Tag: lake living

Soul-Warming Resolutions: New Year’s Eve-worthy recipes for that last meal of the year.   

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Festive NYE table with various foods and Champagne
Photo Courtesy of Moet Hennessy, Marie Claire

As the year winds down and the air takes on that brisk sense of renewal at your lakeside retreat, New Year’s Eve offers the opportunity to craft a dinner that combines the warmth you crave with a touch of sparkle worthy of the turning year. In a lake-home setting—whether your porch looks out over misted water at dawn or you’re nestled in a modern cabin by the shore—the food should feel inviting, relaxed, and accessible. Yet, it should be memorable enough to mark the transition.

Think dishes you can prepare without undue stress, leveraging quality ingredients and straightforward techniques. This way, you’re able to engage with guests or settle in with your partner rather than be buried in the kitchen. At the same time, these dishes should carry a modest sense of occasion: a crusty loaf alongside a rich stew, a dish with seafood or duck. Something that feels hearty and soul-warming but isn’t fussy. With that in mind, here are seven options that strike that balance—each a celebratory dish from a reputable source, offering a distinct flavor profile.

Classic Duck à l’Orange

Classic Duck à l’Orange
Photo Courtesy of Travis Rainey, Gourmet

For a truly elegant New Year’s Eve entrée, this classic Duck à l’Orange from vintage Gourmet (via Epicurious) delivers refined, celebratory energy. It does so without leaning too much on seasonal or Christmas-specific elements. The recipe balances crisp, golden duck with a bright, sophisticated orange sauce made from fresh citrus, stock, and a touch of caramelized sugar for depth. It feels festive in a timeless way—special enough for the holiday yet universally appropriate. The glossy finish and aromatic profile present beautifully on a buffet-style table alongside sparkling wine or Champagne cocktails. Moreover, because the duck roasts hands-off, hosts can maintain a relaxed flow while preparing other offerings. For prep time and roasting, you’ll need approximately 2 ¼ hours. Visit Epicurious for this classic recipe from Gourmet.

Seafood Cioppino

Seafood Cioppino
Photo courtesy of Christine Ma, Taste of Home

If a hearty soup is more your style, this tomato-based seafood stew brings haddock, shrimp, clams, and crabmeat into a rich, warm, and satisfying broth. It’s perfect for a lakeside winter evening. The flavor profile features bright brine from shellfish, depth from tomato and herbs, and the comfort of crusty bread to dip. Prep time is about 30 minutes, cook time around 1 hour 15 minutes. So, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes total for the full recipe. You can build the base ahead. Then finish the seafood closer to mealtime so the dish feels composed without juggling everything late in the evening. Visit Taste of Home for this satisfying and celebratory recipe.  

Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish Hens
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Causey, Food & Wine

Cornish hens make a perfect New Year’s Eve addition because they feel luxurious without being fussy. Their individual size adds a tailored, restaurant-quality touch. With this Food & Wine–style preparation, you can pair your roasted hens—seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and citrus—with a fragrant wild rice pilaf studded with toasted almonds, herbed mashed potatoes, or a salad tossed with mustard vinaigrette. Choose whatever sides suit you and your guests the best. You can also serve this with lightly charred broccolini drizzled with lemon to keep the plate bright and modern. The trio looks cohesive on a party table, offers upscale winter flavors without heaviness, and complements the other dishes without duplicating any ingredients or profiles. It’s an elevated yet accessible option that rounds out the holiday menu beautifully. Prep time is 20 minutes, with a total time of approximately 2 ¼ hours. Visit Food & Wine for roasting instructions.

Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet

Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet
Photo courtesy of Alex Lau, Epicurious

For the hearty, low-stress main that still conveys effort and depth, this bean-and-sausage cassoulet is ideal. The dish features white beans and Italian sausage in a richly seasoned bean ragout—comforting, filling, and practically made for a crisp lakeside night. The flavor profile reveals creamy beans, savory sausage, herbs, and a gently baked top. Because it’s simpler than the fully traditional version, it’s manageable for a New Year’s Eve gathering. Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and cook time is about 45 minutes. So plan for about an hour to complete. It lends itself to being assembled ahead of time and warmed, which is ideal for a relaxed evening. Visit Epicurious for the recipe.

Creamy Tomato Lobster Linguine with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Creamy Tomato Lobster Linguine with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Photo courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest

This pasta recipe features lobster tails in a tomato-cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and crispy garlic breadcrumbs on top. The flavor profile highlights sweet lobster meat, bright tomato, and herb sauce with a rich cream underpinning. The garlic breadcrumbs bring delectable crunch and texture. Prep and cook time is around 30 minutes. Surprisingly versatile, this dish is also perfect in summer climates. But for your lake-home New Year’s Eve setting, it offers the elegance of lobster yet remains approachable. Visit Half-Baked Harvest for the recipe.

Gougères with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, & Prosciutto

Gougères with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, & Prosciutto
Photo courtesy of Fred Hardy, Food & Wine

If you’re hosting an appetizers-only soiree, consider these gourmet nibbles as satisfying starters. This elegant Gougères with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, & Prosciutto leans a bit more toward “celebration” without all the effort if you’re pressed for time. Choux pastry puffs filled with Gruyère are topped with smoked salmon, prosciutto, or caviar as you like. The flavor mix highlights airy pastry, salty cheese, and smoked fish and meat for a luxe finish. You’ll need approximately 20 minutes of prep and 25-30 minutes of baking, for a total of 45-50 minutes. This works well for pre-assembling earlier in the day and heating just before guests arrive. This lets you kick off with something elegant but not overly fussy. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.

Veggie Tempura Platter

Veggie Tempura Platter
Photo courtesy of Allrecipes

For an offering that brings freshness, color, and texture to the menu, this assorted veggie tempura works well as a side or part of a shared platter. Add this to your arsenal of appetizers and serve it alongside Gougères with Smoked Salmon for your vegetarian guests. The dish features sweet potato slices, onion half-rings, bell pepper, green beans, and shiitake mushrooms. All are coated in batter and deep-fried until crisp. You can serve it with soy sauce or an array of dipping sauces. The flavor profile blends lightly sweet vegetables with crisp batter, and the dipping sauce brings a savory finish. Plan for 25 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, for a total of about 40 minutes. It’s a smart choice for a lake-home kitchen because you can prep your vegetables while another dish cooks. Fry just before serving for maximum crispness. Visit Allrecipes for the instructions.

For the lake-home host who wants a New Year’s Eve that feels simultaneously relaxed and elevated, the lineup above balances comfort and style. Each dish has been chosen with an eye toward manageable preparation, robust flavor, and a little bit of occasion — whether you’re toasting over the shoreline or dining indoors while the wind whistles outside. With these recipes in hand, you can settle into your lake-home kitchen with confidence, spend time with guests, and ring in the new year with good food, good company, and the right tone for a memorable evening. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Heavenly Hue: Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 takes to the skies with PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Pantone

Released in December 2025, Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 11-4201 Cloud Dancer offers “a whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world,” say the color experts at the renowned Pantone Color Institute.  

Pantone’s Color of the Year often reflects more than aesthetic preference—it captures how people want to live. For 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer responds to a widespread desire for clarity, calm, and adaptability at home. This soft, nuanced off-white sits comfortably between warm and cool, offering visual relief without feeling stark or impersonal. For lake homeowners across the U.S., Cloud Dancer feels particularly timely. Lake houses and cabins are no longer purely seasonal. They function as year-round retreats, workspaces, and gathering places. Interiors must therefore support longevity and flexibility without visual fatigue.

Unlike high-contrast whites that can feel harsh when amplified by water-reflected light, Cloud Dancer diffuses brightness gently. It complements wood, stone, metal, and natural fibers common in lake architecture, allowing views and materials to remain the focal point. As Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains, the shade “responds to our need for spaces that feel breathable and flexible, offering reassurance without demanding attention.” In regional lake settings—from traditional Upper East cottages to contemporary California lake homes—Cloud Dancer acts as a unifying backdrop that respects both architecture and landscape.

Ethereal Palette Play

Ethereal Palette Play
Photo courtesy of Pantone

Pantone selected Cloud Dancer for its ability to bridge emotional and functional needs. It reflects a collective interest in interiors that reduce overstimulation while still feeling intentional. Eisman has described it as “a modern neutral that offers presence through subtlety,” making it ideal for homes where nature is the primary visual feature.

Cloud Dancer also signals innovation. Its neutrality is engineered, not generic—designed to work with layered palettes rather than standing alone. Pantone’s 2026 palettes pair Cloud Dancer with mineral blues, softened greens, clay tones, and deeper charcoals to create moods ranging from restorative to quietly dramatic.

For sheer inspiration, check out these seven Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Palettes featuring Powdered Pastels, Take A Break, Atmospheric, Comfort Zone, Tropical Tonalities, Light & Shadow, and Glamour & Gleam. “Each of the palettes conveys a distinctive feeling and mood and easily crosses fashion and accessories, beauty, home interiors, industrial design, and graphic and multi-media design applications,” say the Pantone color experts. With the liberating blank-canvas hue of Cloud Dancer, the choice is yours to select a palette that reflects your individual taste and lake lifestyle. You can also introduce subtle touches throughout your home with accent pieces, including upholstered pieces, artwork, lamps, rugs, pillows, throws, and tableware.

Joybird x Pantone Color of the Year 2026

oybird x Pantone Color of the Year 2026
Photo courtesy of Joybird

This versatility explains Pantone’s collaboration with Joybird, where Cloud Dancer appears as a grounding upholstery and case-good finish that allows form and craftsmanship to lead. The collaboration features PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer in new, deeply tactile fabrics, Soul and Karina, that transform simplicity into a sensory experience, elevating everyday moments into opportunities for reset. PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is customizable across 300 of Joybird’s modern silhouettes, including sectionals, sleeper sofas, bed frames, accent chairs, ottomans, pillows, and more. Shop the collection at Joybird as well as all 15 Joybird showrooms.

The key to using Cloud Dancer well is restraint and contrast. Instead of coating entire interiors, it performs best when paired with texture—linen, oak, limestone—or used as a connective element between rooms. Its strength lies in consistency: ceilings, trim, or foundational furnishings that visually calm a space while allowing regional accents to emerge naturally. For inspiration, here are seven ways to incorporate PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer into every room of your lake home. Your sanctuary awaits.

Entrance Foyer: A Soft Arrival

Entrance Foyer: A Soft Arrival
Photo courtesy of OneKindesign

In lake homes across the Upper East and Mid-Atlantic, the foyer sets the tone between outdoors and interior calm. Cloud Dancer works best on walls or ceilings with paint, especially when paired with darker flooring like bluestone, slate, or reclaimed oak. Beyond paint, incorporate the color through a woven flatweave runner, ceramic umbrella stands, or a linen-upholstered bench in Cloud Dancer tones. A plaster or limewashed console, pale stone bowls for keys, and softly textured wallpaper with a subtle strié pattern reinforce the sense of transition without visual clutter.

Living Room: Layered and Light-Responsive

Living Room: Layered and Light-Responsive
Photo courtesy House & Home

In the Northern Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest, where living rooms often feature light and dark woods and large windows, Cloud Dancer acts as a visual release. Use it on ceilings, trim, or built-in shelving to lift the room. Layer in Cloud Dancer–toned upholstery, such as a Joybird sofa or accent chairs, paired with boucle or linen pillows. A wool area rug in a soft off-white or pale blue ground the seating area, while plaster lamps, ceramic vases, and pale throws subtly echo the color.

Dining Space: Understated and Seasonal

Dining Space: Understated and Seasonal
Photo courtesy of OneKindesign

In Southeast and Mid-Atlantic lake homes, dining spaces often bridge indoor and outdoor living. Cloud Dancer works well as a wall color or subtle wallpaper, allowing wood dining tables to remain the focal point. Extend the color through linen tablecloths, stoneware dinnerware, ceramic pitchers, and upholstered dining chairs. Even a Cloud Dancer–toned pendant shade or Roman shade can soften light during evening meals. The result is a dining space that adapts easily from summer gatherings to quieter off-season dinners.

Kitchen: Calm Foundations

Kitchen: Calm Foundations
Photo courtesy of OneKindesign

In Texas lake homes and California regions, kitchens benefit from Cloud Dancer’s cooling neutrality. Apply it to upper cabinetry, walls, or a plastered range hood. Balance it with natural wood lowers or stone countertops. Incorporate Cloud Dancer through ceramic canisters, serving bowls, open-shelf dishware, tea towels, and small appliances in soft off-white tones. Even a textured runner or café curtain can echo the color without overwhelming the space.

Bedroom: Quiet and Restorative

Bedroom: Quiet and Restorative
Photo courtesy of Studio McGee

Across all lake regions, bedrooms are where Cloud Dancer feels most intuitive. Use it as a primary wall color or a ceiling treatment to gently reflect morning light. Layer in linen or percale bedding, matelassé coverlets, upholstered headboards, and wool throws in tonal variations of Cloud Dancer. Pale ceramic lamps, plaster nightstands, and minimal artwork maintain visual quiet while still feeling considered.

Spa-Like Bathroom: Cleansing Rejuvenation

Spa-Like Bathroom: Cleansing Rejuvenation
Photo courtesy of Edward George

For Pacific Northwest, California, and Southeastern lake homes, Cloud Dancer supports a spa aesthetic without veering into clinical. Apply it to walls, ceilings, or cabinetry, especially in bathrooms with natural stone or terrazzo. Extend the color through cotton towels, bathmats, ceramic soap dispensers, trays, and ribbed glass containers. A subtle wallpaper or tile with a soft off-white base adds depth while maintaining a sense of calm.

Outdoor Living: Light in the Shade

Outdoor Living: Light in the Shade
Photo courtesy of My Domaine

In covered porches and screened rooms across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest, Cloud Dancer works beautifully on ceilings, trim, and outdoor upholstery. Use it in weather-resistant cushions, throw pillows, outdoor rugs, lanterns, and planters. Paired with teak, wicker, or metal furniture, Cloud Dancer brightens shaded spaces and keeps outdoor rooms feeling airy even in humid or low-light conditions.

PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is less about visual impact and more about creating the right conditions for living well. For lake homeowners across diverse U.S. regions, its adaptability supports architecture, landscape, and personal style without competing for attention. Used thoughtfully, Cloud Dancer offers a timeless foundation—one that evolves with the seasons, the light, and the way lake homes are lived in today. From all of us at Lake Homes Lifestyles—may your 2026 reveal a cleansing and peaceful sense of renewal.

Let It Snow: Eco-friendly ice and snow removal tips to protect your lake habitat

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Snowfall brings a sense of serenity to lake homes across the U.S., but it also introduces environmental challenges. Traditional salt-based deicers and gas-powered snow removal tools can harm nearby waterways—especially around lakes, where runoff quickly enters the ecosystem. Excess sodium and chloride can alter water chemistry, harm fish habitats, and degrade shorelines. For lake homeowners who prioritize sustainability, the goal is to manage snow effectively while preserving water quality and the surrounding landscape. Across diverse lake regions—from the snow-heavy Northern states to the milder climates of the Southeast and California—innovative methods and materials are reshaping how snow is managed. The following six eco-friendly approaches reduce environmental impact. These methods extend the longevity of outdoor materials and align with the mindful stewardship lake living requires.

Brine Solutions Made from Sugar Beet Byproducts

Brine Solutions Made from Sugar Beet Byproducts
Photo courtesy of Ninja De-Icer

In the Upper East and Northern lake regions, where heavy snowfalls are routine, pet-friendly brine solutions made from sugar beet byproducts are a sustainable way to reduce ice buildup. When mixed with salt brine, beet-based deicers like Beet-It Ice Melter lower the freezing point of water. This allows homeowners to use less salt overall, dramatically decreasing chloride runoff into lakes. Thus, it minimizes harm to fish and aquatic vegetation. While beet brine can sometimes stain light-colored concrete, homeowners can use diluted blends and apply them before snowfall. This option offers strong melting power at a lower ecological cost, making it ideal for colder lake climates.

Heated Walkway Systems and Driveway Mats

Heated Driveway Mats and Walkway Systems
Photo Courtesy of HeatTrak

Electric snow-melting mats are an excellent choice for the Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and Northern lake regions. They are ideal for homeowners who want to avoid chemical runoff altogether. Products such as HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats lay directly on walkways, decks, or stairs to prevent snow accumulation using low-voltage heat. These mats are energy-efficient and easy to deploy. They eliminate the need for salt or mechanical scraping, which can damage concrete and decking materials. They’re particularly effective for small, high-traffic areas like front steps or docks, providing safety and convenience while keeping nearby soil and water free from chemical contamination.

Cordless Snow Shovels and Electric Snow Blowers

Cordless Snow Shovel
Photo courtesy of Best Buy

Gas-powered snow blowers release carbon emissions and oil residues that can wash into lake basins during thaws. For homeowners in Upper East, Northern, and Mid-Atlantic lake regions, switching to electric snow blowers like the EGO Power+ 56V model offers a quieter, cleaner alternative. Cordless models are ideal for driveways and walkways, producing zero direct emissions and significantly reducing maintenance. Even in California and the Pacific Northwest, where snowfall is sporadic, compact cordless snow shovels offer an efficient, battery-powered option for smaller clearings. This is achieved without the environmental toll of gasoline exhaust or fuel spills.

Gravel, Sand, or Alfalfa Meal for Traction

Gravel, Sand, or Alfalfa Meal for Traction
Photo courtesy of Farmers’ Almanac

For Gulf lake regions or Southeastern areas where snow is rare but slippery ice can occur, traction materials like pea gravel or coarse sand are practical, eco-friendly solutions. These materials provide grip without contributing to chemical runoff or harming vegetation. Alfalfa meal, a natural fertilizer, can also add traction while enriching the soil as it breaks down. Because these materials are biodegradable and non-toxic, they are especially useful near garden borders, lakeshores, and flagstone paths. The key is to sweep up excess material after the thaw to prevent sediment from entering the lake water.

Snow Fences and Strategic Windbreaks

Snow Fences and Strategic Windbreaks
Photo courtesy of Standish Milling

For lake properties in Northern and Upper East regions, where drifting snow can block driveways or bury docks, installing temporary snow fences or natural windbreaks can reduce accumulation. By controlling how snow drifts form, these structures limit the need for mechanical clearing or deicing agents. Homeowners can pair fencing with strategically planted evergreen shrubs or windbreak trees suited to their region. This further reduces snow buildup. This passive method uses nature’s own patterns to manage winter weather while protecting the shoreline ecosystem from chemical exposure.

Radiant Systems and Permeable Paving for Long-Term Solutions

Permeable Paving and Radiant Systems for Long-Term snow removal Solutions
Photo courtesy of Snow Melt, Inc.

In regions such as the Pacific Northwest and California lake areas, where snowfall is lighter, but freeze-thaw cycles can still cause surface damage, permeable pavers and radiant heating systems offer long-term sustainability. Porous surfaces allow snowmelt to drain naturally into the ground, filtering out impurities before they reach the lake. When combined with low-voltage radiant heating systems beneath driveways or patios, they create efficient melt zones. Consequently, they prevent ice buildup without the need for salt or mechanical clearing. Though these systems require an initial investment, they reduce annual maintenance costs, protect water quality, and enhance the architectural appeal of modern lake properties.

Across every U.S. lake region, the move toward sustainable snow removal reflects a broader environmental consciousness among homeowners. By shifting away from salt-heavy or fuel-dependent methods, lake property owners not only preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings but also extend the life of their driveways, decks, and landscapes. Whether through organic brine blends, renewable power tools, or passive solutions like windbreaks, each of these methods demonstrates how practical innovation can align with ecological stewardship. Snow management no longer has to come at the cost of water purity or shoreline health—it can be part of a balanced approach to sustainable lake living. For more home improvement ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Timeless Style: Classic design that’s meant to last.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Classic Adirondack-style lake home with shingled cladding, white gables and trim, and a line of white Adirondack chairs lining the shore.
Photo courtesy of Gibeon Photography, Tahoe Quarterly

Seasons change and design trends evolve, yet some interior details seem to anchor our sense of home no matter the decade. They bridge generations, balancing comfort and craftsmanship in a way that outlasts passing fads. For lake homeowners—whether along the pine-edged waters of Maine, the glassy coves of the Great Lakes, or the rugged shores of the Pacific Northwest—these enduring elements evoke both sophistication and relaxation. A timeless interior doesn’t chase trends—it curates them. It blends character, quality materials, and practical beauty suited to both daily living and weekend retreats. We looked to enduring classics and the wisdom of iconic designers to identify ten design features that never fall out of favor. From plush upholstery to glossy subway tile, these are the building blocks of timeless style that can be tailored to any lake region across the country and beyond.

Comfy Upholstered Seating

Comfy Upholstered Seating pieces in a grand lake home living room with a stone fireplace wall and arched ceilings, splendid lake view
Photo courtesy of Edward George

Generously upholstered seating has been a mainstay of American interiors since the 19th century, prized for its comfort and durability. Deep sofas and armchairs, often wrapped in linen, cotton, or performance fabrics, define spaces for conversation and lake views. In Northern lake regions, opt for hearty weaves and plaids; in the Southeast and Texas Gulf, lighter linen slipcovers offer a breezier touch. The key is proportion—pieces that invite lounging without overwhelming the room.

Pristine White Bedding

Pristine White Bedding in a rustic knotty-pine clad lake home bedroom overlooking lake
Photo courtesy of Edward George

Crisp white bedding remains an unspoken symbol of serenity. Its origins trace back to early European estates and later, fine hotels that valued the look of cleanliness and simplicity. For lake homes, white bedding works across all regions—from airy cotton duvets in California to heavier matelassé coverlets in the Upper East. It’s versatile, easy to launder, and instantly refreshes any bedroom, especially when layered with textured throws or neutral accent pillows.

Well-Worn Patinas

Well-Worn Patinas and rustic woods incorporated into the entrance staircase of lake home with wide-plank stained floors and wood detailing
Photo courtesy of iDesignArch

Wide-plank flooring—once a colonial necessity due to fewer sawmills—has become a hallmark of craftsmanship and character. Their broad surfaces showcase the natural grain of the wood, instantly warming interiors. In Northern lake regions, white oak or reclaimed pine emphasizes rustic authenticity, while California and Gulf lake homes benefit from lighter stains that reflect sunlight. These floors age gracefully, their subtle patina telling the story of each season spent lakeside.

Stylish Subway Tile

Stylish Subway Tile cladding a lake home bathroom backsplash and shower
Photo courtesy of Tile Club

First used in New York City’s subway stations in 1904, this classic tile endures because of its clean geometry and adaptability. Its glossy rectangular shape reflects light, making kitchens and baths feel larger and brighter—ideal for smaller lake cottages or basement-level guest suites. In the Pacific Northwest, try pairing white subway tile with dark grout for contrast; along the Gulf and California coasts, soft sea-glass hues offer a modern update that still honors tradition.

Woven Naturals

woven natural fibers including rattan, wicker, and sisal applied to breezy enclosed porch overlooking the lake
Photo courtesy of Alex Lukey, House & Home

Timeless and textural, these natural fibers have cycled through every design era—from Victorian sunrooms to midcentury patios—and continue to thrive in lake homes for their tactile warmth. They connect interiors with the outdoors, evoking breezy porches and dockside relaxation. A rattan accent chair or sisal rug grounds a space with texture, particularly in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic lake regions where humid conditions favor breathable, organic materials. Mix them sparingly to maintain sophistication.

Pattern Charm

Pattern Charm, demonstrated with toile, chintz, and plaid fabrics layered in a lake home sitting room illustrating English country charm
Photo courtesy of Sweet Magnolia

Few fabrics carry as much history as chintz and toile—layered with classic plaid, of course Emerging in 18th-century France and later popularized in English country houses, these printed patterns of checks, florals, and pastoral scenes continue to add elegance and charm. In Upper East and Mid-Atlantic lake homes, toile drapes or a chintz-upholstered bench feel right at home. In more rustic Northern or Pacific Northwest cabins, try pairing one patterned piece with wood tones to soften the look without overdoing nostalgia.

Scintillating Sconces

A selection of sconce styles you can incorporate into your lake home.
Photo courtesy of House & Home

Wall sconces have illuminated interiors for centuries—from candlelit brass fixtures to modern LED designs. They endure because they balance practicality and atmosphere, freeing tabletops while providing flattering light. For a Texas Gulf lake home, brass or iron sconces can enhance a rustic-modern bar area or kitchen. In California, minimalist uplighting highlights artwork and lake-facing windows. The key is to layer lighting, as sconces add depth and definition that overhead fixtures cannot.

Brilliant Built-Ins

Built-in bookshelves scaling an entire arched wall in a lake home with a ladder
Photo courtesy of Robbie Caponetto, Southern Living

Custom built-ins anchor rooms with both function and form. From early 20th-century Craftsman homes to modern coastal retreats, they signal permanence and design intention. For Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Northwest homes, built-ins frame views and display collections—books, art, or lake memorabilia—without clutter. Painted finishes or natural wood tones can match the home’s architecture, creating a timeless focal point that feels both curated and lived-in.

The Wet Bar

Rustic-style wet bar incorporated into a lake home with rustic woods, open shelves, stone countertop, and refrigeration and storage below.
Photo courtesy of Summer House Style, Decoist

Once a midcentury symbol of entertaining, the wet bar has reemerged as a practical luxury. It embodies hospitality—a hallmark of lake living. Today’s versions blend seamlessly into open layouts or cozy corners with marble countertops, vintage glassware, and a compact sink. In Upper East and Northern lake regions, opt for walnut cabinetry and polished brass accents. In warmer climates, lighter woods and glass shelving keep the look relaxed. Whether it’s for cocktails or lemonade, a wet bar never loses its charm.

A gentleman's gallery wall highlighting artwork, and framed photographs in a sitting room with a Jack Russell sitting on a herringbone sofa.
Photo courtesy of Greg Salvatori, Elle Decor

Gallery walls have evolved from grand salons to approachable displays of personality. The concept—mixing art, photography, and mementos—has remained timeless because it allows design to grow with the homeowner. In lake homes across all regions, gallery walls can balance rustic textures with refined frames, pulling in local photography, vintage lake maps, or family portraits. They’re a living design element, easily refreshed as tastes and experiences evolve.

The mark of timeless interior design lies in its quiet confidence—spaces that feel collected rather than constructed, evolved rather than invented. These enduring design elements offer more than visual appeal; they connect lake homeowners to tradition, craft, and comfort in equal measure. Whether you favor the weathered charm of wood floors, the crispness of white bedding, or the inviting ease of upholstered seating, these choices hold their own year after year. In the rhythm of lake life—where seasons, guests, and moods shift—these design classics remind us that some things are meant to last. For more design tips to enhance your lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Thanksgiving—The Sequel: Innovative dishes to whip up using your turkey-day leftovers.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Thanksgiving table with all the foods arranged and styled beautifully
Photo Courtesy of Oldways

At a lake house, where the horizon stretches wide and you’ve just hosted a generous holiday dinner, the question of what to do with leftovers often feels too familiar. The answer? Repurpose yesterday’s feast into something new today—without repeating the same plate. With strategic tweaks, your day-two dishes can deliver fresh flavors, different textures, and a revived appetite. By transforming the rendered richness of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce into fresh meals, you stay efficient yet elevated. These innovative dishes pay homage to the produce of your holiday kitchen while maintaining the relaxed vibe your lakeside setting demands. Below are seven distinct recipes that let you use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients to create inventive new dishes. You’ll avoid reruns of the big meal.

Stuffing Hash

Stuffing Hash
Photo courtesy of Christopher Testani, Bon Appétit

This easy skillet recipe brings new life to leftover stuffing, turning it into a golden, crispy hash. It’s perfect for a relaxed post-holiday brunch at the lake. A drizzle of olive oil and a hot pan help the stuffing crisp along the edges. This keeps the center tender and flavorful. The herbs and savory notes from the original Thanksgiving meal deepen as they caramelize. This makes each bite more complex than the day before. A fried egg on top adds creamy richness, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish. The contrast between the crisp exterior, soft interior, and silky yolk captures the essence of comfort food without feeling repetitive. With just five minutes of prep and about eight minutes of cook time, it’s quick enough for a leisurely morning. Yet, it’s indulgent enough to impress guests staying the weekend. For the recipe, visit Garlic & Zest, which also offers swaps and variations.

Turkey & Mushroom Risotto

Turkey & Mushroom Risotto
Photo Courtesy of Penden + Munk, Epicurious

Here, leftover turkey is reincarnated in a creamy risotto with mushrooms, broth (ideally turkey or chicken), Parmesan cheese, and arborio rice. The ingredients: leftover turkey meat, mushrooms (wild or button), onion or shallot, arborio rice, turkey stock, Parmesan, butter, and oil. On the flavor side, you get a deeply comforting mouth-feel. The earthy mushrooms, nutty cheese, and tender turkey are elevated compared to the original roast. Approximate time: about 10 minutes prep (chopping turkey and mushrooms, bringing stock to a simmer) plus about 25–30 minutes of risotto cooking, for a total of about 35–40 minutes. Visit Epicurious for the recipe.

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Cranberry Orange Loaf
Photo courtesy of I Am Baker

Turning leftover cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries) into a loaf bread makes for a sweet-and-tart offering. It doesn’t feel like more pie. Key ingredients: cranberries (or leftover sauce), orange zest and juice, flour, baking powder, sugar, and pecans. The flavor profile pivots to bright citrus, tart berries, nutty texture, and sweet bread. It feels lighter and more brunch-friendly than dessert. Prep takes about 15 minutes mixing, then 60 minutes bake time (total about 1 hr 15 mins). Visit Allrecipes for baking instructions.

Best Homemade Turkey Soup

Best Homemade Turkey Soup
Photo courtesy of The Endless Meal

This hearty soup uses leftover turkey (and optionally the bones for stock), carrots, celery, onion, turkey stock, and noodles or pasta. The flavor is wholly different from the holiday roast. It features an aromatic broth, tender turkey pieces, and warming vegetables—ideal for a slower-paced lakeside evening. Rough time estimate: about 10 minutes prep (chopping veggies). If making stock from bones, around 8 hours simmering is needed (or shorter if using pre-made stock). If you skip the full carcass stock, you can have it in 30–40 minutes by using cooked turkey meat and good-quality stock. For the recipe, visit The Endless Meal.

Thanksgiving Skillet Pizza

Thanksgiving Skillet Pizza
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Kyle, Epicurious

Here’s a fun repurpose: turn leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, and veggies into a skillet pizza with a crispy crust. Ingredients: pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), oil, mashed potatoes (or sweet potato mash), shredded turkey, cheese (mozzarella/Fontina, etc.), leftover veggies, cranberry sauce drizzle. Flavor becomes inventive: creamy potato base instead of tomato sauce. Turkey and veg are on top, while the sweet-tangy finish from cranberry enhances it further. Prep roughly 4–8 minutes to set the dough and toppings, then about 8–13 minutes of baking. Total time is around 12–15 minutes if the dough is ready (or longer if you make the dough). Visit Epicurious for the recipe.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes
Photo courtesy of Feel Good Foodie

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed or baked sweet potatoes from your casserole. Ingredients include about 1 cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes, two eggs, ½ cup milk, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, a pinch of nutmeg, and melted butter. The flavor profile: richly sweet-potato-forward, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. A hint of maple and brown sugar reinforces that warmth, while the pancake format offers a new texture for your lake-home breakfast or brunch. Approximate time: prep about 10 minutes, cook about 15 minutes (total ~25 minutes). Visit Feel Good Foodie for the recipe.

Turkey Salad with Cranberries

Turkey Salad with Cranberries
Photo courtesy of Savory with Soul

This salad is a fresh, cold preparation that turns leftover turkey—and stuffing—into a crisp, mixed-green dish with dried cranberries and pecans (or almonds). It is ideal for your lake-home entertaining. Key ingredients: cooked turkey (shredded or chunked), celery, parsley, dried cranberries (or leftover cranberry sauce lightly stirred in), chopped pecans, mayonnaise, and plain yogurt for the dressing. The flavor profile: savory turkey and stuffing crumbs interspersed with sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, crisp celery, and fresh herbs. The creamy dressing ties it all together, while the textural contrasts keep it lively. Prep is very efficient—about 15 minutes—and there’s no cook time since everything is pre-cooked. You’ll be done in about 15 minutes. Visit Savory with Soul for the recipe.

By approaching your Thanksgiving leftovers with intention—selecting dishes that completely change the format, texture, or speed of preparation—you can keep the holiday energy alive at your lake home without falling into repetition. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Good Gravy: For a savory sidekick at your Thanksgiving table, it’s ALL gravy.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Caramelized Onion Gravy in a gravy boat on a Thanksgiving table with turkey, utensils, table linens, and wine in the background.
Caramelized Onion Gravy, Photo Courtesy of Julia Garland, Food52

Thanksgiving at the lake deserves more than the usual gravy—it calls for sauces that match your relaxed lakeside vibe yet bring something fresh to the table. A memorable gravy can be the one element that ties your holiday feast together. It can also express regional flavor and honor a modern home cook’s time constraints, all while delighting the senses. Whether you’re nestled in the Upper East lakes of New York, hosting in the Mid-Atlantic, or laid back in California lake country, you’ll want options that feel both inventive and doable. Below are seven savory gravy recipes, each with its own twist and regional nod.

Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy ingredients in separate ramekins on a table
Photo courtesy of Emily Laurae, Southern Living

We’ll start with the easiest one for home cooks with lots to do—in very little time. This make-ahead gravy uses butter and flour to create a roux, then adds chicken (or turkey) stock with sage, thyme, and garlic powder. It becomes a deeply comforting gravy that you can prepare up to 3 days in advance. It suits a Southeast lake setting—say a Georgia or Alabama lake house—where ease of prep is valued. You want that Southern-style comfort without fuss. The taste is warm, herb-laced, and silky —a classic that doesn’t feel outdated but effortless. With an active time of about 20 minutes and a total time near 30 minutes (excluding chilling), you get a pantry-friendly, stress-reducing sauce you can make ahead. For the recipe, visit Southern Living, which also offers variations including mushrooms, fresh herbs, and sherry.

Best-Ever Turkey Gravy

Best-Ever Turkey Gravy being poured from a saucepan over turkey on a pate with mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts with stemless red wine glass in background
Photo Courtesy of Victor Protasio, Food & Wine

This savory recipe emphasizes building a rich turkey stock from neck, liver, gizzard, and vegetables. You render the turkey fat (or use butter), then make a roux to finish the gravy, adding richness and depth. It’s ideally suited to an Upper East lake retreat—like New England or Upstate New York—where tradition matters. You might have the time and space to build stock. The flavor is deeply roasted, satisfying, and rooted in the classic idea of Thanksgiving gravy. You’ll spend about 1 hour roasting the stock ingredients, then about 20 minutes finishing the sauce (plus cooling/skimming time). Visit Food & Wine for the recipe.

Easy Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

Easy Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy on top of turkey with sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce on the side and turkey decorations in backdrop
Photo courtesy of Queen of My Kitchen

This recipe is an excellent choice to suit guests with gluten restrictions. Instead of flour, it uses cornstarch (or another gluten-free thickener) to maintain a silky texture, while still allowing the turkey drippings or stock to shine. The taste is clean, smoothly rich—even satisfying in the way a flour-based gravy is—but appropriate for guests who need gluten-free options. With about 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, it’s highly doable. Visit Queen of My Kitchen for the recipe.

Super-Savory Turkey Gravy

Super-Savory Turkey Gravy made with oyster sauce in a two-handled baking dish on a tablecloth
Photo courtesy of Chris Simpson, Food & Wine

This delicious rendition befits a more adventurous Thanksgiving table—think a Pacific Northwest lake home—where you might lean into smoked salmon, fresh herbs, oyster, or seafood influences. The gravy incorporates oyster sauce, sherry, and a beurre manié (butter-flour paste) technique for a silky, umami-rich finish. The roasted turkey drippings and pan fond combine with oyster sauce and thyme to deliver a savory, slightly salty-sweet complexity. With an active time of around 15 minutes and a total time of about 20 minutes, this option lets you pull off something elevated without getting bogged down. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.

Bourbon Cranberry Turkey Gravy

Bourbon Cranberry Turkey Gravy in a glass gravy boat and garnished with rosemary sprig and cranberries and sliced turkey in the background
Photo courtesy of Mantitlement

Decidedly daring, this booze-infused gravy brings a Northern lake-home twist—think New England or Upper East lake regions—where cranberry bogs thrive. Bourbon adds to the allure of this secret sauce, combined with turkey drippings or stock, butter, onions, and flour for thickening, and cranberry sauce for bright acidity and color. The flavor profile is rich and savory, thanks to the robust turkey base. It has a tangy sweetness from the cranberry and a subtle warmth from the whiskey. With 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for cooking, this recipe takes about 15 minutes. Visit Mantitlement for the recipe.

Giblet Gravy

Giblet Gravy in a gravy boat on the able with a crumpled linen napkin
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Bensel, Southern Living

This classic recipe deepens the Southern table gravies with turkey giblets, aromatics, and the savory pan drippings. It’s an ideal choice for any lake region where you want to lean into tradition with a twist. The star ingredients feature turkey giblets (heart, gizzard, neck), turkey broth, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, pan drippings, butter, and a flour-based roux. The result reveals a rich, poultry flavor with savory undertones that taste hearty and comforting. Approximate time includes simmering giblets for about 1 hour, then making a roux and finishing in about 10 minutes. Visit Southern Living for the recipe.

Roasted Poblano Gravy

Roasted Poblano Gravy in a green gravy boat beside a Guajillo-Tamarind turkey and all the side dishes on a table
Photo courtesy of Joseph De Leo, Epicurious

Rounding out the list, this innovative smoky-green-chile option combines roasted poblanos, turkey drippings or stock, and a butter/flour roux. Decidedly Southwestern with a Tex-Mex spin, it is especially fitting for Texas and California lake homes, where you might source fresh chiles from local farms or markets. The taste is peppery, gently smoky with medium heat, and very approachable alongside turkey and mashed potatoes. After roasting (10 minutes plus steaming), you’ll spend around 8 minutes making the gravy—roughly 18 minutes total. Visit Sunset for the recipe, which incorporates pan drippings from their Guajillo-Tamarind Turkey recipe.

From make-ahead ease to umami-rich innovation, you’ll be able to match a sauce to both your locale and your guests. Choose one, or layer two for variety—because in a lakeside setting, you’ve got the space and the calm to bring something thoughtful to the table. The gravy doesn’t just fill the plate—it completes the experience. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Sky Phenomenon to View from Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Visit Greenland

There’s something magical about the night sky. Valerie Stimeck, the author of the book Dark Skies, refers to the stars as “one of the few unifying features of human history.” 

Unfortunately, modern skies, shrouded in city lights, don’t allow for proper stargazing. It’s reported that 83% of the world’s population cannot see the stars at night, whereas over 90% of the European and United States populations live with significant light pollution. Given the pervasiveness of artificial lights, you’re probably missing out on more stars than you realize. 

If your lake house is in a rural area, you might be part of the lucky few. On the next clear night, venture to your boat dock and see if you can spot these five sky phenomena from your lake house. 

Constellations

By Roberto Mura – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Constellations are perhaps the most famous sky phenomenon — and they have been for a long time. Of the 88 constellations recognized by astronomers today, 48 of them date back to the Ancient Greek and Babylonian times. Each night since the dawn of time, these patterns of stars have returned to their places, and their predictability is part of why stargazers love them. 

The prominence of constellations differs based on seasonality. During the summer, the Big Dipper is easiest to spot in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, be on the lookout for Pegasus and Andromeda. Need help finding constellations in the night sky? An app can help with that. With Sky Guide, point your phone to the sky above, and it will outline constellations for you.

Planets

Photo courtesy of Sky & Telescope.

Constellations are perhaps the most famous sky phenomenon — and they have been for a long time. Of the 88 constellations recognized by astronomers today, 48 of them date back to the Ancient Greek and Babylonian times. Each night since the dawn of time, these patterns of stars have returned to their places, and their predictability is part of why stargazers love them. 

However, their prominence differs based on seasonality. During the summer, the Big Dipper is easiest to spot in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, be on the lookout for Pegasus and Andromeda. Need help finding constellations in the night sky? An app can help with that. With Sky Guide, simply point your phone to the sky above, and it will outline constellations for you.

Milky Way

By CUIZIANG – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

At one point in time, the Milky Way was always visible on every moonless night. However, due to light pollution, its appearance isn’t as consistent. It’s brightest in the southern hemisphere of the modern sky, but you can still view this sky phenomenon from your lake house. You’ll see dust lanes, nebulae, and star clusters within the constellation Sagittarius, making up the brightest part of the galaxy. Between June and August, our galaxy appears most brilliant, while December through February is when it’s invisible and too close to the sun. Right now, it’s a perfect time of year to look for the Milky Way on a clear night!

Comets

Photo courtesy of @alisonleedham via Twenty20.

According to NASA, comets are “cosmic snowballs of frozen gases.” As they travel close to the sun, they spew gas and dust, forming a tail that stretches millions of miles. On rare occasions, you may be lucky enough to spot a comet at your lake house. Typically, they appear just around sunrise or sunset. 

Although comets are rare to witness, some reliably appear in the night sky. You may have recently heard of Comet Neowise, which came closest to the Earth in late July 2020. Famously, Halley’s Comet reappears every 75 years, so it’s possible to see it twice in one average lifetime. Mark Twain was born in a year when Halley’s Comet was visible, and he died the year it was visible again. Other well-known comets include Comet Hale-Bopp and Comet Encke. Regardless of which comet you’ve set out to see, owning a lake home in a less light-polluted area increases your chances of witnessing this sky phenomenon.

Northern Lights

Photo courtesy of SUOMI PHOTOGRAPHY via Pexels

This one is for lake homeowners in the northern U.S. You likely won’t see the Northern Lights directly from your patio, but many of our markets with listings are close to parks where this sky phenomenon is visible. For instance, stargazers have witnessed the aurora borealis in the Panhandle National Forest in Idaho, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan. If you’re lucky enough to witness this beautiful sky phenomenon, in which Earth’s gases collide with sun particles, your photos won’t do justice to its magnificence.

If you can’t see every sky phenomenon at your lake house, no need to worry. There are plenty of ways to tackle light pollution in your own home to increase visibility. So grab a pair of binoculars and start stargazing! 

This article was originally published on November 16, 2020.

Beacon of Beauty: Poised elegantly on the shores of Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago, this dynamic family dwelling is entirely clad in synthetic slate tiles made from recycled rubber.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Architecture: Stephen Bruns, Bruns Architecture
Builder: Tielens Construction
Photography: Tricia Shay Photography

Designed by Milwaukee-based architect Stephen Bruns, founder of Bruns Architecture, grassy swath of lakefront property in Pukwana Beach, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Winnebago.

Positioned on a plush, grassy swath of lakefront property in Pukwana Beach, Wisconsin, this extraordinary summer vacation home on Lake Winnebago is the happy place for a New York couple and their four young children. A Wisconsin native, the wife spent her childhood summers on this nostalgic expanse of waterfront land sprinkled with the homes of her parents and relatives. She and her husband sought to continue the family tradition and create their own getaway on this same stretch of beach. Their children would be the sixth generation to enjoy blissful summer vacations here. 

“While all our projects share a common DNA, each of them is unique because we listen to our clients,” says Milwaukee architect Stephen Bruns, founder of Bruns Architecture, who was enlisted to take on the task. “The owners of this project are true lake people, and their familial connection with this shore goes back generations. Additionally, one of the owners is an interior designer with a delightfully minimal palette. The commission and collaboration were extra special. We were able to explore the idea of purity and distillation towards a wonderfully clean aesthetic. This house is experiential.”

The architect’s unique design—a pair of black gabled forms that “distill the idea of home” aligned flawlessly with the couple’s vision. A slightly shorter and narrower south volume includes a home office and family bedrooms, while the north volume holds the living room, a light-filled double-height kitchen, a guest room, and a loft. A transitional single-story volume containing the entrance hall and dining room elegantly weaves the home together, connecting all the spaces.

Well-Connected

Bruns aptly named the property the “Woven House” due to the central vestibule that gracefully connects the two massive gabled forms of the home.

Bruns aptly named the property the “Woven House” due to the central vestibule that gracefully connects the two massive gabled forms of the home. Additionally, he doubled the wall thicknesses to accentuate the form of the house. “Clad in synthetic slate tiles formulated from recycled rubber tires, the exterior provides a specular mosaic skin over the thick outlined forms,” explains the architect. “I love the way light reflects off the tiles, and this taut surface is kerfed at window and door openings to reveal a layered wrapper that encloses and protects the interior. Breaking free from the dark exterior, the white stucco chimney punctuates the structure as it creates a radiant landmark along the shore.”

Smooth Transition

Clad in white oak and minimalist accents, the narrow hallway in the central vestibule offers a graceful prelude to the serene spaces that await inside.

Clad in white oak and minimalist accents, the narrow hallway in the central vestibule offers a graceful prelude to the serene spaces that await inside. “This low-slung, single-story form weaves through the taller silhouettes to create a series of dynamic interior and exterior spaces,” notes Bruns.

Airy Ascent

An elegant staircase outfitted in white oak risers and accented with a black railing appears to float weightlessly to the second story, where the children’s bedrooms offer spectacular views of the lake.

An elegant staircase outfitted in white oak risers and accented with a black railing appears to float weightlessly to the second story, where the children’s bedrooms offer spectacular views of the lake.

Clean Living

In the living room, comfy white seating pieces and a nubby textured rug from Restoration Hardware keep the space soft and serene. The wall of sliding doors opens the room up to cooling lake breezes and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

“While this family of six lives in New York, deep memories and extended familial connections make Wisconsin a second home,” says Bruns. “The design objective was to create a welcoming gathering place with a sophisticated sense of style while maximizing connections to the outdoors.”

In the living room, comfy white seating pieces and a nubby textured rug from Restoration Hardware keep the space soft and serene. The wall of sliding doors opens the room up to cooling lake breezes and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

“Perfectly imperfect cement plaster applied using Old-World methods and materials covers walls and ceilings,” adds Bruns, “while reclaimed white oak timbers create a rhythm of support across the gables.”

Unspoiled Island

A waterfall concrete island by Bomanite of Wisconsin, accented with black Kohler faucet hardware, is punctuated with bright white Bell pendants by Normann Copenhagen and Fiber counter stools by Muuto.

Delightfully sparse yet highly functional, the kitchen is the nerve center of the home and one of the owner’s favorite spaces. A waterfall concrete island by Bomanite of Wisconsin, accented with black Kohler faucet hardware, is punctuated with bright white Bell pendants by Normann Copenhagen and Fiber counter stools by Muuto. The sleek Wolf cooktop and Sub-Zero refrigerator align with the kitchen’s clean, seamless aesthetic.

Minimalist Mystique

Spare and simple in its design, the dining room invites the natural scenery outside to become the focus of the décor. A skylight overhead provides shifting sunlight throughout the day, giving the space an ever-changing mood and ambiance.

Spare and simple in its design, the dining room invites the natural scenery outside to become the focus of the décor. A skylight overhead provides shifting sunlight throughout the day, giving the space an ever-changing mood and ambiance. The long custom dining table accommodates up to 14 guests, and Danish-inspired wood chairs from J104 echo the minimalist aesthetic. Snowbound wall paint from Sherwin-Williams gives the space a soft, tranquil vibe.

“A restrained palette of materials within the house offers texture and explores variations of white with black accents to provide an elegant contrast and sense of drama,” Bruns explains. “The color gradations interplay with natural light to offer visual interest as the interior illumination varies throughout the day.”

Breathing Room

Just off the living room, a welcoming covered breezeway catches a breath of fresh air and captures stunning lake views.

Just off the living room, a welcoming covered breezeway catches a breath of fresh air and captures stunning lake views. A wall-mounted TV, cozy cushioned sofa, and dining table offer endless entertaining options for family and guests.  

White Noise

Dressed in white with minimal decorative accents, the primary bedroom offers the homeowners a tranquil escape from which to enjoy the expansive lake views outside.

Dressed in white with minimal decorative accents, the primary bedroom offers the homeowners a tranquil escape from which to enjoy the expansive lake views outside. Its ground-level positioning allows the space to meld seamlessly with the landscape.

“Because of the owners’ personal affinity for the classic combination of black and white, the exterior and interior finish palette plays with sophisticated contrasts and uses the warmth of wood to infuse a deep sense of place within the lakeside setting,” Bruns explains.

Bold Beauty

The high-contrast black and white aesthetic is reiterated in the master bathroom with a generous double walk-in shower and a massive black vanity topped with a bright white sink.

The high-contrast black and white aesthetic is reiterated in the master bathroom with a generous double walk-in shower and a massive black vanity topped with a bright white sink. Natural wood accents, including the shower bench and towel stool, lend a complementary organic element.

Shoreline Appeal

Exterior facing the lake: Two bold gabled forms instill the fundamental vision of a home while the central vestibule quietly connects them.

Two bold gabled forms instill the fundamental vision of a home while the central vestibule quietly connects them. Bruns slightly rotated the two-story bedroom structure to widen views of the lake and harvest additional light. His unique angled orientation enhances the outdoor entertaining opportunities by increasing the available space and offering multiple functions for the owners’ lakeside gatherings. The dramatic glazing on the lakeside accentuates the bold triangular forms and visually connects the home to the beautiful blue waters of Lake Winnebago.

 “One of my favorite aspects of this project was the opportunity we had to exploit conventional roof forms and geometry while using a clean, modern vocabulary,” says Bruns. “We distilled the shapes down to a typical child’s drawing of home, overstating the gable and erasing the overhangs. The resulting composition is immediately recognizable yet elevated to a sculptural level. Located on the eastern edge of Lake Winnebago, this dynamic structure is a beacon at the end of a narrow farm road that punctuates the shoreline.”

Interested in finding your place to enjoy the lake life? Explore Lake Homes Lifestyles for properties across the country and start living your lakeside dream.

Stay Cozy & Keep Your Cool: Tips to resolve thermostat wars in your lake home.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
cozy socks on propped feet in front of a roaring fireplace
Photo Courtesy of Artist GND photography via The Pioneer Woman

Heating a lake home in winter can add a noticeable expense, particularly when family members disagree over how warm the space should be. Turning up the thermostat may feel like the easiest solution, but it often leads to higher utility bills and unnecessary strain on heating systems. For homeowners who split time between urban residences and seasonal lake properties, understanding smarter ways to manage indoor comfort becomes essential.

Setting the temperature doesn’t have to be contentious. Before cranking up the heat, consider factors such as the size and layout of your home, the regional climate, and alternatives that reduce both costs and conflicts. Layered clothing and extra bedding, heating only the rooms that matter, adding a fireplace or space heater, and using modern tools like smart thermostats are all practical options that balance comfort with efficiency. The key is choosing the right combination of strategies that suit your property and your family’s lifestyle. From the Upper East to California’s lake regions, each area presents different challenges, but all can benefit from a thoughtful approach to winter warmth. Below are several ways to ease thermostat wars while keeping lake homes both cozy and cost-conscious.

Layer Up with Thermals

Layer Up with Thermals like socks and a hot water bottle
Photo courtesy of Guinness Homes

One of the simplest methods to reduce thermostat battles is layering clothing and keeping sweaters or thermal wear accessible. Even the vintage charm of a hot water bottle under a blanket can keep you cozy for hours and also warm up chilly sheets at night before bed. In regions where winters are cold but not relentlessly harsh—such as the Upper East and Mid-Atlantic lake regions—residents can comfortably reduce thermostat reliance by dressing appropriately indoors. This approach is not only cost-effective but also eliminates the constant adjustments that lead to higher bills. In homes where multiple generations gather, layered clothing provides individual control without frequent thermostat changes, especially when paired with warm socks or indoor slippers.

Heat Zoning

Heat Zoning in your lake home by controlling air flow in vents, space heaters, and heat zoning solutions
Photo courtesy of Paschal

Another option is concentrating heat where it’s truly needed. Many lake homes, particularly in the Northern Great Lakes and Western lake regions, feature open layouts or multiple guest rooms that may sit unused for long stretches. Closing vents, shutting doors, and directing heat toward occupied spaces can save considerable energy. Zoning systems or portable heaters in main living areas ensure that only the most frequently used parts of the home remain warm, cutting down on both utility costs and unnecessary wear on central systems.

Invest in Smart Technology

Invest in Smart Technology thermostat to save energy costs at your lake home
Photo courtesy of Green Builder

Smart thermostats are one of the most effective tools for reducing disputes and energy waste. These devices learn usage patterns and adjust heating schedules accordingly, which works particularly well in seasonal lake homes across the Southeast and Texas lake regions, where temperature fluctuations can vary dramatically throughout a single day. Remote access allows homeowners to warm their properties before arrival, ensuring comfort without excessive energy use while the home is vacant. For weekend getaways or part-time residences, smart thermostats provide both peace of mind and long-term efficiency.

Targeted Warmth

target your warmth with a fireplace: a massive rustic fireplace and surround made from river stones
Photo Courtesy of KTAR News

Fireplaces and space heaters can be valuable tools for targeted warmth, especially in larger properties or great rooms that are costly to heat through central systems. In the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Lakes regions, where winters tend to be damp and prolonged, adding supplemental heat in communal spaces makes gatherings comfortable without raising the thermostat for the entire home. However, safety is essential. Homeowners with children should use protective screens, maintain proper ventilation, and position portable heaters away from high-traffic areas to reduce fire risks. When managed correctly, these supplemental options provide cozy warmth and energy savings.

Blanket Statements

Luxurious plaid flanel bedding, sheets and cozy blankets and layered winter bedding for your lake home
Photo courtesy of Woolrich via Amazon

Extra bedding designed for colder seasons can prevent thermostat conflicts, particularly at night when people’s comfort levels diverge. Down comforters, flannel sheets, or layered blankets allow individuals to regulate personal warmth without requiring the entire home to be heated to higher temperatures. This strategy works especially well in the California and Mid-Atlantic lake regions, where temperatures can dip overnight but do not require continuous heavy heating. Bedding choices tailored to local climates—such as lightweight duvets in milder zones and heavier quilts in colder areas—keep bedrooms comfortable without overburdening the heating system.

Heat-Holding Materials

Use heat-holding textiles like warm area rugs on hardwood floors, upholstered seating, layered curtains, etc. to keep the cold at bay
Photo courtesy of Anastasiia Krivenok via The Pioneer Woman

Material selection within the home itself can significantly affect temperature management. Lake homes in the Southeast, Texas, and Western lake regions can benefit from insulated window treatments, area rugs over hardwood or tile floors, and weather-stripping to reduce drafts. In colder climates, such as the Upper East and Pacific Northwest, choosing furniture with upholstered fabrics rather than leather or metal, and layering curtains with thermal linings, helps interiors feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat at all. These material upgrades are subtle but long-lasting, improving comfort while enhancing energy efficiency throughout the season.

Handling thermostat wars in lake properties requires both practicality and foresight. No single method works for every home, but a combination of strategies tailored to region, property size, and family lifestyle can significantly reduce both energy costs and tension. Whether layering clothing, upgrading bedding, or installing smart technology, each solution empowers homeowners to stay comfortable while maintaining efficiency. By focusing on targeted solutions and recognizing regional differences, lake homeowners across the U.S. can enjoy their winter retreats with fewer disputes and more control over their comfort.

For more inspiration on living your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles. Stay cozy.