Lake House Essentials
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
I just got back from a long fourth of July weekend spent at a friend's house on Keuka Lake in western New York. Most of the weekend was spent outside - the lake and the weather could not be more gorgeous - and really, it's the outdoors that make a lake vacation special. But that doesn't mean the house doesn't count.
My friend's family house is, like a lot of lake houses, comprised of a lot of small bedrooms and one big, open living space. Plus, lots of windows and two big wraparound porches that offer a perfect view of the lake (and a little shade, which is nice sometimes). The decor could be called American mishmash - lots of rustic touches, family photos (including collages spanning about 30 years) and more than a few hand-me-down appliances.
I think that sort of organic decor is typical in vacation homes that are used mostly by family and only adds to the charm of the home. To me, high design is not a lake house essential. But there are a few things that can really make a lake house.
Here's where my list starts - what else would you add?
My friend's family house is, like a lot of lake houses, comprised of a lot of small bedrooms and one big, open living space. Plus, lots of windows and two big wraparound porches that offer a perfect view of the lake (and a little shade, which is nice sometimes). The decor could be called American mishmash - lots of rustic touches, family photos (including collages spanning about 30 years) and more than a few hand-me-down appliances.
I think that sort of organic decor is typical in vacation homes that are used mostly by family and only adds to the charm of the home. To me, high design is not a lake house essential. But there are a few things that can really make a lake house.
Here's where my list starts - what else would you add?
| |
| This deck is fantastic - it's large enough for a big family to sit, relax, and enjoy the view of the lake it faces. |
The architect uses this photo of the house above to explain how he "framed" the lake view through the reeds and trees.
The houseboats on Lake Union take "lake house" to a whole new, very literal, level. I love the charm of this one's shingles...and its huge windows.
When you've got a great view, it's not always necessary to do a lot of gussying up. To me, there's little more relaxing than sitting on a deck with an unobstructed view of a simple dock.
| |
| This home has two lake house essentials - big open living spaces for everyone to hang out and really great windows. |
| Kitchen space is usually at a premium in vacation homes - and there's always somebody in the kitchen - so it's nice to open it to the living area, for both the space and the company. |
Some of my favorite lake houses are constructed of wood, designed to look beautiful, but really fit with the natural environment.
All vacation homes should have a few little nooks like this one - peaceful spots to get away, even in a house packed with people.
When Domino featured Thom Filicia's lake house, I fell in love with this photos of his bar. It's such a great combination of woodsy and modern. Plus, every vacation home needs a well-stocked bar, right?
I love sleeping porches of all kinds (listening to lake water is the best way to fall asleep) - and this one is especially useful, since it transitions nicely from daytime social space to a nighttime bedroom.
Ideabook published on July 6, 2010.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
on Seneca Lake. Lots of wonderful memories.
Great post!
Kristen
Loved these pics:)