On the Lake Homes blog, we often cover interior design topics. From DIY driftwood art to centerpiece ideas, we’re all about helping you make your lake home luxurious. One often overlooked element of interior design is window blinds. In addition to elevating your room’s aesthetic, blinds also have functional benefits such as light control and privacy. However, did you know window blinds can impact your psychological state as well? To learn more about the psychological connection with window blinds, we spoke with Dr. Jay Feldman, osteopathic doctor and medical spokesperson for Blindster, the largest retailer of private-label, custom-made window coverings.
There are two primary ways that blinds can impact your mental state — the first is with the amount of light you let into the room. With opaque shades, almost all light is blocked, compared to sheer curtains, which let a large amount of light in. The absence of light helps the production of melatonin, a hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle. “One of the ways to block light pollution is with high-quality blackout shades. These are great for anyone trying to optimize sleep and psychological state,” says Dr. Feldman.
Besides light, the other important piece that impacts your psychology is color. If you allow light into your room, your emotions could be impacted by the color of the room itself. “Red raises the room’s energy, good for any kind of creative space,” Dr. Feldman explains. “Yellow and orange make you feel more relaxed and at peace.” The room’s function is also crucial. For example, red is a good color for an office, while blues and purples offer a nice sense of serenity for a bedroom. With this in mind, it’s important to pay attention to the color of your wallpaper or paint and make sure it reflects the mood that you want. “It’s a very short-lived effect, but with continued exposure, the effects are longer lasting,” he says.
With both light and color in mind, the key is to manage them in your favor. “If you black out light, you’re also blocking out color, and you won’t let the color affect your mood,” Dr. Feldman clarifies. “The goal is to reduce the emotional response and increase melatonin production.” As such, blackout blinds are ideal. At night, you can minimize the impact of your room’s color on your mood while also helping you to sleep. However, everyone is different. Various people need more or less light to be able to sleep well. If you need a little light for sleeping but still want the benefits of blackout blinds, consider getting a nightlight. Not just for kids, these tiny lamps illuminate a small section of your room—the perfect compromise between complete darkness and a light-flooded space.
When it comes to lake home-specific advice, Dr. Feldman says they should keep the same general principles in mind. “Considering the color of your room (based on color psychology) and the ability to block out light.” In a space that receives a lot of sunlight, one special consideration is UV protection. This refers to the shade’s ability to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can pierce through the windows. When picking out blinds, consider their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
At your lake house, you want to cultivate a serene and positive environment. After all, that’s what vacation mode is all about. Choosing the right blinds is a little-known tip for keeping your brain at peace!
As we sheltered in place last year, we adapted to a different style of living. We all learned to work, play, school—and live life—in virtually every square inch of our homes. As lake lovers, we also connected with nature in a big way to cope with the isolation we felt from the global pandemic. Fast forward to a refreshing new optimism forecasted for 2022.
In the new year, interior design trends take on a hopeful, more upbeat attitude with continued emphasis on sustainability and all things natural. Simplicity is key, with minimalism on the rise due to more time spent between our own four walls. Out with visual clutter and jarring hues—and in with serene, spare spaces and calming color schemes. There is also a well-balanced integration of timeless classics with retro whimsy as well as organic and Zen elements. The importance of the home office and multifunctional living spaces also plays an essential role in the renewed aesthetic of 2022.
The pandemic only furthered our desire for neutral hues that inspire relaxation and a deep sense of tranquility magnified by comfort. The trend coincides with our newly found respect for all things natural and soothing to the eye. As people spent far too much time at home, some found bright details disconcerting and began moving toward the tried-and-true basics. Think Brave Ground, the Dulux color of the year in 2021. Soft shades of white, ivory, gray, beige, and other muted tones have since become faithful base colors that blend beautifully with our natural surroundings. Both warm and cool neutral tones apply, depending on your style and desired color palette.
With the introduction of Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist, along with their Color Trends 2022 Palette, we see an inspiring mix of meditative hues intended to bring an effortless harmony to the home, no matter your design style. “Evoking the silver-green stem of a flower,” says the well-known paint brand, “October Mist creates a canvas for other colors—and your imagination—to blossom.” The diverse color collection offers an invigorating array of luminous pales that can anchor any space, nurture your environment, and inspire creative expression.
Emerging as a design trend during the pandemic, curvy shapes continue to thrive in 2022. The soft rounded edges of sleek sofas, chairs, tables, and other home furnishings bring a stylish romantic vibe to any room as they also complement straight edges and angled pieces. Decidedly feminine and forgiving, rounded furniture introduces a throwback element from the modern era that creates a surprisingly fresh aesthetic when mixed with both contemporary and vintage pieces.
After spending more than a year at home, nothing has become more important than our connection to nature and preference for natural materials. The trend is showing up everywhere, from fabrics and finishes to the placement of windows in unexpected places to create a visual connection to the great outdoors. There is a tactile earthiness—and simple elegance—found in surfaces such as white Carrara marble, onyx, dark basalt floor tiles, stone, granite, and natural woods. Lavish textiles made of natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk enhance the look, as does foliage and plant materials collected from your own backyard.
As we learned to focus on the central purpose of each room in our homes, minimalism became our credo and remains so in 2022. But make no mistake—this look does not by any means need to appear austere or void of personality. Quite the contrary, as decluttering your spaces will evoke peace of mind, a sense of freedom, and a satisfying state of well-being. Carefully consider the functionality of each room and keep furniture choices simple by using one or two primary materials. In this bedroom, both rustic and refined light woods are compatible. Contrast with varying textures for visual interest and keep your color palette soft and neutral with shades of white, cream, beige, or gray. Minimize accessories to infuse rooms with the presence of air and beautifully unadorned floor and wall space.
A hint of vintage charm offers the ultimate fashion statement that will energize your minimalist spaces in 2022. One brilliant piece, such as this antique Baccarat crystal chandelier, is all it takes to elevate a room from stylish to stunning.
In 2020, working at home became the new normal and continues today for many households. Equipping an efficient home office space with comfortable seating has become essential for most, whether you work there full time or a few times a week. Proper lighting is critical, with both task lighting and natural light from a nearby window preferred. Electrical outlets and Wi-Fi access are also important considerations when planning your workspace. If a home renovation is out of the question, look for a quiet space or nook within your home that can accommodate a small desk and chair.
For many of us, this global trend emerged during the quarantine conditions of the pandemic. When we all started to miss the fresh air and mental release of regular outings, the home garden trend took hold even stronger. During this intense isolation, we began bringing more and more greenery indoors and felt deeply comforted by the mere presence of plants. The trend has gained traction in 2022, and caring for potted plants has transcended beyond a hobby to a joyful obsession.
When planning your indoor garden, remember to keep plants to a minimum. If there is an overabundance, your rooms become cluttered and less serene. One or two large statement plants placed strategically will create more visual impact without overpowering the space. Matching pots or containers similar in style will ensure continuity, and don’t forget to consider sunlight requirements when selecting your plants.
Single-use rooms are fading into extinction as today’s families dictate multifunctional spaces to accommodate modern lifestyle demands. Long gone are the walls that used to separate kitchens from dining rooms and living areas as we move toward more fluid and multifaceted spaces throughout our homes. Dwellings during the pandemic became much more than simply a place to shelter. Our houses became gyms, home offices, recreation areas, and study nooks. The kitchen became a highly organized and functional space for gathering, cooking, and eating at home. When living spaces needed to be partitioned off at times to create a much-needed sense of privacy, we adapted with sliding screens, glass and metal doors, heavy curtains, and other innovative solutions.
This trend continues to evolve in 2022 as homeowners redefine their essential needs. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the opportunities each room in our homes offers—even vertical space—so we can make the most of every square inch, nook, and cranny.
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 beautifully refreshing 2022!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
This stunning home perches high above beautiful Lake Austin and epitomizes easy lake living for a couple seeking their lakeside dream home. Situated along the west bank on a steep 1.2-acre wooded lot, the dwelling was originally built in the 1950s as a rustic, hexagon-shaped waterfront cabin. In the 1970s, the structure was renovated with a small addition. Captured by the site’s exquisite location and scenic beauty, the new homeowners didn’t hesitate to purchase the property. In 2014, they called on Austin architect James LaRue of LaRue Architects and interior designer Laura Britt of Britt Design Group to assess the initial design concept and thoughtfully integrate a new modern aesthetic that would also pay homage to the home’s architectural heritage.
Intrigued by the original construction of the building, the design team knew immediately they wanted to remove the 1970s addition yet keep the hexagon shape that was formerly the main living area. “The challenge was to intergrade a modern home design concept into the hexagon geometry while ensuring the final architecture became a cohesive building,” says LaRue. The site also had dramatic topography—environmental constraints due to its waterfront location and several large trees required to remain—so the design team had to address the heavily treed, steep lot that slopes down 120 feet from the back of the house to the shoreline. “The site constraints drive the entire design of this home,” says the architect, “and the finished result responds in a very beautiful way to those constraints and to its heritage.” The team collaborated with Classic Constructors during the build.
LaRue’s initial design concept was to convert the hexagon living space into the master bedroom suite with expansive lake views. “We then connected the hexagon building with a long, narrow form—or dogtrot—running parallel to the shoreline,” he explains. “This design concept allowed us to address the steep nature of the site, preserve the large pecan trees, and allow every space to have views of the lake,” he sums. The exterior materials include expansive glass windows and doors, metal panels, and limestone.
Dappled with natural sunlight, the new hexagon master suite boasts spectacular lakefront views. “A hand-woven wool rug and sumptuous bed linens bring an element of softness to balance the refined rusticity of antique wooden pieces,” says Britt, who worked closely with LaRue to ensure her interior design concepts would complement the home’s modern architectural style.
The new four-bedroom house is constructed in a long single-story L-shape with the private spaces anchored by the re-configured original structure on one end and a semi-detached guest suite on the far end of the horizontal design.
The spacious 4,100-square-foot Hill Country contemporary residence is now the owners’ primary dwelling. “The couple live an active lifestyle and love to travel but consider this their home base,” Britt explains. “They enjoy their living room space frequently, and their welcoming guest house is almost always in use.”
The newly designed house now has a strong connection to the outdoors, with large expanses of glass throughout. “The public spaces are aligned along the center of the building with views of the lake and joined together by the open dogtrot-style outdoor living space, which overlooks a beautiful pool as well as Lake Austin,” says LaRue. “The outdoor space has a generous roof overhead with a warm wood-clad ceiling that protects it from the scorching Texas heat and intense thunderstorms,” he notes. In addition, this all-seasons area features a bug screen, lounge furniture, and a grand fireplace that allows for cozy gatherings during the winter months.
“This home is all about panoramic views to the lake and expansive sky,” says Britt, “so the color palette features a generous dose of soft blues and greens. The living room showcases an expansive wall of glass, and an art piece commissioned by Austin artist Andrea Pramuk is specifically detailed with saturated blues and sea green hues that are also echoed in the ‘Tree of Life’ rug that anchors the room,” she adds. The serene blue and green shades immediately connect you to the water and sky beyond, and peach accents in the rug and pillows complement the cool blues.
“This home is a study of restraint in design—the color palette and textiles are tranquil,” says the designer. “There is a little bit of texture, but it’s sleek. The steel, stone, and woods are smooth, almost glassy—and there’s a sense of movement and texture in the lighting. The textiles and hand-woven wool rug bring an inviting nubby touch to the living room.”
The furniture is intentionally elevated and not heavily upholstered to keep the space visually open and avoid obstructing the views. The settee has an open notched back to allow the light in as well as the lake view. In the adjacent dining room, a custom-built steel and wood table was crafted from reclaimed wood from the original site.
Custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen is designed to feel like beautifully detailed furniture pieces. “Elevating the cabinetry on wooden legs creates physical and visual space between the floor and cabinets,” says Britt. “A glass-front refrigerator adds to the sleek appeal of this unique kitchen, and a custom armoire stores coffee-making equipment.”
Thoughtfully planned lighting plays an essential role throughout this home and provides a sculptural counterpoint to the minimalist modern architecture. Natural finishes and a subtle palette reflect the homeowners’ style and complement the tranquil scenery outside.
“The clients have a wonderful collection of art objects and furnishings they’ve collected from their travels around the world,” says Britt. “Weaving their personal story into the fabric of the overall design was a fun challenge. One important element to their story is their involvement in winemaking—they own a vineyard in Argentina, personally select the blends, and even custom-design the wine labels,” she adds. The entryway to their home features a Steinway grand piano and an impressive wine collection.
Designed by LaRue, the boathouse overlooks Lake Austin, offering yet another prime spot for these homeowners and their family and friends to take in the surrounding scenery. Perched high above the shoreline, the rooftop deck provides an ideal outdoor lounging area perfect for boat and bird watching.
Interested in the Lake Austin area? Visit Lake Homes Realty for more details and enjoy the lake life!
When it comes to lake living, the trend for cozy comfort has picked up speed since life as we know it changed suddenly in 2020. So, it comes as no surprise that the relaxed, no-fuss aesthetic of modern farmhouse style is on the rise everywhere—and especially at the lake. The perfect mix of minimal contemporary design blended effortlessly with traditional country charm, this look offers the warm and fuzzy feeling we crave yet with a fresh take that accommodates today’s streamlined lifestyle. Modern farmhouse style celebrates the beauty of serene color palettes, natural, rustic finishes, and a deep appreciation for the imperfect.
This spectacular waterfront home nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan illustrates an impeccable example of contemporary farmhouse style. Jodi Medina, lead designer at Benchmark Design Studio, together with Adam and Mike Schaap of Mike Schaap Builders, helped their clients step by step to achieve their family dream home on the lake.
If this look appeals to you, here are a few of their surefire tips on how you can create this contemporary take on rustic farmhouse style without sacrificing the ease of modern living.
“Modern farmhouse is a casual, relaxed, simple design that is so popular these days,” says Jodi. “Some of the details that our clients gravitated towards that we helped them incorporate in this home include black hardware and light fixtures, wide-plank white-washed white oak floors, and shiplap walls.”
A fusion of classic country style with rustic farmhouse elements, the modern farmhouse is polished with the sleek sophistication of crisp lines, soothing neutrals, lustrous metals, and a mix of smooth and weathered woods. Comfort is still key and can be achieved with a thoughtfully planned layering of color and pattern. In the living room and throughout, Jodi mixed playful patterns with subtle stripes and sumptuous solids in nubby tweed, supple leather, and even dog-friendly performance fabrics on some of the larger pieces. Patterned area rugs introduce plush softness underfoot and anchor the seating groups.
The modern farmhouse palette comprises a layering of neutrals—soft whites, creams, beiges, and grays. This will give your home a satisfying continuity and a contemporary fresh feel that defines this ever-popular style. To create contrast with a modern edge, Jodi added pops of black throughout with lighting fixtures and sleek kitchen countertops for the perfect juxtaposition to the home’s serene neutrals. Accent pillows in pale shades of blue, pale pink, and coral add visual interest and lend a soft touch to an otherwise modern scheme.
In addition to incorporating black into your color palette, don’t be afraid to use deeper shades—charcoal gray, dark blue, rich green—on accent walls, backsplashes, and cabinets to create visual balance and bring a sense of cozy warmth into your contemporary farmhouse home.
For this project, Jodi and her team made sure to combine sleek contemporary materials with weathered woods to create authentic farmhouse character. Natural and tactile textures such as a needle-point style area rug and intricately woven wicker-backed dining chairs nod to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic and pair perfectly with other textural accents, including a herringbone-patterned tile backsplash against built-in custom cabinets and a rustic barn beam atop a beachy pebble-stone fireplace surround.
“I think the style works well in this lakeside setting as it has a casual, laid-back feel to it,” says Jodi. “It also allows the family to live a more relaxed lifestyle with the finishes, which I think are easier to maintain than others. The homeowners live in this house full-time with their three children and the family dog. The white oak wood floors perform well at the lake, and the shiplap walls offer a low-maintenance, more forgiving option that also speaks to farmhouse style,” she sums.
The nerve center of almost every home, an inviting kitchen is the sweet spot for entertaining, family gatherings, and group cooking sessions. As with all the other rooms in the house, Jodi designed the plan and selected the architectural and trim details, cabinetry, furniture, and finishes. Her sister company Benchmark Wood Studio produced the custom cabinetry.
“Our three companies, including Mike Schaap Builders, are located in Holland, MI, under the same roof,” she says. “We work collectively to provide our clients with beautifully crafted and constructed, well-thought-out lake homes.”
Outfitted with white oak floors, honed black countertops accented with a shiny white subway-tile backsplash, and pendant lights wrapped elegantly with chicken-wire detailing, the kitchen aligns with the home’s modern farmhouse vibe. A roomy white island seats four and features extra pull-out stools tucked into each end.
Offering panoramic views of the lake, the master bathroom emits a spa-like ambiance with its sleek, minimalist style. Gray custom cabinetry connects visually with a beautiful herringbone-patterned tile floor, and a white soaking tub makes an elegant statement. Shiplap walls, brushed metal lighting fixtures, and a touch of black hardware on the door echo elements of modern farmhouse style seen throughout the home.
The exterior features for this home that embody modern farmhouse style include white board-and-batten siding, a black shingled roof with metal accents, and black-framed windows, doors, hardware, and light fixtures. In addition, a black Shaker-style bench creates a subtle hint of country charm that always befits this look.
“I loved how the homeowners trusted us with this project and allowed us to listen to their needs and wants,” recalls Jodi. “It is a highlight when our clients get to walk in their finished home and see the beautiful work our team envisioned and how our talented craftsmen implement it. It’s a blessing to us that we get to create these beautiful homes that people will live in and create amazing memories with their family and friends.”
For more tips on creating the modern farmhouse style in your own lake home, visit Homes & Gardens.
Whether you prefer a tiny lakeside cabin tucked far away from it all, or an expansive modern-style haven with a sweeping wall of windows that captures your stunning shoreline view, lake homes across the country are as unique as the dwellers within. But no matter where you live, a lake residence offers this in common—a peaceful sense of sanctuary, a place to unwind and connect with nature, and a place to enjoy family and friends.
If you’ve ever traveled across the country, you can’t help but notice certain architectural styles that reflect the area’s overall aesthetic and climate conditions. Like regional cuisine, lake homes embody the quaint characteristics of their location and reveal a charming sense of place. Today, we turn our focus to the South/Southeastern region of the country as we take a guided tour of some of the most notable architectural styles and how they came to be.
Originating along the coast of South Carolina—a region known as the Lowcountry—this beloved Southern style radiates an air of refined simplicity and elegance. Developed in the 1700s, Lowcountry-style architecture was intentionally designed to invite natural airflow and ventilation for residents of this subtropical climate. A regional favorite deeply rooted in tradition and Southern hospitality, Lowcountry style exudes comfort and practicality with its spacious open-concept rooms, shady verandas, and breezy screened porches.
Other features quintessential to Lowcountry design—and well-suited for warmer lake climates—include high ceilings, shutters, and double-hung windows with top openings to allow hot air out and bottom openings to let in cool evening breezes. Transoms help create more ventilation and natural light, and durable metal roofing reflects the hot sun and protects against harsh winds and tropical rain.
Colonial plantation-style homes typically feature stately columns and an expansive porch with a balcony above it. Like traditional colonial-style homes, these symmetrical structures include regal front entries usually accented with pediments, a quaint balance of windows with shutters, and clapboard or brick siding. Built initially on cotton plantations, these exquisite homes also embody characteristics of French colonial style.
This modern take on the iconic Southern style still honors the symmetrical attributes associated with the plantation home aesthetic. Built for warm and humid climates, these homes boast tall ceilings, grand central entryways, elegant stairways, and spacious rooms where the air can flow freely. The timeless appeal of this traditional Southern style makes it perfect for families who appreciate gracious lakeside living.
An all-time favorite, cottage style has a wonderfully relaxed and inviting appeal that makes it ideal for lake home retreats. Colorful and comfortable, the look is often characterized by airy porches that connect visually to the great outdoors. Worn and weathered finishes, charming beadboard walls, a delightful texture mix of wicker and natural-fiber rugs, and a lovely color palette inspired by nature create an unmistakable sense of warmth that speaks of home.
Rustic surfaces show their rich patinas and the imperfections of age while combining effortlessly with the sheen of modern appliances and quartz countertops. This no-fuss look emulates the easy-living mindset of those who embrace the lake life. Kids, dogs, wet bathing suits, and bare feet are always welcome here.
The ease and practicality of coastal style make it a beloved favorite for many Southern lake home dwellers. Often referred to as beach style—no matter if you reside on a lake or a coast—this style incorporates high ceilings and large windows to invite breezes throughout the home while forcing the heat to rise far above the living spaces. In addition, expansive covered porches, verandas, and other exterior spaces extend the living areas outside—the place to be when you’re relaxing at the lake.
Some coastal-style homes are raised to help prevent flood damage that comes with tropical storms and driving rains. Durable roofing and siding, shutters, and impact-resistant windows also protect against high winds and heavy rainfall.
Interiors bathed in shades of white, vibrant accent colors, and plenty of comfy slip-covered seating create a casual coastal vibe like no other. This style is all about connecting with the outdoors and enjoying water views from nearly every vantage point.
But no matter your architectural tastes, a sense of charm, comfort, and hospitality are the common threads intrinsic to Southern style. Within the walls of the Southern home, there is a palpable feeling of warmth, welcome, and timelessness that celebrates the beauty of gracious living. For this stunning waterfront property on Georgia’s Lake Oconee, award-winning Atlanta interior designer Melanie Turner put her talents to work to transform what was once a bachelor pad into a cozy retreat for the homeowner and his new bride.
“The house was bought and owned by a bachelor, and the design had changed multiple times over the years,” says Melanie. “Once he married, his gift to his new wife was to renovate and redesign the house to fit their new lifestyle.”
The couple found they never really used the living room, so they decided to move the pool table out there to capture the beautiful lake view and add four comfy slip-covered chairs for drinks and socializing.
Melanie divided the family room into two sections. In front of the fireplace, she incorporated big “man chairs” for watching TV. “For a surprise feature, I incorporated dog beds into the bases of a pair of console tables flanking the fireplace,” says the designer.
Here, Melanie added a sofa facing the kitchen to keep the chef company. “The overall color palette was based on the lake setting itself—rich greens, weathered and rustic textures, and soft neutral-hued linens,” she says. “The homeowners are big dog lovers, so we added a playful composition of dog portraits for a personal touch,” she sums.
There’s nothing like having a breezy screened-in porch at the lake. The soft upholstered seating makes it feel like an outdoor living room. “We used monochromatic, calming colors throughout to infuse the interiors with the surrounding colors of nature,” says Melanie. “This place has an easy lake lifestyle feel to it, so our plan for this house was to bring life into the spaces without making them too formal.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
On the Lake Homes blog, we often cover interior design trends related to lake living. Hygge, a Danish concept defined simplistically as “coziness,” evokes comfort in the home by using warm tones, candles, fireplaces, and blankets. Another recent trend is wabi-sabi design, a Japanese concept that focuses on finding beauty in imperfections. Natural materials like driftwood, personally significant artwork, and repaired pottery are all emblematic of wabi-sabi. Each of these trends reflects the spirit of lake living in different ways.
Today, we’re introducing a new concept for lake lovers to adopt in their homes — biophilic design. Although it was introduced in the 1970s by biologist E.O. Wilson, it’s been practiced since ancient times (e.g., the rumored Hanging Gardens of Babylon). To learn more about this style, we talked with Hope McMahan, project manager at Deltec Homes in Asheville, NC. Read on for everything you need to know about biophilic design.
Biophilic design is all about connecting back to nature through architecture and decor. But it’s more holistic than simply adding a few indoor plants to your lake home. McMahan explains that biophilic design can be broken down into three components. The first is the direct experience of nature (e.g., letting in more natural light, incorporating greenery). The second is the indirect experience of nature (e.g., paintings of scenery, natural colors, wood furniture). Finally, the third component is the physiological connection to nature.
McMahan clarifies, “There’s fear in nature, and at the end of the day, we’re still animals. We need to feel safe and secure in our environments.” Features like large windows play into this sense of safety, allowing you to physically witness any impending threats and rest in the security of your home’s protective qualities. In the same way, many biophilic homes expose the beams of the trusses so you can see the structures that are keeping you safe at home.
Essentially, all three components focus on enhancing our connection to the natural world. This connection, McMahan says, is one that’s often lost in traditional homes. “Biophilic design reminds us that we’re still animals, and we need to exist more like that. We can actually think about the living things in our world.”
According to research from the University of Vermont, more people, especially women, are turning to the outdoors for comfort these days. The resurgence of biophilic design reflects this desire for nature that has become more prominent since the rise of COVID-19. McMahon says, “During the past year, we’ve all been trapped inside. We’re experiencing this trauma together. We’re also starting to understand how our homes make us feel.”
To illustrate this point, she explains the ways in which architecture can evoke certain feelings. For example, the brutalist, concrete structure of a courthouse creates solemn, stoic vibes. By contrast, a biophilic design with wooden cabinets and expansive windows manifests a sense of peace and comfort that we’re all craving amid this global crisis. “Biophilic design is not just functional — it’s also an art,” she says.
Another reason behind biophilic design’s revival is its connection to the popular sustainability movement. Although it’s possible to practice biophilic design without being environmentally friendly, they often go hand in hand. McMahon describes biophilic architects as “the green builders before it was cool to be green.”
Perhaps the most apparent benefit, biophilic design is simply beautiful. By bringing the outdoors in, both literally and metaphorically, your home blends more seamlessly with the natural world. But beyond aesthetics, biophilic design also has several psychological benefits. Many research studies have demonstrated that those who inhabit biophilic spaces experience lower stress levels and more positive moods. It also has physical health benefits. McMahon mentions the myriad of studies suggesting that patients in hospitals with biophilic design recover more quickly than those in traditional buildings. In workspaces, biophilic design is also linked to greater productivity. With all these clear benefits, what’s not to love?
How Can I Incorporate Biophilic Design in My Lake Home?
Whether you’re redesigning a home or looking for minor improvements, biophilic design can be for you. If you’re remodeling your lake home, consider a round wooden ceiling. Deltec Designs features a 360 Collection that is completely round, allowing it to withstand higher winds due to its aerodynamic frame. From a design perspective, its structure resembles a tree, eliciting a sense of biomimicry. In these round homes, be sure to install wide windows to connect the home to the landscape. At a lake house, this is especially important since the lake view is a central feature of the home.
However, you don’t have to completely rebuild in order to incorporate biophilic design into your home. Simple changes like adding indoor plants, choosing curtains with natural materials like 100% cotton, installing hardwood floors, and picking native plants can go a long way in establishing your biophilic home. The important thing is to keep it natural. “The more synthetic it is, the less we’re able to realize that it’s from the earth,” McMahon explains. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake plants or photos of plants can offer the same effect.
From the ancient Hanging Gardens to your own lake home, biophilic design is both beautiful and beneficial. We wish you luck in incorporating this trend into your home!
