress it up with a large mirror overhead that reflects the light—both sunlight and candlelight—and creates a high-impact focal point for your seating area. Here, a fresh green garland and a sprinkling of candles bring effortless elegance to the rustic, rough-hewn plank walls and the decidedly masculine style of the space. Wrought-iron deer figurines and fireplace tools create a sculptural design and echo the mirror’s black metal frame. Remember to keep it simple and achieve a pleasing balance with both elements from nature and meaningful decorative accents that add visual beauty to your space.

Back to Basics: Interior Design Tips for Your Lake Home

Posted on June 25, 2021March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

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

“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

“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

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.

Green Lake Grandeur: A Wisconsin Lake Home Feature

Posted on May 11, 2021March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

*Photo courtesy of* *McCormack + Etten*;
*Architectural design by Wisconsin firm* *McCormack + Etten Architects*

Built for a family who loves to live large, this roomy lakeside home nestles along the beautiful shores of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Avid boaters and entertainers, these homeowners are the life of the party all summer long and always attract a house full of family. So, when it came to designing a lake-dwelling that would ultimately become a blissful haven for their children, grandchildren, and host of friends, the owners went big and bold to celebrate their surroundings and the joys of lake life. They called on interior designer Summer Thornton to walk them through the process and make their dreams a reality.

Headquartered in Chicago, Summer is especially known for her fearless use of vibrant color that infuses life into all her spaces. Working on projects nationwide, she steadfastly believes that every home should be a true reflection of the owners’ personal style—their soul, their passions, and their quirks should be found on the walls and in the furniture throughout the entire home.

Bring the Outdoors In

*Photo courtesy of* *Summer Thornton Design*

“A lake house is not a beach house,” says Summer, “and a lot of people make this mistake when designing a lake home in the Midwest. I always try to keep a sense of place and climate in mind,” she explains. To her, this means mixing bright colors with some moody rich tones that envelop the spaces in warmth on chilly nights. It also means mixing textures—fabrics that feel light and breezy in the summer combined with plush textiles and rugs that offer a cozy touch in fall and winter. Plus, it almost always means a generous dose of greens.

Summer loves the heavily wooded areas surrounding most lake locations, and she wanted to bring this palette of verdant hues inside with fabrics, fresh flowers, plants, and paint colors. The designer believes the key is to have options. There are huge windows and plenty of comfy first-row spots to take in the dreamy views. Yet, there is seating focused on the fireplace for when the sun sets and the air becomes cooler. “The giant stone fireplace that anchors the great room is quintessentially midwestern and screams I’m in Wisconsin,” she laughs, “not to mention the taxidermy elk above it.”

Scale and Proportion

One of the biggest challenges when working with a large-scale lake home is making sure your furniture proportions befit the magnitude of the space. “It is essential that you size up your selections, so they don’t look or feel like doll furniture,” Summer jokes. Case in point? The coffee table measures six feet by four feet—the size of a typical city dining table.

She also incorporated wood paneling to the ceiling and giant wood beams to visually diminish the great room’s grand scale and make it feel more intimate. She then took patterns to another level, swathing the pair of giant sofas with a blue-and-white ikat print and layering them with bold animal-print pillows. Armchairs upholstered in a bright red floral create a colorful punch and complement the overall palette.

Reclaimed Materials

An advocate of using reclaimed materials, Summer loved the idea of this custom-made walnut dining table made from a huge fallen tree. She intentionally scaled it extra-long and narrow to allow plenty of seating for large group entertaining and family gatherings the homeowners host regularly. The bright green painted latticework was a special touch created by the designer to introduce visual interest and an eye-grabbing splash of nature’s favorite color.

Colorful Kitchen

“I truly believe color hides a multitude of sins and puts people at ease,” Summer laughs. “It not only makes a home feel livelier and more lived-in but also it’s great for holding up to wear and tear and the occasional spill.” In the kitchen, she took her color cue from the owners’ love of clear and happy colors and based the palette on their love of blue and red. She started with a marble-topped island painted in Benjamin Moore’s Slate Teal and accented it with a pair of gleaming brass pendant lanterns lined with a rich pop of red.

Texture and Warmth

“I’m a fan of blending textures to create a sense of coziness,” says Summer. “Throughout, you’ll find the typical lake-house suspects like cotton and linen, but I made sure to mix in a bit of wool and mohair to add depth and texture,” she adds. Enveloped in dark gray paneled walls, the cocoon-like den stands in striking contrast to the designer’s lighter approach for the rest of the home. This inviting space is dark yet comfortable, with lots of leather, mohair, tweeds, and rich reclaimed woods.

Cocooned in Comfort

Bathed in pale aqua hues and soft, sumptuous fabrics, the master bedroom takes a departure from the home’s brilliant color palette, offering a restful private sanctuary. A white tufted headboard creates a pleasing backdrop for a layering of luxurious bedding and a stunning Balinese art piece hanging overhead.

Cheerful and Charming

“Everyone will agree that porches are a big deal in lake culture,” says Summer. Designed to invite the natural beauty of this waterfront setting inside, the cheerful color-drenched porch offers a place for casual meals. It serves as the main dining room throughout the summer.

It includes plenty of seating around the table and heaters built into the ceiling for a little extra warmth. Green-and-pale blue floor stripes painted with Benjamin Moore’s Buckingham Gardens and Forget Me Not emanate a cottage-style charm. “I love it when people give me the green light to go crazy with color,” says Summer.

Want to infuse some bright color into your own lake life? Get out your creative paintbrush and go for it! We’d love to hear your ideas and see your results.