Tag: lake homes

Regional Lake Living: Southern Styles – From Charming Cabins to Lavish Low-Country Cottages

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Helen Norman via Southern Living

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. 

Lowcountry Style

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

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

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

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.

Classic Cottage Style

Photo courtesy of Style Blueprint

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.

Coastal Style

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

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.

Southern Charm

Photo courtesy of Melanie Turner Interiors

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.

Southern Comfort

Photo courtesy of Melanie Turner Interiors

“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.  

Flexible Family Room

Photo courtesy of Melanie Turner Interiors

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.

Family Room Flipside

Photo courtesy of Melanie Turner Interiors

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.

Porch Life

Photo courtesy of Melanie Turner Interiors

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.”

For more of Melanie’s style tips, check out her first new book, Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take On Beautiful Rooms.

Hardscapes 101: Top Design Ideas for Your Lakefront Landscape

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Attainable Solutions Inc.

Outdoor living is one of the joys of lake life—so now that summer is here, let’s make the best of it. A well-balanced landscape design should complement your lifestyle and add value to your lake property. It’s typically made up of two main elements that define outdoor living spaces—hardscapes and softscapes. In simple terms, think of softscapes as the living things in your yard and hardscapes as the hard stuff like bricks, wood, stone, and concrete. For part one of our two-part feature, we’re going to first focus on hardscapes. 

Retaining Walls & Steps

Photo courtesy of Mom’s Design Build via Turf Magazine

If your lakeside landscape sits on a slope, you might benefit from a retaining wall. Creating a hillside terrace adds visual interest and more usable land and reduces soil erosion and water runoff by slowing down the flow of rainwater and diverting it to a drainage system. Low retaining walls can even double as extra seating for outdoor entertaining. Incorporate a cascading stairway into your retaining wall, and you now have an elegant pathway down to the shore. Say the experts at Gardenista, “Think of retaining walls as support hose for sloped terrain: they hold everything in place—discreetly.”

When considering material options, select those that will complement your lake home’s surrounding natural landscape and architectural style. Building material choices are abundant and range from brick and stone to poured concrete to treated and stained woods.

Before getting started, it’s best to consult a landscape architect or gardening professional to guide you. Click here for more inspiring ideas. 

Winding Walkways, Paths & Driveways

Photo courtesy of Homestead Gardens Landscape Division

Alluring pathways and driveways lend instant visual appeal and create a welcoming first impression for visitors. A dynamic driveway or walkway to your front door adds pleasing curb appeal and can even increase the resale value of your lake home.

Whether you decide to go with solid pavers for a sleek, contemporary vibe, or charming steppingstones that lend an English cottage feel, your options are virtually endless. A good rule of thumb to follow? Always choose surfaces that complement the style of your lake-dwelling and the surrounding environment. 

If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, start by calling in a landscape professional to help you find the best design for your property. They can also guide you through the array of material choices that include brick, concrete, bluestone, granite, gravel, limestone, and more. If your lake home is in a colder climate, consider options that can stand up to freezing temperature, such as terracotta, travertine, and slate. Click here for more creative ideas for walkway designs.

Fire Pits & Fireplaces

Photo courtesy Mom’s Design Build

There is nothing more blissful than sitting by a fire while relaxing at the lake. Firelight creates an ambiance like no other and brings warmth, a soft romantic glow, and an inviting interactive experience. So, whether you want to incorporate an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, there are a few things first to consider:

When placed on the edge of a patio or pavilion, a fireplace takes up less space and can be used in inclement weather if it’s under cover. This architectural element can also bring a graceful focal point to your outdoor entertainment space. The benefits of a chimney direct the smoke upward and outward, ensuring a pleasant, fresh-air environment.

On the other hand, a fire pit is a bit more like having a cozy bonfire or campfire. You can place seating all around it for fun family gatherings, like roasting marshmallows with the kids and making s’mores. If you’re looking to design a custom immovable firepit, make sure you choose the perfect spot with the desired view and have a landscape professional guide you on its placement—where lake breezes can move the smoke away from your other outdoor areas. For more fireside inspiration, visit HGTV.

Pools & Entertainment Areas

Photo courtesy of Mom’s Design Build

Pools—and the lavish, lounge-like seating areas that surround them—can create a splendid oasis for your lake landscape. Crisp and cool, the refreshing element of water always provides a calming visual connection to your lakeside environment.

First, decide what type of pool best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Pools are costly to install, and the upkeep may not be for everyone. Consider pool shapes and styles, such as a seamless infinity pool spilling over a vanishing edge, a long narrow lap pool, a therapeutic spa feature, or even a non-chlorine natural swimming pool. You’ll definitely want to consult with a landscape architect or pool specialist to discuss material options, cost, and maintenance.

Other considerations include lighting and underwater lights, poolside landscape plant materials, seating areas, furniture arrangements, and outdoor furniture options, including luxurious poolside loungers, chaises, patio sets, and plush water-resistant cushions and upholsteries. For more inspiration, check out these dreamy pool design ideas.

Decks & Patios

Photo courtesy of Mom’s Design Build

A deck or patio added to your lake property will instantly create an additional room and expand your living space to the outdoors.

Typically made of wood, decks float above the ground—from a few inches to many feet—and are framed with support structures. If your lake setting sits on a slope, then a deck might be the perfect choice for you. Deck flooring materials include natural wood—cedar, redwood, mahogany, teak, ipe, bamboo—and other options such as pressure-treated lumber and sustainable composite decking.

Patios are constructed on a flat surface at ground level with hard materials like brick, concrete, stone tiles, and pavers. Ideal for poolside areas or level outdoor spaces where you want to enhance the architectural appeal of your home, patios are a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice. For more ideas on creating spectacular outdoor spaces, click here.

In an upcoming post, we’ll show you how to balance your lakeside hardscape designs with lush, green softscapes. In the meantime, happy hardscaping!

4 Reasons Lake Home Sellers Should Focus on “Seller Net”

Posted on Linda Thach

Do you know what the term “seller net” means? “Seller net” is the amount of money a seller makes from a real estate transaction after all costs and fees are accounted for. When selling a lake home, there are many factors that could distract you from the overall “seller net” equation. In this video, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn S. Phillips explains four reasons lake home sellers should focus on the “seller net.”

  1. Cost of Selling. A common mistake most lake home sellers make is being fixated on the small details of home selling costs such as commission fees.
  2. Time Matters. The time your house stays on the market affects your bottom line. Things home sellers often overlook are mortgage payments, insurance, and home maintenance costs that cost you more over time.
  3. Brokerage Commission. If you pay a lower commission rate and get a lower price for your house, that could affect your “seller net.” In other words, you get what you pay for.
  4. Service Level of Agents. When selling a home, it’s important to look for an agent that can provide you with exceptional service. This includes someone that is knowledgeable about your lake property and location and is capable of properly pricing your home for the best return on investment.

Whether you’re buying or selling your lake home or property, our agents at Lake Homes Realty can help provide insight into today’s lake real estate market and guide you in your home journey.

Biophilic Design: A Trend You Should Know About

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Home Stratosphere

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.

What is Biophilic Design?

Photo courtesy of Deltec Homes

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.”

Why Is Biophilic Design Trending Again?

Photo courtesy of Architect Magazine

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.”

What Are the Benefits of Biophilic Design?

Photo courtesy of Deltec Homes

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?

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via ArchDaily

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!

Green Thumb Glossary: Need-to-Know Gardening Terms for Your Lake Home

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Bullis Photography via HGTV

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ‘green thumb,’ anyone who attempts to garden—from hostas to hydrangeas—needs to have some basic knowledge to get things growing. And as a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know a few lake-specific garden terms to ensure you get the most from your scenic waterside landscape.

We spoke with Peter Wodarz, the owner of Gardenbau Group and a landscape architect/project manager for Michael Schmechtig’s firm Sheldon Landscape in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-service landscape management company and its award-winning staff have served residents throughout the beautiful lake region for more than 42 years. Here, Peter shares—and demystifies—some of his top gardening terms and tells us why these are important to lake homeowners. 

Annuals

Photo courtesy of Lynn Coulter via HGTV

An annual is a plant that lives for just one growing season. You must replant annuals every year, as they will sprout, flower, seed—and then die in the winter. “Annuals provide seasonal displays of abundant color and texture,” says Peter. “Their colorful masses—mixed in with perennial borders and shrub beds— brighten the landscape throughout the season, and annual displays in containers bring a splash of color to front entrances, porches, balconies, and piers,” he adds. 

The advantage for many lake homeowners is that annual plants quickly display their color and hold it all summer long—the most common time for lake dwellers to enjoy their outdoor setting. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens and begonias are perfect for shadier areas of the garden. Marigolds and petunias are common choices for sunnier spots, and in the southern regions, they can provide three full seasons of color. Pansies, vincas, and zinnias are trusted standbys for long seasonal colors in warmer climates.

Perennials

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Perennials are plants that return year after year with little required care. These “forever” plants are often used to highlight the seasons as different varieties typically provide color for four to six weeks when in bloom. Woven together, they can form a tapestry of color.

“Perennials such as coneflowers, bee balm, catmint, and astilbe found in Midwest lake home regions provide easy care with long seasonal color displays,” says Peter. “They are perfect for those weekend staycation days meant for relaxing at the water’s edge and not toiling in the garden.”

Other easy-to-grow perennials include Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, hardy hibiscus, aster, Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, and moss phlox. When designing your lake home garden, be sure to plant a mix of varieties that will flower at different times of the year to ensure a continuous burst of blooms. If you’re unsure of what to plant, ask a gardening professional to recommend perennials—and annuals—that will thrive in your garden zone.

Native Plants

Photo courtesy of Julie Martens Forney via HGTV

“Native plants thrive in their natural environment—the region’s climate and soil conditions—and therefore require little care and watering,” says Peter. The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants as: “All indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat.” Life forms include hardwood trees, conifer trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and others. Generally, native North American species are recognized as those appearing on the continent prior to European settlement.

 “Native plants in the Midwestern region such as blazing star, false indigo, and blue star can attract birds and butterflies common to the area, adding movement and activity to the lake home lifestyle,” Peter adds.

These plants also create beautiful landscapes, promote biodiversity, and offer many environmental benefits, making them essential for lake home gardens. Large swaths of native plantings also provide habitat for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. For a list of native plants in your region, visit PlantNative.

Ornamental Grasses

Photo courtesy of Donald Pell via HGTV

Ornamental grasses bring a dynamic element to your lakeside environment. They sway gracefully with the breeze, color the landscape, and provide beautiful visual interest even in winter. There are many types and sizes of ornamental grasses that can punctuate your exterior spaces with tall plumes or large, vibrant masses low to the ground.

“One type of tall grass ideal for screening out unpleasant views is maiden grass,” says Peter. “Varieties such as ‘Purpurascens’ (flame grass) begin to flower in late summer and retain their showy plumes through winter. It begins to turn red in late summer, changing to a striking orange-red in fall,” he explains. Prairie dropseed is another outstanding ornamental grass that reaches a height of nearly two feet. Airy seed heads appear in late summer and dramatically capture the morning sunlight as it peeks over the water. It can be used in large masses or interspersed with perennials to provide contrasting foliage. To find the best options for sun and shade, visit HGTV.

Raised Beds

Photo courtesy of Hortus, Ltd./P. Allen Smith via HGTV

Raised beds are typically used to grow annual flowers and vegetable gardening. They help prevent overwatering and allow the plants to perform their best. Combined with a permaculture technique of using logs and wood chips at the bottom of the raised bed, proper soil moisture is much easier to maintain.  As the logs decompose, they act as a sponge soaking up excess moisture and releasing it when the plants need it. This makes the task of daily watering unnecessary and provides peace of mind when you’re out of town or occupied with friends and family.

“Raised beds typically warm up quicker, giving lake homeowners a jump on the season,” explains Peter. “They also deter slugs and snails, making pest management easier as well,” he adds. By merely adding fresh compost and not tilling the soil every year, weeds are suppressed, freeing up time to enjoy life while still reaping a harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers. For more information, visit HGTV.

Lakeshore Terracing and Viewing Terraces

Photo courtesy of Westphalen Photography via HGTV

One of the most compelling elements of any lake home is the view. When properly placed, an outdoor terrace provides a setting for daily activities while capturing that all-important vista.  

Lake homes are typically situated on a sloped lot, with the terrain angled towards the water. This can be used to the homeowner’s advantage to create a beautiful backyard terrace. Nestling the terrace into the hill can be done using a retaining wall of natural stone or other material, which will hold back the slope while also creating the opportunity to incorporate a seating area directed toward the water.

“Constructing the walls of locally sourced materials such as granite boulders or outcrop stone can help tie the area to its natural surroundings, making it feel at home in the landscape,” Peter explains. “You can reiterate this look in the materials chosen for your terrace surface as well. Large irregular flagstone pieces lend a casual lake house vibe, while patterned stone such as bluestone creates a more formal aesthetic,” he notes.

Nothing says relax more than a pair of Adirondack or lounge chairs looking out over the water. Having some moveable seating allows you to capture that perfect sun and water angle throughout the day, and incorporating a fire pit into your terrace extends the entertainment possibilities into the night. Bringing the elements of fire and water together make for a great gathering spot for friends and family. For more techniques on terracing, talk to a landscape professional.

Plants for Shoreline Stabilization

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Many shoreline properties are sloped towards the lake and require thoughtful solutions to avoid erosion. Plants play an essential role in stabilizing the sloped areas by setting down deep roots. These plants work together to hold soil in place. 

“Plants such as Siberian Iris, fox sedge, and Joe Pye weed are valuable plants used to prevent soil erosion and add color to the landscape,” says Peter. “The Iris variety Caesar’s Brother blooms from late spring to early summer and has graceful grass-like foliage. Fox sedge is very adaptable and has a spray of bronze seed heads in late summer, creating a beautiful display,” he adds.

For more information, visit Solitude Lake Management, or contact your lake management professional to help determine the best plant species for your area.

Ready to start a gardening project at your lake home? Get growing, enjoy, and share your results with us!

Lakeside Living: The Essential Outdoor Kitchen

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of DesRosiers Architects

As lake lovers, we thoroughly embrace outdoor living and the scenic natural beauty that surrounds us. So much it seems, we’ve taken all the creature comforts we enjoy inside and seamlessly transitioned them to the great outdoors—including our kitchens!

The pandemic has made us realize that this essential outdoor space provides a luxurious retreat and creates a blissful stay-cation environment anytime we want it. So, what’s trending now in outdoor kitchens? We went to the experts to get their 2021 A-list.

Full-Scale Functionality

Photo courtesy of Sterling Custom Homes

“Several years ago, it was more common to see small set-ups, simple grill islands, modest wet bars, and other similar designs,” says interior designer Whitney L. Paden, sales director for Werever Outdoor Cabinetry in Riverview, FL. “Now our customers are not only including a grill, sink, and refrigerator, but want additional side burners, power burners for large boils and wok cooking, pizza ovens, cocktail centers, and more. We see the outdoor kitchen become an entertaining oasis—and really, a destination,” she sums.

“The outdoor kitchen/living space has become paramount to experiencing a healthy lifestyle in the days since COVID-19,” says interior designer Cristie Schlosser, RID, ASID, owner of Schlosser Design Group, LLC in Dallas, TX. Cristie is also president of the North Texas Plains Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry. “Those who did not have an outdoor kitchen—just a grill—ramped up their desire to spend more time living outdoors. 

As a result, we’re now designing outdoor kitchens with deep sinks for prep and cleaning, frost-free outdoor-rated faucets, built-in grills with proper ventilation, and exhaust hoods to draw the smoke away, especially when the grill is close to the entry of your home. 

Using stainless steel is also critical when planning for longevity,” she notes. High-performing wine coolers, stainless-steel sinks, and built-in two-sided grills top the wish list for 2021. 

Sufficient Storage

Photo courtesy of Landscaping Network

Since lake homeowners are spending more time than ever before in their outdoor spaces, more storage is an absolute necessity—the bigger, the better. Ample outdoor storage also prevents us from having to run in and out of the house numerous times. Whitney recommends weather-resistant kitchen cabinets that are made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE). “Our cabinetry specifically has become quite popular as a fully functioning storage and utility solution in the outdoor environment, providing pull-out trash cans, drawer storage for utensils and other kitchen goods, and cabinet space for smaller appliances and cookware,” she says. Added storage for pull-out smokers is also becoming a popular request.

Superstar Surfaces

Photo courtesy of Dekton

“Surface options for outdoor spaces have improved greatly,” comments Cristie. “I love using sintered materials for countertops and backsplashes. These easy-to-clean, highly compact porcelain and quartz slabs are thinner and lighter weight with gorgeous stonelike patterns—Neolith and Dekton are two brands we specify,” she notes. This high-tech process of sintering involves an accelerated version of the change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years. “I think the use of sintered materials is going to the biggest and most long-lasting trend,” she says. “You can build an outdoor kitchen that looks luxurious—like it was meant to be indoors—through the use of these strong heat, frost, and stain-resistant panels.”

In addition, there are now outdoor-rated options for quartz and granite—not all types can be used outside due to the resin content applied in the manufacturing process that yellows over time. Cristie advises homeowners to be aware that using materials unauthorized for outdoor use may also void any warranties. For more information on outdoor kitchen countertop options, visit HGTV.

Elegant Earth Tones

Photo courtesy of Dwell

Our deepened desire to connect with the outdoors has prompted earth tones to emerge once again. Experts at Werever Outdoor Cabinets report that “shades of ocean blue, terracotta, beige, brown, and emerald green embody this color palette,” and influential brands like Benjamin Moore have named the soothing hue Aegean Teal as the Color of the Year for 2021.

“When it comes to color, we see a strong interest in gray as well, whether lighter or darker in value,” says Whitney. “We also introduced sapphire blue to our collection for spring 2021, and this is quickly becoming a favorite. Rich dark brown espresso still remains our most popular color year after year and throughout the entire country,” she notes. “Navy blue kitchens are trendy in lake and coastal areas and can provide a beautiful deep-toned yet eye-popping aesthetic.”

Photo courtesy of Werever Outdoor Cabinets

Whitney reports that the other end of the earth tone spectrum is also popular, with warmer hues and woodgrain finishes making a comeback. Undoubtedly, earthy shades align with our recent quest for all things organic. The overall look emanates a refreshing outdoorsy vibe, something that lake homeowners—and people everywhere—celebrate wholeheartedly after a year spent on lockdown. 

Looking Forward

Photo courtesy of Plesser’s Appliance Blog

As the world reopens and we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s exciting to realize the long-term benefits of an outdoor kitchen. Aside from increasing the value of our lake homes, they now have become an essential component of our “new normal.” With a heightened consciousness of indoor dining risks, we’re all likely to continue outdoor get-togethers regularly and long into the future. With that in mind, Cristie offers these common-sense tips:

  • Build a kitchen that fits the style of your home and doesn’t look like an afterthought.
  • Keep in mind the sun’s direction when most of the cooking will occur, and strategize where to provide the appropriate type of shade. 
  • Prepare for cooking outdoors year-round—rain, snow, or sleet.
  • Make sure your space can handle the outdoors’ wear and tear and meet your cooking needs—and always buy the best quality grill you can afford.

So head outside and get cooking! When the time comes for all of us to gather once again, our outdoor kitchens will be there, offering a relaxing oasis where good times always happen.

An Introduction to Vertical Gardening

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Home World Design

On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve covered a lot of landscaping topics. By now, you’re probably well versed in cultivating gardens that adhere to your USDA zone, as well as new low-irrigation techniques like xeriscaping. But have you heard of the latest trend — vertical gardening? Especially perfect for those with smaller backyards, vertical gardening makes the most use of the space you have. Think of it as the landscaping equivalent of New York City’s architectural strategy — when there’s limited space, build upwards with skyscrapers! Today, we’re diving into the basics of the vertical gardening trend and how you can implement it at your lake house.

What is Vertical Gardening?

Photo courtesy of @lenaivanovaphoto via Twenty20

In the broadest sense, vertical gardening is essentially vegetation growing on a non-horizontal surface such as a wall, trellis, or fence. Although it’s certainly a hot new trend, vertical gardening has been around since the beginning of recorded history. The history of vertical gardening begins in 3000 BCE with grapevines in the Mediterranean area. Whether for growing food or decorating homes, these vines were known for climbing up walls and trellises. Today, nearly any non-horizontal surface is perfect for growing vegetables, adding beautiful greenery to your landscape, or indoor herb gardening.

Why is Vertical Gardening so Popular?

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful Magazine

One of the most logistical benefits of vertical gardening is that it doesn’t take up too much space. If your backyard is small, or you’re living in a more urban lake area, you may need to conserve space on your property. The limits are your own property with horizontal gardening, but with vertical gardening, the sky’s the limit! From an environmental perspective, they also reduce your carbon footprint — a win-win for both you and the environment. Plus, your plants are more likely to thrive with added air circulation than on the moist ground. 

There are also aesthetic benefits to vertical gardening. A wall of blooming greenery adds dimension to your backyard. In the same way that wall art rounds out an interior design, vertical gardening draws the eye upward and offers a holistic look. Plus, there’s no better way to disguise an unattractive wall than with a whole lot of ivy.

What Makes It Perfect for Lake Houses?

Photo courtesy of Catriona Tudor Erler via Smith Mountain Laker Magazine

Have you ever wanted to incorporate greenery onto your boat dock but didn’t have enough room? Enter vertical gardening. For smaller spaces like boat docks, vertical gardening is the perfect solution. The same goes for your screened-in porch overlooking the lake. Further, vertical gardening is simply another way of showing off your biophilic design. This design trend embraces the natural world and also reflects the values of many lake homeowners who spend a lot of time appreciating nature.

How Can You Incorporate Vertical Gardening?

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

There are tons of different ways to incorporate vertical gardens into your lake home. If you’re looking to get creative, try a DIY project. For example, you can simply re-pot your house plants into wooden crates and stack them on top of each other to create a farm-chic vertical garden. Less mainstream but delightfully creative strategies include succulent frames and monogrammed planters. If you’re not so crafty, look for an existing vertical surface to use. Perhaps you’re not so crazy about one wall of your lake house. Or maybe the fence dividing your home from the neighbor’s could use a makeover. Think outside the box with these vertical surfaces. We bet there’s a way to incorporate vertical gardening.

Whether you’re a gardening newbie or you have a green thumb, we hope you find some fun ways to use vertical gardening at your lake house!

Whiteboard Topics: 5 Questions First-Time Lake Home Buyers Should Ask

Posted on Linda Thach

Are you thinking of buying your first lake home? Buying a lake home is unlike buying any other home so here are 5 important questions to ask when you know you are ready to buy.

  1. Dock Regulations? The rules and regulations on what you can and cannot do to a dock will vary from lake to lake. Some might not allow the existing docks to be modified. Before you decide to build one or fix up an existing dock, be sure you understand the regulations.
  2. Internet Access? Most people often think that the internet is widely accessible, but this is not always the case with lake homes. Sometimes houses on the lake are located in secluded, rural areas where internet access is not always readily available.
  3. Water Levels? Water levels vary on different lakes. Some lakes could have water levels that vary from day to day while some are seasonal. For instance, a lake might be at full capacity in the summertime and be completely dry in the winter.
  4. Boat Traffic? You might not realize that your ideal lake home is situated on an area of the lake that has high traffic. The buzzing of passersby might be appealing for some but if you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, an area with high boat traffic might not be a good fit for you.
  5. Grocery Store DRIVE Time? How long does it take to get to the nearest grocery store? Always calculate the time and not the distance because the shortest distance does not always equate to the fastest time and vice versa.

If you’re ready to make your very first lake home purchase, be sure to contact our lake experts to help guide you on this special journey.

The Pros and Cons of Suburban and Community Lakes

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Tellico Village.

During the pandemic, the number of people buying a lake house has drastically increased. It’s easy to see why. Surrounded by more trees than people, lake homes are the perfect locations for social distancing. However, when looking to buy a lake house, there are several factors to consider.

Of course, there are the obvious deliberations — how much money to spend and which state you want to live in. But one of the most important factors is which type of lake community you’re seeking. 

Some of us want to channel our inner Henry David Thoreau in a remote location, surrounded by undisturbed wilderness, a la Moosehead Lake.

Others of us (likely extroverts) prefer a community of other lake dwellers. This group is seeking a lively, close-knit group of neighbors full of potluck invitations and shopping trips. If this is you, it’s worth looking into buying a home on a community or suburban lake. These lakes are typically smaller and more removed from the hype (nothing like Lake of the Ozarks’ infamous Party Cove) with plenty of charm. If you’re considering suburban lakes in your buying decisions, check out these pros and cons first.

The List of Pros

Photo courtesy of FXVA.com.

The most practical benefit is the cost. Since community and suburban lake homes are primarily located away from the waterfront, they cost a fraction of what a lakefront property would. According to Homelight.com, waterfront homes consistently cost more than those away from the water. In 2017, the difference was $50 more per square foot, which can certainly add up. 

Aside from the savings, buyers are attracted to the neighborhood vibes of suburban lakes. Unlike remotely located lakes, the focus is on the community more so than nature (although nature is undoubtedly an added benefit — for instance, Great Falls Lake, Tennessee, is known for the amazing waterfalls and white water rapids).

In addition to friendly neighbors who live a 30-second walk away, lake communities often have a unique culture that makes the neighborhood special.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (located on Geneva Lake) is renowned as a summer paradise. This lake town is known for shopping, an award-winning magic show, and colorful mansions along its shores. 

Lake Lure, North Carolina, has a similar reputation. Close to Greenville and Spartanburg, this community lake offers a vibrant, lively culture and all the perks of lake living. This dynamic feel is emblematic of suburban lakes more broadly.   

Another benefit is the proximity to amenities such as state parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. These resources and attractions are usually not available in rural lake areas.

Community lakes in the Liberty Park area of Birmingham, Alabama, are close to Vulcan Park, the Summit shopping center, and other attractive features. Similarly, Lake Anne in Virginia is located in Reston’s charming suburban community with an exciting restaurant scene, public parkland, and proximity to Washington D.C.

For those seeking a lakeside retirement community, suburban lakes often come with even more amenities. For instance, residents in communities such as White Bluff Resort, Texas, and Tellico Village, Tennessee, can join clubs, golfing groups, and countless other organizations.

Another feature that is often helpful is for those who want to be near a hospital. For instance, Lake Tansi offers proximity to the high-quality University of Tennessee medical center. 

This List of Cons

Clearly, there are more pros than cons — what can we say? We love lakes! However, depending on how you envision your lake lifestyle, there are some cons to consider.

Although there is a lower cost to living on a community or suburban lake, you are typically sacrificing a waterfront view. As such, there’s a good chance you can’t look at the lake from your back porch or hop on the boat at a moment’s notice. You might also lack a boat dock for this reason, although it’s typically possible to find rental spaces at a nearby marina. 

Additionally, if you’re seeking a more active environment, these lake areas may not be suitable for you. For instance, if you’re someone who wants to roll out of bed, run to the lake, and hop on a jet ski, a smaller lake may not allow for these water sports or easy access to the lake. Ultimately, if living directly on the lake is more important to you than access to surrounding amenities, a suburban or community lake may not be a great match. 

Remember — the search for a lake house is all about figuring out what’s most important to you. For help on this process, reach out to a Lake Homes Realty agent with market expertise on both local and national levels.