Tag: interior design

Green Lake Grandeur: A Wisconsin Lake Home Feature

Posted on 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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

“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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

“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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

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

Photo courtesy of Summer Thornton Design

“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.

Flexible and Functional: Lake Home Design 2021

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of UrbanGrace.com

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

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

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

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

Optimize Your Home Office

Photo courtesy of Lillian August

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

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

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

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

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

Jump Start Your Home Gym

Photo courtesy of MiddleForkLuxury.com

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

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

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

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

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

Take It Outside! — Design Your Alfresco Dream Kitchen

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

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

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

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

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

Perfectly Pet-Friendly

Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Custom Homes via Michelle’s Interiors

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021 Interior Design Trends for Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Martha O’Hara Interiors.

Since the start of the pandemic in March, we’ve been forced to spend more time indoors. As a result of lockdowns and distancing, the importance of personal space has become crucial. Now, more people are investing in lake houses, hoping for much-needed outdoor space and a remedy for that familiar “cooped up” feeling.

Due to spending ample time at home, many of us are paying more attention to interior design. After all, if you’re going to spend all day working from home, you might as well enjoy the decor! If you’re looking to re-evaluate your lake home’s feng shui, we’ve got some tips for you.

We spoke with interior designer Karen Parziale, the lead designer of The Real Estate Staging Studio in New York, to learn more. Recently, she’s been redesigning her family’s home on Lake Paradise, and she has advice on the latest interior design trends for lake lovers. 

Biophilic Design

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via Arch Daily.

A combination of the root words “bio” (life) and “philic” (love of), this concept of biophilic design refers to embracing nature in your interior decor. This concept does not just refer to pictures or representations of nature, but rather incorporating actual pieces from the outdoors inside of your home.

Although the biophilic design trend has been popular since the ’70s and is especially trending this year, it dates back to ancient times. The hanging gardens of Babylon are perhaps the first depiction of biophilic design in action.

In your lake home, one manifestation of biophilic design might be adding live plants inside your home. And not just potted desk plants. Karen says that it’s trending for plants to be the “big focal point of the room.” She adds, “from a feng shui perspective, the lake has water and earth energy already. Incorporating natural elements like plants, distressed wood, and twigs into your home design helps with balance. You want to have a mix of everything.” 

Green Design

Photography by Michael Moran via InteriorDesign.net.

It’s always great when interior design trends align with sustainability. Green design has been trending for many years, but it’s becoming prevalent now and will continue in 2021. Like biophilic design, green design is about connecting with nature. However, while biophilic design is more about the connection itself, green design focuses on environmental well-being more broadly. “It’s all about a healthier home,” Karen explains. “This trend involves being intentional about using eco-friendly materials in construction.”

This popular notion of ‘going green’ applies to both interior decorating and landscaping designs. It’s becoming trendy to opt for ground covers over grass to conserve water and choosing furniture that uses recycled materials. In other words, what’s in style is also good for the environment — win-win! 

Sense of Warmth

Photo courtesy of Homebunch.com.

Lake houses are not meant to be cold, detached environments. They’re a place of connection with friends and family. In the world of interior design trends, it’s becoming popular to reflect this sense of warmth into the design intentionally.

Karen specifies that a home’s warm feel should not be conveyed through a country aesthetic. “The plaid patterns and ‘deer-on-the-wall’ look is over,” she says. “Instead, incorporate congruous, earthy tones in a sophisticated way. You also want it to be warm without being modern and glitzy.” In keeping with a sense of warmth, open-concept spaces are trending. The idea of removing walls and borders and installing big, expansive windows evokes a laid-back, welcoming feel consistent with the lake lifestyle. 

Overall, the biggest interior design trends for 2021 are all about the incorporation of nature and sustainability. In keeping with this idea, it’s no coincidence that Pantone’s color trend report for Spring 2021 names “a range of shades inspired by the beauty of nature” as colors to watch out for next year.

The theme of nature is also timely, given what we’re all craving during the pandemic. “With COVID, people are realizing they’re tired of living in little spaces,” Karen comments. “They want to be outside more and have outdoor space.” She explains that her business has become busier recently, as she’s designing these outdoor spaces and helping people connect with nature.

Whether it’s through using recycled wood, creating an open concept living room, or replacing plaid patterns with warm tones, we hope you can incorporate these trends into your decor. After all, this connection with nature is what lake living is all about. 

5 DIY Lake House Signs Project

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

When it comes to decor for your lake house, there’s no shortage of DIY projects. Whether it’s a homemade fire pit, chalkboard paint, or driftwood decor, it’s empowering to take interior design into your own hands. One classic staple found in many lake homes is the lake sign. These cute “go jump in the lake” or “rules of the lake” pieces are a fun way to customize your home with lake-specific decor. But if you want a lake sign, there’s no reason to spend money on a design sold on Etsy. Plenty of bloggers have shared their secrets for creating a DIY lake house sign. Check out our top 5 favorites! 

“Go Jump in the Lake” Sign

From Uncommon Designs, this DIY lake sign has a unique vintage flair. The fire-engine red tone against cursive letters resembles a classic cola logo, evoking a familiar feel. The distressed paint especially stands out against a textured wall.  

Supplies: 

  • One canvas 
  • Chalk paint 
  • Vinyl lettering cut or pre-made vinyl stickers 
  • Acrylic craft paint 
  • 150 grit sandpaper 
  • Stain and water 

Instructions: Purchase a blank canvas or use an existing art piece that you don’t mind painting over. Cover the canvas in a base coat of chalk paint (this blogger used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Country Grey). Using the vinyl lettering cuts or stickers, place the letters spelling “Go Jump in the Lake” onto the canvas. Paint over the vinyl letters with a simple acrylic red craft paint and pull the letters off once they’re dry. For the vintage look, rough up the canvas with sandpaper and wipe the canvas with the 1:1 strain and water mixture. 

Rustic Lake House Sign

If your lake house decor has a rustic cabin vibe, this sign is perfect. From Funky Junk Interiors, Canadian blogger Donna uses old items to decorate her home. She’s all about repurposing what others may call “junk,” and this DIY lake sign is no exception. 

Supplies: 

  • Wooden boards 
  • Stencils for a word or phrase of your choosing 
  • Paint (three colors)
  • Tape 

Instructions: Lay any number of wooden boards out. Then, take your chosen stencils and tape them to the wooden boards for security. Using a paint color of your choice (this blogger used a combination of turquoise, white and black fusion mineral paints), tap each letter with a dried brush. Then remove the stencils! 

Lake House Driftwood Wreath

If you own a Cricut Joy machine, this DIY lake sign is the perfect excuse to dust it off. Without this appliance that prints adorable labels, you can still create the driftwood wreath to add a nautical flair to your front door. Tanya from Dans Le Lakehouse blogs about several other DIY projects you can check out, too!

Supplies: 

  • Cricut Joy 
  • Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl 
  • Other Cricut supplies (Weeder Tool, scraper tool, transfer tape, design space)  
  • Driftwood 
  • Air nailer and compressor 
  • 1” and 1.5” nails
  • Rope for hanging
  • A sheet of Lexan, plexiglass, or plywood
  • Screws and drill 

Instructions: Start by collecting small pieces of driftwood around your lake house! Once you have enough for the lake sign, set down a bucket the same circumference as your desired wreath. Create the bottom layer, then add more layers of driftwood pieces, air nailing them as you go. Then, cut a small rectangle of plexiglass and use the Cricut Joy tools to create your customized lake sign in the wreath’s center. Tie a rope at the top for hanging. 

Faux Wood Lake Sign

This simple DIY lake sign from The Happy Housie blog is elegant yet rustic. When Krista, the blog’s creator, noticed that most lake signs featured arrows pointing towards the road rather than the lake, she created a sign. While Krista makes her piece from faux wood, you can use either real or faux wood for yours. 

Supplies: 

  • Foam tools (foam sheet, smooth finish, foam knife, and tuck & scribe tools)
  • FloraCraft Styro Cutter Plus 
  • Putty knife 
  • High grit sandpaper 
  • Wood stain wipes 
  • Acrylic paint craft in two colors (blogger used Martha Stewart “Summer Linen” and “Summer Haze” 
  • Ruler
  • Printed lettering and arrow 
  • Carbon tracing paper 
  • Twine 

Instructions: Apply 2-3 coats Make It: Fun Crafts® Smooth Finish with a putty knife onto the foam. Allow it to dry and sand lightly with sandpaper. Measure 4” strips of foam and mark at intervals using a ruler to mimic a wood plank look. Use the “tuck and scribe” tool to smooth it out. Apply wood stain around the outside edges and faux plank edges. After it dries, apply a coat of white paint. Then, line up lettering, trace it, and fill in the lettering using the other paint shade. Hang with a rope. 

Live Love Lake Sign

You’ve probably seen plenty of ‘live, laugh, love” wall art (or even own some), but this one from My Porch Prints is more fun and a lake-specific version. If you’re looking for a simple, vintage sign that isn’t excessively colorful, this is the project for you. 

Supplies: 

  • 1×1 wooden boards (for the frame)
  • Flat pieces of wood for the sign
  • Screws, nails, or nail gun 
  • Picture hanging hardware 
  • Paint stain for the frame 
  • Acrylic craft paint for the words 
  • White latex paint for the background 
  • Paintbrushes 
  • Willow charcoal or pencil 

Instructions: Assemble the wooden frame by cutting and nailing the side pieces together. Cut the flat wood panel, but do not nail it to the frame quite yet. First, stain the frame by lightly brushing the stain across the wood. Then, use white latex paint for the panel. Using Microsoft Word or other software, print out the words “Live, Laugh, Lake” and use it as a stencil on the panel. Trace the words using a pencil or charcoal. Finally, paint the words in black using a dry brush technique. Attach the panel to the frame, and hang on your wall. 

Which DIY lake sign are you going to choose for your next project?

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!

What is Wabi-Sabi Design and Why it’s Perfect for a Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Mademoiselle Claudine via The Spruce.

In recent years, concepts from various countries have become trendy in U.S. interior design like the Swedish idea of hygge, meaning comfort and coziness, which has grown in popularity. From further east, the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi has made its way into U.S. architecture and interior decor. Before diving headfirst into this trend, it’s important to understand its meaning and cultural context. For wabi-sabi specifically, this meaning happens to be aligned with the lake lifestyle. Let’s take a deep dive into this concept and why it’s perfect for a lake home. 

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Photo courtesy of Serhii Makhno, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Although the trend is relatively new, the concept is rooted in ancient Japanese culture. Specifically, it comes from Buddhist tea ceremonies where the tea masters used simple, rustic, and irregularly shaped utensils. When you break the word down, “Wabi” refers to understated elegance that is often found in nature. “Sabi” is a celebration of the imperfections that come with aging. Wabi-sabi describes something humble, authentic, and beautifully imperfect. In other words, it’s appreciating the way something is rather than how it should be. 

Wabi-Sabi in Design

Photo courtesy of My Modern Met.

In keeping with this definition, wabi-sabi design is typically asymmetrical, modest, and intimate. A classic example of these characteristics is kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending cracked pottery with gold and silver resin. Instead of trying to hide the ceramics’ flaws, this technique celebrates them. 

Photo courtesy of Wallsauce.com.

In 1994, Leonard Koren’s book Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, and Philosophers garnered more widespread attention. The work of architects like Tadao Ando made wabi-sabi into a lauded design trend. For the interior decorator, wabi-sabi design techniques include mixing and matching, embracing and repurposing old items, artisanal decor, and homemade projects. However, just because it’s an eclectic style doesn’t mean it’s full of clutter. A wabi-sabi space should also be highly organized and peaceful.

The Appeal of Wabi-Sabi

Photo courtesy of DECOR8.

In a world where the latest trends are aiming for perfection and newness, wabi-sabi is refreshing. Helen White, design lead at House Of, says, “I think the main appeal of this style is that it appeals to the unpretentious and whimsical among us. There is so much beauty in the weather-beaten, cracks, and bumps in items as there are in meticulously crafted, smooth edges.” Further, this style offers permission to pick decor that simply brings you joy, even if it doesn’t match a specific aesthetic. Instead of showcasing a particular trend, wabi-sabi design introduces the people who live there. 

Invoking Wabi-Sabi at Your Lake House

Photo courtesy of dwell.com.

Wabi-sabi is evident in nature. Flora and fauna are not engineered to look a certain way– they simply are what they are, even as they age. At the lake, you’re surrounded by wabi-sabi. More broadly, the idea of leaving the city behind and retreating to nature with your loved ones is in itself, wabi-sabi. Since the lake lifestyle already adopts this concept, why not reflect it in your decor?

Photo courtesy of theuppers.com.

Jeneva Aaron, founder, and CEO of The House Wire, describes, “Wabi-sabi design is also about bringing nature inside your house. This is very much possible when designing a lake house… I believe the wabi-sabi concept is used in most lake house designs because of the natural effect. People are now more into fulfillment over materialism.” In practice, you may incorporate earthy tones and organic materials into your decor, such as driftwood. The bottom line is that it should reflect something you genuinely love, even if it’s not in vogue. After all, lake homes should be welcoming, and a wabi-sabi style expresses that sense of warmth.

What do you think? Would you consider incorporating wabi-sabi into your lake house decor?

From Colors to Crafts: Using DIY Nautical Decor in Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Rachel Claire via Pexels

For lake homes and beach houses, decor in nautical themes is a classic look. A blue and white color scheme with boating motifs evokes a relaxed, cheerful feel. However, this style can sometimes go awry. Too often, lake homeowners go overboard– pun intended– with sailing-related paraphernalia. The result is more junky than sophisticated. When designing a nautical room for your lake house, it’s important to remember that a little boat-inspired charm goes a long way. Thankfully, achieving this whimsical, yet polished balance does not have to be complicated. There are plenty of DIY nautical decor projects that you can begin right now, in quarantine, to revamp your room in time for summer. Check out some of our tips below!

Painting Your Walls

Photo courtesy of Maine House Interiors.

Painting — or repainting– your walls is a basic, yet often overlooked tip for designing your nautical room. Although we associate shades like blue, white, red, and yellow with boating, combining these bold colors on one wall may look chaotic. Kate Diaz, interior designer and owner of home DIY website SwankyDen.com, comments, “Stick to a simple color palette for a classic look. For a more modern look, use bolder, darker shades of blue to offset bright whites. Doing so will create a stunning contrast while maintaining an elegant appeal.” Katie Mills, a writer for Poshh Living Magazine, agrees, adding, “About 80%-90% of the space should be neutral.” Besides blue and white, you can opt for wood tones to lean into a more rustic vibe. As for those bright yellows and reds that we associate with nautical flags– they work best in smaller doses. While an entirely red accent wall could be overwhelming, painting a single chair in red can add a fun pop of color.

Picking Nautical Items

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Finding nautical accent pieces is easier than you think. Often, the best sailing-inspired items are miscellaneous objects found both indoors and outdoors. Katie Mills advises, “Try finding genuine nautical items to use as decor. Oars are the obvious choice and are easy to paint and repaint.” If you have old canoe paddles, try painting a few and hanging them on your wall. While you’re at the boat dock, grab a few twists of rope or nets. Using these nautical objects, you can create plenty of designs. Kate Diaz suggests wrapping natural colored ropes around plant pots or using burlap to create a nautical footstool with glue and a stapler. You may also find nautical objects in other rooms of the house. For instance, if you have a round mirror in the foyer, try moving it to the nautical room, as the circular shape will resemble a ship’s porthole.

Choosing Crafty Projects

Photo courtesy of Tori Grant Designs.

In addition to repurposing boating items as decor, you can also get crafty with everyday materials. Everything from glass bottles to pieces of wood has creative potential. If you have sewing equipment, you can create nautical pillows. With old wine and sauce bottles around the house, you can paint them, wrap twine around, and place them on a bookshelf or patio table. Using driftwood, easily found in the lake, you can make these small sailboat figures. For a more personal touch, paint a picture frame with nautical shades and feature a photo of your family on the boat. While your paints are out, consider painting a welcome sign for your house. Each of these DIY crafts will instantly add a warm, lakeside feel to your room. 

We hope these ideas help you brainstorm DIY nautical decor projects you’d like to undertake. Picking one or two projects is best. Katie Mills reminds us: “It’s fine to have the occasional ship in a bottle, decorative anchor, or painting of a ship, just keep them within reasonable limits!” So, pick the craft that interests you most and get started. You’ll be surprised at what a single DIY nautical item can add to your lake house! 

Top 3 Fabric Trends of 2020– And How They Reflect Lake Living

Posted on Camille Smith

While spending more time inside during the quarantine, perhaps you’ve considered redecorating a room in your lake house. After all, if you’re going to be home all day, you might as well enjoy your surroundings. A vital element of any room’s decor is fabric choice. From upholstery to pillowcases, a well-selected fabric has the power to tie a room’s aesthetic together. As we reach the halfway point of 2020, we’re taking a look at the top fabric trends of the new decade. To get more insight, we spoke with some of the best in the business, Sunbrella, and Perennials. Fortunately for us, this year’s fabric trends merge seamlessly with the appreciation for nature that lake lovers share. 

Textured Looks

Consistent with the styles described in our previous post on 2020 outdoor furniture trends, textured looks are fashionable for fabrics this year. Materials with intriguing, tactile patterns evoke a sense of comfort as well as style. Jordan Murphy, public relations manager at Perennials, explains, “Textured fabrics such as outdoor cushions bring a few indoor comforts out. No longer are outdoor fabrics relegated to only canvas and linens.” Perennials’ newest collection, In the Mix, features elements of this texture play. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi style of finding beauty in imperfections, it highlights detailed patterns and a sense of movement. 

Nature-Inspired

This year, designers are meeting customers’ interest in natural beauty by turning to the outdoors for inspiration. Murphy mentions that Perennials’ top colors are always neutrals and blues — shades that are common in nature. Sunbrella’s designs feature natural colors as well. Lauren Blaskie, manager of brand research at Sunbrella, comments, “A flower garden or an evening sky offer great color combinations. Bring these contrasting hues onto a porch with a classic blue bench or boldly patterned chair.”

Further, just as nature is dynamic and bold, so is Sunbrella’s recent collection, Dimension. By layering vivid colors with detailed textures, the collection showcases a sense of movement. Combining colors like “sunset orange” and “dark night” reflect the same brilliant mix of hues found in nature. 

Cultural Influences

When looking at trends, it’s not only important to consider “what’s in” but to also examine the mindset behind the specific styles. This is why Blaskie uses cultural observations to create new patterns for Sunbrella. Some significant cultural shifts that have impacted fabric trends in 2020 are mindfulness and sustainability. These mindsets impact both the way fabrics are created as well as their designs. Lauren Blaskie mentions that Sunbrella’s designs also reflect customers’ values of originality and comfort. She explains, “unique, hand-spun looks and novelty yarns provide a personal, lived-in feel to our favorite outdoor spaces — from a peaceful and cozy porch swing to a bright and welcoming patio furniture set.” Beyond simple color and texture trends, buyers want their decor to evoke a peaceful sense of home. 

For Lake Homeowners

As lake lovers who enjoy relaxing outdoors, we appreciate this year’s trends that celebrate the natural world. Textured looks reflect the variety of textures found in surrounding flora and fauna, and natural colors blend seamlessly with the lakeside atmosphere. Finally, the behind-the-scenes emphasis on mindfulness, sustainability, and comfort is already present in the lake living mentality. We hope you embrace these fabric trends and create indoor and outdoor designs that suit you this year!

New Year, New Styles: Lake Home Interior Design Trends in 2020

Posted on Camille Smith

It’s hard to believe that 2019 is almost over. We hope it’s been a year full of boat rides, bonfires, fishing, and generally enjoying all the seasonal luxuries that your lake house has to offer. As the new year approaches, you might be brainstorming exciting interior design ideas. Maybe you’re thinking of redecorating your living room with a nautical theme or finally buying new curtains for the guest bedroom.

Regardless of the project, we’re here to help inspire you with the latest interior design trends that are on the horizon in 2020. To get a sneak peek into these up-and-coming trends, we consulted Anne Mueller, a residential interior designer and co-president of Briar Design based outside of Boston. She told us about three specific trends to be on the lookout for next year!

White Kitchens are Out the Window

Warm natural toned kitchen with exposed beam ceiling

For several years, white kitchens have been a popular interior design trend for lake homeowners. They create a clean, fresh look in contrast with the rugged outdoors. However, new kitchen trends are moving away from purely white kitchens because this minimalist look can evoke a cold, sterile feel. To add a sense of warmth, Mueller notes that “designers and lake homeowners alike are opting for richer finishes such as “off-white” colors like beige, light gray and bone or even taking a bolder approach and going for more saturated colors like navy that used to only be relegated to the island.” So before painting your kitchen counter white, keep in mind that slightly darker tones may make your space feel a little warmer and inviting.

Green is the Color of the Year

Smith and Vasant Architecture lake house in Vermont with green paint and view of the lake interior design trend
Photo courtesy of Smith and Vasant Architects.

Although Pantone named “Classic Blue” as the color of the year for 2020, Mueller comments that in fact, the real winner is actually green. Especially for lake homes, the idea of “bringing the outdoors in” is a staple interior design trend. As such, integrating different shades of green in your interior decor will seamlessly extend the natural look of the outdoors into your home. Mueller advises against using only one shade of green. She notes, “Green pairs very well with other shades of the same color. The rule of thumb is any combination you find in nature, works in interior design.” Just as the trees in your backyard have different colored leaves at any given time, don’t be afraid to venture beyond forest green tones in your home.

Wallpaper is Making a Comeback

Striped navy blue wallpaper with paintings and vibrant pillows on daybed interior design trend
Photo courtesy of One Kings Lane.

The days of subtle, muted toned painted walls are over as 2019 comes to an end. Instead, wallpaper is back in style and designers are seeing it everywhere. While overtly lake-printed wallpaper of sailboats and canoes might be too on-the-nose for a lake house, Mueller recommends that lake homeowners select long-lasting colors or graphic patterns. She comments that patterned walls “offer a sense of texture and warmth.” While Mueller does not advise selecting lake-themed wallpaper, this rule of thumb does not extend to accent pieces. She offers, “Go ahead and get the duck pillow and the tray with the hand-painted harbor scene. These decorative touches are easy to swap out after a season should you get tired of them!”

We hope these tips inspire your own interior design endeavors in the upcoming year! In the meantime, you can follow Anne at @briar_design on Instagram to keep track of the latest looks.

For more home improvement advice and tips, take a quick look at “Top 5 Lake Home Upgrades That Can Backfire on Sellers“.