Tag: lake life

Let the Light In: Sunroom Styles for Every Taste

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Sunroom and sleeping porch in the Deep South with simple cots, oudtoor chairs, wooden coffee table, ceiling fan, guitar in corner
Photo Courtesy of Ryann Ford via Architectural Digest

It’s time to let the light in. Sunshine always lifts our spirits, especially during the cold winter doldrums, so why not harness this mood-lifter in your lake home? A sunroom is an exceptional addition to any lake property, providing a serene space to soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Offering a perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor charm, a sunroom allows homeowners to enjoy panoramic views of the lake in a controlled environment shielded from harsh weather or insects. The allure of having a sunroom is particularly evident in colder regions, where it provides a cozy retreat to experience the beauty of winter landscapes without braving the cold.

The unique charm of a sunroom lies in its ability to merge relaxation with functionality, serving as a versatile space for entertaining, reading, or simply unwinding. Depending on your location, a sunroom can also serve as a reflection of regional design influences. Check out these decorating tips and aesthetic suggestions tailored to six lake regions across the United States.

Northern Lake Region

Sunroom of home on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, MI, with upholstered seating, cushioned wicker seating, lake views, neutral decor, and a Jack Russell terrier
Photo courtesy of One Kindesign

The rustic and tranquil surroundings of the Northern Lake region inspire a cozy, cabin-like retreat. Capturing stunning views of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, this charming sunroom offers the best seat in the house. Instantly inviting, the space needs little more than some comfy seating pieces and simple accessories. It’s best to choose overstuffed sofas and armchairs with pillows and throws for extra softness and warmth in this climate. If you have a central fireplace or wood stove, that’s even better. You can arrange your seating around it for cozy warmth during the chilly months.

Large picture windows with no treatments maximize natural light and views. If privacy is needed, use simple wooden blinds or shades. Earthy tones or nautical blues mix effortlessly with neutral tones to enhance the rustic feel of the lake landscape. Layer the room with faux-fur throws, handwoven blankets, and natural fiber rugs to create an environment of livable luxury. You can also include soft lighting, wildlife-themed artwork, and organic sculptural works to complement the beauty of the outdoors.

Southeastern Lake Region

Southeaster Lake region sunroom with bamboo chaise lounge, striped cushion, bar cart, organic wooden table, brick floors, and splendid lake views
Photo courtesy of Veranda

The Southeastern Lake region’s sunny climate and lush landscapes call for a breezy, Southern-inspired aesthetic. Opt for whitewashed wood or wrought iron furniture with plush cushions. Arrange seating to create a cozy conversation area and include a side table for refreshments. Uncovered windows are best for capturing lake views, and enhancements like arched windows or plantation shutters are ideal for a classic Southern feel. Lightweight sheer curtains in pastel hues will also complement the airy vibe.

Soft pastels like mint green, peach, and sky blue, accented by crisp white, create a light and cheerful ambiance. Bare floors bring a cooling rustic touch, and for softness, you can incorporate sisal or seagrass rugs, floral-patterned pillows, and gauzy throws. Personalize your space with framed vintage maps, prints, or botanical artwork to befit your style.

Upper East Lake Region

Upper East Lake region with white wicker furniture, stone fireplace, slate floors, area rug, large windows with water views
Photo courtesy DigsDigs

A sunroom in the Upper East Lake region, known for its historic charm and lush greenery, can evoke a classic New England feel. Focus on timeless and elegant styles with modern touches. Opt for wicker or rattan furniture with weathered wood finishes. Arrange seating to maximize views, with a central coffee table anchoring the room. Include a chaise lounge or swing chair for added comfort. Bay windows or floor-to-ceiling panes work well to frame picturesque landscapes. Pair these with light linen curtains or Roman shades for privacy without obstructing natural light.

Neutral cream, sage green, and soft gray palettes, accented by navy blue or cranberry red, reflect the coastal inspiration. Introduce braided jute rugs, plaid or striped throw pillows, and soft wool blankets. For a region-specific touch, add coastal artwork, such as watercolor prints of lighthouses or sailboats.

Mid-Atlantic Lake Region

Mid-Atlantic Lake region sunroom with domed ceiling feature, chandelier, rotunda-like space with plush seating, area rug, wood floors
Photo courtesy of Decoist

The Mid-Atlantic Lake region blends traditional and transitional styles, offering opportunities to create a polished yet inviting sunroom. Choose upholstered furniture with clean lines and subtle patterns. A loveseat paired with armchairs and a tufted ottoman adds a sophisticated touch. Arrange pieces around a small coffee table to encourage conversation. Opt for French doors or casement windows for a classic look. Use sheer curtains or bamboo blinds to balance light and privacy.

Warm neutrals, such as beige, taupe, and soft gold, accented by jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue, evoke the richness of the region’s heritage. Layer the space with Persian-style rugs, velvet cushions, and ceramic vases. To enhance the traditional vibe, incorporate framed botanical prints or antique-inspired mirrors.

Gulf Coast Lake Region

Gulf Coast Lake region sunroom with nautical theme, bright colors, striped rug, weathered antique chest coffee table, large windows, water views
Photo Courtesy of Decoist

Capture the coastal essence of the Gulf Coast Lake region with a casual and vibrant sunroom style. Choose sturdy outdoor furniture with weather-resistant cushions. Arrange seating in a U-shape for entertaining and include a bar cart for a beachy vibe. Sliding glass doors or oversized windows offer unobstructed water views. Opt for minimal treatments like solar shades to reduce glare. Bright hues like turquoise, coral, and sandy beige mimic the coastal landscape. Include woven area rugs, macramé wall hangings, and brightly patterned pillows. Seashells, driftwood art, or nautical décor enhance the coastal aesthetic.

Pacific Northwest Lake Region

Pacific Northwest Lake region sunroom with expansive glass walls, lake views, mid-century modern neutral furniture, modern accents
Photo courtesy of Decoist

The Pacific Northwest Lake region’s eclectic and nature-inspired style invites you to create a sunroom that’s both modern and organic. Choose minimalist furniture with clean lines, such as mid-century modern pieces. Arrange seating to emphasize openness and flow. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls or skylights maximize natural light. Use sheer panels or roller shades for an unobtrusive look. Earthy neutrals like taupe, olive, and charcoal, accented by soft blues or mustard yellow, reflect the natural surroundings. Incorporate shag rugs, woolen throws, and leather pillows. Abstract artwork or nature photography ties the design to the region’s scenic splendor.

A sunroom at your lake property is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern comforts. By tailoring the design to your specific region, you can create a space that complements the local landscape and reflects your personal style. Thoughtful furniture arrangements, carefully selected colors, and layered textures ensure your sunroom becomes a cherished retreat, enhancing both the functionality and beauty of your lake property. For more design inspiration, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Winter Warriors: Nurturing Your Indoor Plants to Thrive Over the Long Cold Winter

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

potted plants in a window with a frosty winter scene in the backdrop
Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Melinda Podor via Home & Gardens

Winter can be harsh for indoor plants, especially for garden enthusiasts who treasure their greenery as part of their serene lakeside retreat. But a few essential plant care tips can help your greenery stay healthy and beautiful all season long. Winter brings shorter days and cooler temperatures that challenge the survival of indoor plants. Ensuring your plant life thrives during this time requires a few strategic adjustments to meet their needs. Reduced sunlight, cooler temperatures, and drier indoor air conditions can task even the most resilient houseplants. Adjusting care routines and selecting the right plants can help create a thriving indoor oasis to brighten your lake home during the colder months.

Sunlight Needs

grouping of indoor plants with grow lights hanging above and window in the background
Photo courtesy Vadim Kaipov/Unsplash via House & Gardens

During winter, natural light is limited, and the sun’s angle is lower, resulting in fewer hours of direct sunlight indoors. Position your plants near south- or east-facing windows to maximize exposure to the weaker winter rays. Clean your windows regularly and dust your plant leaves to ensure no barriers block sunlight absorption.

Consider adding grow lights to your setup if you notice your plants leaning toward light sources or their growth slowing significantly. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and designed to emit light in spectrums that encourage photosynthesis. They are beneficial for homes with small windows or cloudy winter climates. Position the grow lights six to twelve inches above the plants, following the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid overheating the foliage.

Watering Requirements & Tips

hand with spray water bottle spraying leaves of indoor plant
Photo courtesy Dukai Photographer / Getty Images via House Beautiful

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in winter plant care. As temperatures drop and plants enter their dormant phase, they require less water. Check the soil before watering—only water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

Pay attention to humidity, as indoor heating systems can dry the air. Grouping plants together, placing water trays with pebbles beneath pots, or using a small humidifier can help maintain optimal moisture levels. Avoid letting plants sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Plants like cacti and succulents, which naturally prefer dry conditions, may only need watering once a month in winter.

Ideal Temperatures

hanging plants and a potted plant in black containers in a black bathroom with natural wood walls and white tub
Photo courtesy of Marnie Hawson via Home Beautiful

Houseplants thrive in stable indoor temperatures, typically between 65°F and 75°F. Sudden fluctuations caused by drafts, open doors, or proximity to heat sources can stress plants. Avoid placing plants near exterior doors, radiators, or heating vents.

For those with a fireplace in their lake home, position plants safely away from the heat to prevent foliage from drying out. Maintaining consistent conditions mimics the stable environment plants experience in their natural habitats.

Fertilizing Tips

Homemade Plant Food Recipe Chart
Photo Courtesy of Good Earth Plant Company

Most houseplants don’t require frequent fertilizing during winter, as their growth slows. Applying fertilizer during this dormant period can lead to salt buildup in the soil, potentially damaging the plant. However, if you notice signs of nutrient deficiency—like yellowing leaves—apply a diluted liquid fertilizer sparingly, no more than once every six to eight weeks. For blooming indoor plants such as peace lilies or orchids, consider a fertilizer tailored for flowering species. These formulas contain higher levels of phosphorus, which encourages blooms. Always follow the label instructions and use less rather than more when in doubt.

If you are an experienced gardener and DIY-er, you can make a homemade version of Miracle-Gro fertilizer with safe household ingredients. For more tips on fertilizing, visit Good Earth Plant Company.

Customizing Your Plant Aesthetic

Pothos plant in white container set in a wicker tray holding bar essentials and a watercolor painting above
Photo courtesy of Mindi Cook via Home Beautiful

Indoor plants are beneficial for air quality and a key element of home decor, especially during winter when your lakeside property may feel a bit more subdued. Selecting the right plant shapes and container styles can transform your living spaces.

For a modern aesthetic, choose plants with clean lines and pair them with sleek ceramic or metallic pots in neutral tones. If you’re leaning toward a cozy, rustic vibe, consider trailing plants like pothos or philodendrons in woven baskets or terracotta containers.

Add bursts of color with flowering plants like anthuriums or African violets. You can also highlight seasonal cheer by choosing planters in seasonal hues or textures, such as frosted glass or wood finishes, that evoke the natural beauty of your lake property. Combining plants of varying heights and shapes creates a layered, dynamic display that can become a centerpiece in any room.

Houseplants in a grouping by a window seat with green cushion
Photo courtesy of Patch Plants

Certain plant varieties are ideal for winter because they thrive in low light and require minimal upkeep. Consider adding these to your home:

  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This hardy plant tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it an excellent choice for busy lake homeowners. Its upright leaves add a sculptural element to your decor.
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Known for its glossy, waxy leaves, the ZZ plant is nearly indestructible. It survives well in dimly lit spaces and prefers soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A versatile trailing plant that thrives in indirect light, the pothos plant is forgiving if neglected and comes in several varieties with variegated or golden leaves.
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): This low-maintenance plant adds greenery and purifies the air. It prefers moderate light but can survive in lower light settings.
  • Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): True to its name, this plant is highly resilient. It tolerates low light, drier air, and minimal watering, making it a favorite for winter.

Caring for indoor plants during winter is about creating a stable environment that mimics their natural conditions. By paying close attention to their sunlight, water, temperature, and nutrient needs and selecting the right varieties, you can maintain a thriving indoor garden that enhances the ambiance of your lake home. For more design inspiration, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Whiteboard Topics: 5 Reminders About the 2025 Lake Real Estate Market

Posted on Chris Melton

Heading into 2025, you might consider buying or selling a lake home. Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, shares 5 helpful reminders about lake real estate in 2025.

  1. Price Includes Location. Many lake home buyers, particularly first-time buyers, don’t realize the impact of the lake location on price. You may not be able to get the same amount of house at the lake as you would in your neighborhood because of the location.
  2. “Sellable” Inventory is Limited. Over the last several months, the number of homes listed for sale has increased, and there’s also a lot of demand. However, since these homes have been sitting on the market, they aren’t appropriately priced. Many sellers are listing at aspirational prices to get a lottery ticket price. This means “sellable,” or appropriately priced, inventory is actually limited.
  3. Prices Are Roughly At Peak. Throughout 2024, price appreciation became fairly limited. Lake home prices aren’t expected to significantly rise or drop.
  4. Discretionary Product. Nobody has to buy a lake home for shelter. Unlike typical residential property, buyers can wait until they find what they want. This is also true for sellers. Lake home sellers generally aren’t in a rush to sell, so they can hold onto the property longer.
  5. Niche Expert Agents Matter. Lake homes come with different contingencies that primary residential properties don’t have. Additionally, discretionary lake home buyers come from cities and states away. Expert lake agents can navigate this market and expose homes to nationwide buyers.

Lake real estate can be a tricky market to navigate and understand. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to buy or sell your lake home in 2025. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents who are ready to help you navigate this market.

Whiteboard Topics: 5 Mistakes Made by Lake Home Sellers

Posted on Chris Melton

Selling your lake home is a big deal, so you’ll want to do it right. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses 5 mistakes made by lake home sellers.

  1. What Seller Paid for the Property. Similar to stocks, you often can’t sell your lake home for exactly what you bought it for. The buyer doesn’t care about how much you paid for the house years ago.
  2. Price of Listed (i.e. Unsold) Homes. If the listed homes were priced right, they would be sold homes. When these homes sit for a while, it should be a warning about the price. Your neighbors aren’t getting that number, so it’s unlikely you will, too.
  3. Seller’s Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Oftentimes, sellers get caught up in what they’ve done to the property or the memories they have there. However, buyers aren’t interested in those things; they care about the house’s value, according to them. In fact, sellers often intend to remove additions to the home the buyer made, creating negative value.
  4. Outlier Sales. When a home sells for a fantastic price, sellers often want to get that price themselves. However, the price alone doesn’t tell the whole story of that transaction. There could be things like closing costs, additional property, and more that the price included that make the price deceptive.
  5. Taking Offers Personally. Even if the “low” offer is fair, but under the listed price, you can’t get offended by it. A low offer is better than no offers. Low offers open the opportunity for discussion about prices that no offers don’t allow for. Keep the discussion going, and try to land that transaction.

Lake home sellers can often make mistakes when they aren’t familiar with lake property. Using these tips can help guide you to a better transaction. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to guide you through the lake market.

Whiteboard Topics: Things to Know About the Lake Real Estate Market

Posted on Chris Melton

The lake real estate market is a unique type of market. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses six things to know about this niche real estate market.

  1. Unofficial Recession. Homes aren’t moving in the current market. Across the entire industry, it will be the lowest number of transactions in almost 30 years. This trend also applies to lake property.
  2. Inventory Has Grown. More houses are on the market, so it looks like we aren’t in a recession. However, despite the strong demand for these houses, people won’t pay current prices.
  3. “Phantom Inventory.” This is inventory listed at a price that buyers aren’t willing to make an offer on. Sellers set these aspirational prices to get their homes sold at their lottery ticket price.
  4. Aspirational List Prices. You likely won’t get any engagement if you sell and list for an aspirational price. In fact, it damages how much money you’ll get over time. Once a home has been on the market for a long time, buyers begin to wonder if there’s something wrong with the house.
  5. Prudent Buyers. Lake home buyers want what they want but aren’t willing to overpay for it. Prudent buyers and aspirational list prices create this unofficial recession.
  6. Next: No Boom, No Bust. Lake real estate won’t experience more inventory to change pricing. Additionally, the lake market won’t bust with changing mortgage rates. So, lake real estate will be steady, with the same prices. Inventory will also loosen up a bit, with sellers becoming more practical and prudent buyers becoming impatient.

Lake real estate has several nuances that are not present in other real estate markets. With these tips, you can more successfully navigate this market. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to help you.

Whiteboard Topics: Selling a Lake Home Requires a Buyer Mindset

Posted on Chris Melton

When selling your lake home, and especially when setting your price, you need to think like a buyer. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, shares a few questions to get you in the buyer mindset.

  1. “Would I Rent This?” Think about whether or not you would rent your property for a week if you saw it on rental websites. Try to take emotion out of your thinking and act as if you’ve never seen it before.
  2. “Would I Rent This Again?” After asking yourself if you would rent your property, ask if you would rent it again. Think about if your house has things that would make you come back over other lake properties.
  3. “Would I Pay More Than List?” Before setting a price, ask yourself if you would pay more than the price you plan to list.
  4. “Would I Buy at This Price?” You should also consider if you would pay the current list price of the property. The price you paid for the house a few years ago is probably relatively the same, if just slightly higher.
  5. “Is it The Best Value In This Market?” The best value doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price. Working with an expert lake agent helps you determine if your property is the best value in your market. Additionally, you want your property to be the best value compared to other lakes.
  6. When It Doesn’t Sell, You Won the Bidding! Every day your property doesn’t sell, you win the bidding by getting to keep it for another day. This can help you determine if you need to change your mindset to a buyer’s perspective.

Selling your home can be challenging if you don’t have the right mindset. Using these questions and guidelines helps you to think like a buyer and get your lake property sold. Connect with expert lake agents at lakehomes.com and sell your home faster.

Whiteboard Topics: Seller Confusion When a Lake Home Doesn’t Sell

Posted on Chris Melton

Sellers often get confused when their lake home doesn’t sell. Asking questions helps to get rid of the confusion, but some questions are better than others. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses questions to avoid asking when your lake home doesn’t sell.

  1. “How Many Views?” Sellers ask how many views their property has, but this can be deceptive. There’s no good answer to this question for sellers. If a property has millions of views, they’ll wonder why it hasn’t sold. If it doesn’t have any views, they wonder why it’s not getting exposure. The only number of views that matters is the one that buys the property.
  2. “Can We Promote It ‘Better’?” Some agents promote homes better than others, so this can be a valid question. However, if the property is populating in the MLS and other websites, the consumer knows it’s there; they just aren’t willing to buy it.
  3. “Have an Open House?” Buyers for lake homes typically come from some distance away. This means they won’t arrange their weekend around your open house schedule. They know if your home is for sale and they’re coming into town, they can see it.
  4. “Should I Change Agents?” Has your agent properly promoted and priced your home and given sound advice? If they’ve done all this, you probably already have a good agent. Once they bring the buyers, it’s on you to get the negotiating going.
  5. After Exposure, Price Fixes Everything. When asking yourself why your house hasn’t sold, the answer is almost always the price. An appropriate price will answer all of these questions.
  6. Be the Best VALUE. This doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price, but being at a price that people are willing to invest in your home. Buyers are ready to buy lake homes but aren’t willing to overpay.

Talk with your agent when confused about why your lake house isn’t selling. Every agent would bring a buyer if they knew one that would get a transaction. An unsold home always boils down to price. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to help get your home sold.

Whiteboard Topics: Pricing Your Lake Home To Maximize Suffering

Posted on Zac Parnell

Are you in the process of selling your lake home? If so, one thing you want to avoid is the stress and suffering that can follow by not taking proper steps for a smooth process. Two main reasons lake homes typically don’t sell are lack of exposure and price. Lake Homes Realty CEO Glenn Phillips explains how to maximize this suffering; that way, you can hopefully avoid these mistakes when pricing your home!

After Exposure, Price Fixes Everything – This refers to the price at which the house is sold. 

  1. Overprice: If you think of pricing the house because of things you put into it or anything along those lines, think again. That has nothing to do with the market; these are simply wants due to emotional attachment.
  2. Planning “The Haggle”: If you plan to go high so the buyer offers lower, resulting in a middle-ground number you’d still be happy with, you should reconsider it. Our data tells us that homes that are appropriately priced come in at the list price or slightly above. If it’s overpriced, they tend to drop significantly over time.
  3. “Test the Market”: Generally when people test the market, they never figure out how they are going to score it. What is the test? Is it one week? Two weeks? Testing the market usually ends up being an excuse to overprice, and the test almost always fails.
  4. DOM (Days on Market): The longer the home sits on the market, the longer it becomes a problem for consumers. 
  5. “Death Spiral”: Consumers are more informed now than at any other time in history. The more things you use, the more likely you are to be caught in this death spiral that is hard to escape. 

Nobody wants to maximize their suffering when it comes to selling. If you stick with these different steps, it’ll definitely happen. One of the best ways to avoid this is to price appropriately. If you aren’t sure the best way to go about that, reach out to a lake agent at LakeHomes.com. They would love to be involved in the process with you.

Whiteboard Topics: Don’t “Price In” Memories When Selling A Lake Home

Posted on Zac Parnell

Living life at the lake provides fun, laughter, memories, and more! Even when it comes time to sell, memories will be made in the process. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, goes into detail on why you shouldn’t price in those memories when selling.

  1. “Gateway to Memories”: People buying these lake homes can already picture their own memories that they will be making at the house. Buying a lake home doesn’t come from the need of simply having shelter. It comes from the desire to have these amazing experiences that come along with it.
  2. Whose Memories?: You, as the seller, have important memories at that lake home. While they are important to you, they aren’t that important to the buyer. The buyers are wanting to create their own memories. However, you have an emotional attachment as the seller, making you think it has more financial value. Try to separate that due to the buyer not having that attachment.
  3. Selling? Depersonalize (and Protect!): You have many things in the house that bring memories. You might want to put these things away; that way, it gives buyers a different feel to the home. You should also protect those valuables. You don’t want something happening to them while buyers look at your home.
  4. Buying is Desire: You want to do things to where you aren’t pricing in memories. However, make it a way for the buyers to imagine creating their own memories in the house.
  5. Selling is a Business Transaction: Think of your lake property as a stock. If you bought a stock at a certain price, it doesn’t necessarily matter. At the end of the day, it’s what the market says it’ll pay. You can always enjoy the memories later and not price how you feel depending on the memories.

Pricing a lake home can be difficult, especially when you begin to think of all the memories made there. If you’re still struggling with this today, reach out to one of our lake market experts at LakeHomes.com. They know the ins and outs and would be more than willing to help you in the process.