Tag: lake house

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.

5 Patio Umbrellas for the Best Summer Shade

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Whether you’re enjoying lunch on the patio or relaxing on your boat dock, outdoor umbrellas provide the necessary protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In addition to wearing sunscreen, an umbrella adds an extra layer of UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) to keep you safe. This summer, patio umbrellas are an absolute must-have item on the lake. Check out some of the newest patio umbrellas on the market that will give you the summer shade you need!

9’ Market Umbrella by Abba Patio

Photo courtesy of The Spruce

This patio umbrella was ranked the “best overall” by The Spruce’s list of the best umbrellas for 2021. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the push-button tilt that allows the umbrella to sit at an angle so that you can position your shade directly in front of the sun. The water-resistant and UV-resistant fabric will keep you free from burns while you enjoy the afternoon. Durable and easy to use, this patio umbrella is made to last for many years at your lake house.

Sunbrella Market Umbrella by EliteShade

Photo courtesy of Eurmax.com

Specifically built to withstand winds, the Market Umbrella from EliteShade is designed with three tiers of ventilation. These vents allow both hot or cold air to filter through without knocking over your umbrella. Plus, the crank open pole makes this product much stronger than others on the market, offering even more protection from toppling over. For those of us in particularly windy lake areas, this umbrella is a dream! It also comes in a variety of colors, from Macaw Green to Royal Blue, that will stand out in your backyard.

9’ Patio Umbrella by SunnyGlade

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

If your outdoor space is on the smaller side, this 9’ patio umbrella from SunnyGlade might be perfect for your lake house. Made from 100% waterproof polyester with a sturdy aluminum pole, this product is made to last. Its size is perfect for a table with four to six chairs, making it ideal for small gatherings with family or friends. Although this product comes in various colors, the navy and white stripes evoke a particularly stunning nautical design vibe.

Solar LED Umbrella from Best Choice Products

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

We all love lounging under an umbrella on hot summer days. But what about when those days start turning into nights? There’s a crucial window of time somewhere between 6 pm and 8 pm where you need both shade and light. Enter the solar LED umbrella. In addition to highly durable fabric, this patio umbrella also boasts 24 built-in solar-powered lights that last for 6-7 hours at a time. This umbrella will bring a newfound ambiance to summer nights.

North Bend Rectangular Market Umbrella

Photo courtesy of Overstock.com

Who said that all umbrellas needed to be round? This rectangular market umbrella from North Bend is essentially two umbrellas in one, providing maximum canopy shade. The rectangular shape makes it perfect for a double set of lounge chairs or a balcony. With water-resistant, anti-UV fabric, this product protects you from both rain and sun. What more could you need for life on the lake? 

Stay cool this summer!

Best Trees to Plant at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of @maginnis via Twenty20

The image is picturesque — sitting blissfully under a tree by the lake, reading a book. As lake lovers, we know there’s something inherently peaceful about waterside foliage. But aside from aesthetic value, there are environmental benefits to planting trees at your lake house. Strong tree roots decrease the power that waves have over the shoreline, helping with erosion control. Plus, the oxygen that trees emit is good for air quality. They also provide food and shelter for the local wildlife, and the more trees you have, the more likely you are to attract birds to your lake house — a win-win for you and the environment. 

However, the best trees to plant at the lake can tolerate a high amount of water in the soil. With most trees, this level of water exposure would lead to overwatering and death. So how can you know what trees to pick? One helpful concept to understand is the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). This refers to the typical water level of your lake, indicated by the “mark” it leaves on your shoreline. Soil conditions differ significantly above and below the OHWM. As such, we will focus on trees that can be planted closer to this mark than others. Check out some of our favorite recommendations for trees that flourish by the lake.

Oak Trees

Photo courtesy of @vasiliy2020 via Twenty20

A good rule of thumb is always to choose native plants whenever possible. If you pick plantings according to your lake home’s USDA Gardening Zone, they will be more likely to thrive. Depending on the species, oak trees are hardy in almost every zone in the U.S. Although not every oak tree is best near a body of water, some species like pin oak, water oak, and willow oak are perfect trees to plant by the lake. For example, the pin oak is hardy in zones 4-8. Fast-growing and large, these oak trees are tolerant of wet soil, making them ideal choices for your shoreline. Plus, their acorns are a valuable food resource for squirrels and other surrounding wildlife.

Red Maple Trees

Photo courtesy of Champagne on Tuesdays

Also known as the swamp maple or water maple, red maples are the most abundant type of tree in the Eastern United States, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Red maples are renowned for their year-round beauty. However, they’re particularly stunning during the fall when their vibrant red leaves are on display. These trees can grow in a lot of zones depending on the specific species. A few shoreline-friendly choices are the “October Glory,” which is native to zones 4-9, and the Burgundy Belle, hardy in zones 5-9. If you’re a landscaping newbie, these sturdy plants are an excellent choice. Fast-growing and able to withstand just about any weather, red maples are both beautiful and low maintenance.

Pear Trees

Photo courtesy of @Duvinchi via Twenty20

Pear trees have so much to offer beyond one line in the “12 Days of Christmas” song. Whether you choose a fruit-producing or flowering pear tree, they’re fantastic trees to plant at the lake. A benefit of flowering pear trees like “Whitehouse” and “Bradford” (native to zones 5-8) is that their lack of fruit production will leave your shoreline clean from fallen pears. However, you could also choose a fruit-producing pear tree if you like to eat fresh fruit at your lake house. These trees require a lot of sunlight, so be sure to plant in an area where another tree will not mask its growth. Further, since they can grow to be 40 feet tall, you might consider planting a dwarf variety. Finally — don’t forget to prune pear trees. This process should begin early on in their growth.

Willow Trees

Photo courtesy of @rachaeldions via Twenty20

Easily identified by their wide frames and sweeping branches, willow trees are almost emblematic of lake life. Of course, we’re thinking of weeping willows, the trees whose branches resemble falling tears. These iconic trees provide a lot of shade and cover, particularly attractive to wildlife seeking shelter from the elements. However, weeping willows are not the only ones in the family to plant by your shoreline. Smaller willow shrubs also make great lakeside plants. On the larger end, black willows typically grow between 20 and 40 feet high. These southern trees (hardy in zones 6-8) feature large trunks, which usually evolve into knots and twists as the tree grows. 

Of course, one of the best parts about planting a tree is that you get to watch it grow over the years. We hope you enjoy the longevity of these shoreline trees just as much as your lake house. 

 

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!

Things to Consider When Designing a Mudroom for Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

If you own a lake home, you’re no stranger to bringing the outdoors inside. And we don’t mean that in a good way. While we love to incorporate outdoor items like driftwood into our home decor, we’re not fans of muddy footprints and wet swimsuits ruining our floors. However, keeping a lake house immaculately clean is impossible. After all, we love the messy fun that comes with living out in nature, and sometimes this mess makes it into the home. The solution? A mudroom. 

Traditionally used as a casual secondary entrance to one’s home, a mudroom serves as a place to hang wet clothing, remove muddy boots, and generally deposit the debris from outside. It’s usually located towards the back of a house attached to a garage. 

According to Home Beautiful, while your front entrance should be as polished as possible, the mudroom is the “hard-working skivvy behind the scenes.” If you’re considering adding a mudroom in your lake home or looking to renovate your current mudroom, we have some advice for you. After talking with some experts, we’re here to answer your most frequently asked questions about mudroom design.

Does a Mudroom Add Value?

In short, yes! Tim Bakke from The Plan Collection calls mudrooms an “especially desirable design feature.” They allow you, your family, and guests a space to drop off dirty shoes before stepping into the more manicured parts of your lake home. According to McFall Builders, mudrooms are “beautiful and functional, meaning organization and more storage to potential buyers in the future.” If buyers can see that there’s storage space to hang up coats and shoes, it’ll help them envision living in their future home. HGTV even listed mudrooms in their article about “6 Smart Ways to Add Value to Your Home in Unexpected Places.” Although a mudroom is typically not the home’s cleanest place, its value should certainly not be underestimated.

How Big Should a Mudroom Be?

Photo courtesy of Home Stratosphere

Although the mudroom is a crucial feature of any lake home, it shouldn’t necessarily be large. Since its primary function is to store dirty items, essentially serving as the gate between the outdoors and your home, it should only be big enough to fulfill that purpose. Unlike other rooms in your home, the mudroom is transient. It won’t be a room for guests to hang out. According to Houseplans.com, the ideal mudroom design should be at least 5 feet wide and 11 feet long. This allows a few people to enter the house simultaneously and store their items in cubbies.

What’s the Best Floor Surface for
a Mudroom?

The number one rule of mudroom flooring, according to Bakke, is “easy to clean.” He elaborates, “Rather than track the outdoors inside onto carpet or difficult-to-clean rugs, make sure the floor itself is made from a durable, waterproof material.” These materials could include tile, laminate, or vinyl. In some cases, sealed wood could be used with some success, but it isn’t ideal. When picking out flooring for your mudroom, keep in mind that you’ll have to clean it more frequently than other floors in your lake home.

How Should a Mudroom Be Organized?

Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

There are a few “must-haves” for every mudroom design. First, one of the biggest mudroom perks is having a space to deposit dirty shoes and overcoats. Bakke notes that you’ll need an ample amount of hooks and cubbies for storage. He adds, “Built-in storage like lockers, cabinetry, and shelving is great if not essential; however, you can also use simple baskets and bins to hold your galoshes and gloves.” It’s also a good idea to have a closet nearby for storing out-of-season items like winter gloves and coats. Finally, since a mudroom will be a place for tracking dirt, it’s a smart idea to place it near the laundry room.

Any Specific Lake House Features?

Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

At a lake house, a mudroom is a critical feature. Andra DelMonico, an interior design expert for Next Luxury, says, “A unique idea that’s perfect for a lake house is a boot wash station. This mini-tiled space is just big enough to rinse your feet off. Mount the controls and shower head low to avoid splashing. A showerhead with a handle on a hose will make it easier to rinse everywhere. As a bonus, you can also use it as a dog wash station.” Just like beach houses have outdoor showers for this purpose, she recommends a similar feature for lake homes. 

If you have children, other special mudroom considerations apply. For example, DelMonico recommends skipping the open cubbies if you have kids. “They will always look like a tornado just came through,” she elaborates. If your lake house has a garage, it’s best to place the mudroom near the garage entrance. Without a garage, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the side or rear of the house — whatever is closest to the lake itself! 

From us at Lake Homes Realty, we wish you the best with your mudroom design renovations!

Sustainability in Style: A Look at Recycled Furniture Trends

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Polywood.com.

If you’re hunting for outdoor furniture for your lake house, you’ve likely noticed phrases like “eco friendly” and “sustainable” appearing in magazines and on retail websites. This is because going green is on the rise. One of the top furniture trends in 2021 is the use of natural and sustainable materials. Many designers have adopted eco-friendly policies. For example, companies are converting plastic water bottles and milk jugs into tables and chairs. This efficient use of plastic lowers carbon emissions and benefits the environment. To learn more about this trend, we spoke with POLYWOOD, a pioneer manufacturer in the field of sustainable furniture. They are one of many companies specializing in innovative, eco-friendly designs.

The Eco-Friendly Trend

Photo courtesy of Waste360.com.

Too often, sustainability and style are mutually exclusive, so it’s great when what’s “in” aligns with what’s beneficial to the environment. Lindsay Schelis, Vice President of Business Development at POLYWOOD, comments, “The largest trend we’re seeing by far is sustainability in furnishings. Consumers are becoming more and more conscientious of their purchases.” POLYWOOD is one manufacturer responding to this trend. This Indiana-based company was the first to create outdoor furniture from recycled plastic materials in the 1990s, and they now process over 400,000 milk jugs each day into their products. Schelis notes that another upcoming trend she’s noticed is furniture that mimics colors and textures found in nature. Perhaps customers’ desire for natural looks reflects their environmental values.

Sustainable Solutions

Photo courtesy of EcoBirdy.

Companies are making commitments to sustainability in a variety of ways in response to this eco-friendly furniture trend. Schelis adds that some specific strategies are the utilization of PFC free fabrics and sustainably sourced wood. At POLYWOOD specifically, they focus on recycled plastic. Schelis specifies, “We are committed to incorporate 1 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into the production of our furniture by 2022.” This impressive goal benefits both the environment and consumers. Other companies are following suit in creative ways. EcoBirdy, for example, recycles plastic children’s toys to create eco-friendly furniture with a playful, textured look. Their designs have been featured in museums such as the Cooper-Hewitt in New York and the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna. 

Stunning Pieces

Photo courtesy of Polywood.

One way that manufacturers add appeal to sustainable furniture is by recreating classic pieces in environmentally friendly ways. The Adirondack chair, for instance, is a celebrated staple in outdoor furniture. Many of us have one sitting on our front porch. Because Adirondacks are such an enduring style, POLYWOOD has been manufacturing them from recycled plastic for 30 years. Their latest Adirondack design, the Ocean Chair, is part of their initiative to expand their recycling process to include globally-sourced ocean-bound plastic in their products. By purchasing an Ocean Chair, Schelis explains, “we are able to incorporate an additional 1,000 single-use plastic containers into outdoor furniture!” POLYWOOD is not alone in using recyclable materials to create classic designs. A traditional wooden table, for instance, will never go out of style. Instead of cutting down trees unnecessarily, Fallen Industry uses recycled wood to create these sophisticated yet unembellished looks. 

As lake lovers who enjoy spending time outdoors, we appreciate the furniture industry’s consideration for the natural world. With new designs that are both beautiful and sustainable, we don’t expect this trend to slow down soon.

Which Winter Activity Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

Throughout the pandemic, health professionals have encouraged us to stay inside more often. And when engaging in outdoor activities, we should stay at least 6 feet away from those who aren’t in our household.

Thankfully for those of us who live at the lake, social distancing is easier than ever. We have the luxury of a remote location, surrounding nature, and plenty of space to enjoy the lake lifestyle. 

During the winter, it’s easy to get bummed about the impending cold weather. However, the chill outside shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a variety of socially distant winter activities! If you’re having trouble picking an activity for today, check out this flowchart we’ve created. Just start at the top, answer each question, and determine what activity is right for you today! 

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result landed on one of the indoor winter activities, we hope you’re excited about a cozy day inside, full of hygge and relaxation. As fellow lake lovers, we know there’s nothing more relaxing than snuggling up with a blanket while looking out your window at falling snow around your lake’s shoreline. It’s the essence of winter comfort.

If you’re feeling like lounging around, try starting the fireplace and picking up one of the popular books in 2020. If you’re interested in a DIY project, start a winter-themed craft such as paper snowflakes.

Today, for those of us who love baking, it may also be a great day to begin a new cooking project. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party over Zoom or baking cookies for one, there’s something about homemade dishes that warm the soul during this cold season. 

Outdoor Activities

If your quiz results settled on an outdoor activity, make sure to bundle up! Depending on your lake house’s region, you might be in for some snow activities.

If you live in a northeastern lake area such Lake Placid, you might be lucky enough to hit the slopes. Skiing is one of the winter activities that are COVID-ready. It already requires an eye shield and neck warmers that can double as face masks — win-win for social distancing!

For a stationary adventure, you can try ice fishing. Especially if you’re an avid angler, this winter version of your favorite hobby is sure to be a fun adventure.

If you’d rather stay at home, you can still enjoy being outside in your backyard. For a more low-key day, gather around the fire pit with some blankets. For a more active afternoon, enjoy the snow layers by building a snowman or playing footprint tag.

If you’re not familiar with footprint tag, it’s the same as the traditional game — except you can only walk in each other’s snow footprints! 

Enjoy Your Winter Wonderland

Regardless of which kind of winter activities you pick for today, we hope you make the most of your time at the lake. Even in the cold weather, embracing both the cozy indoors and the exciting natural world is what the lake lifestyle is all about. From our lake house to yours, we hope you enjoy your winter wonderland!

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. 

Whiteboard Topics: 3 Aspects of Lake Property

Posted on Linda Thach

There are three particularly important aspects you must give extra consideration when you’re thinking of buying or selling a lake home.

In this video, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn S. Phillips goes over why the points are more important when it comes to lake real estate.

  1. Water. How deep is the water? How far is it from the main body of water? How is the boat traffic? Does the water level vary by season? Every lake has its own water characteristic, in fact, different areas of the same lake may vary so these factors can affect the price of a home when buying or selling.
  2. Sun. Which way the home faces relative to the sun is important to the value of a lake home. Some might prefer sunrise or sunset views. If a lake home is situated due north, or in a cove with hills and trees, it views of sunrises or sunsets may even be fully obstructed.
  3. Earth. The terrain on which the home is situated is important to consider. Is it waterfront or water access? Did you know some property is waterfront without water access? What kind of septic system will this property support (as many locations are rural)? 

Because lake real estate is unique with many factors to consider when buying or selling, it’s important that you have a lake expert by your side.

Here at Lake Homes Realty, we’ve got our own licensed agents who are highly specialized in all facets of the lake and the lake lifestyle. If you need help with lake real estate questions or are looking for an expert to help you buy or sell your lake home, be sure to contact us!