How about a simple wreath? Even just a basic grapevine type wreath, or maybe one made from dried hydrangeas?

Or a wooden birdhouse hung on the wall?

A wall decal? (Search Etsy for wall decals.)

Is there anything historic (old paddle, snowshoe, map, sign, postcards, family pics taken at this spot) that you'd like to display? Authentic memorabilia, in small doses, can be really fun for vacation home visitors IMO.

lazydaisynot, I have a large framed map of the lake over a painted chest in the entryway, and framed black&white photos of family taken at the lake surround the built-in banquette downstairs. So, we're on the same page!

Only built the house 5 yrs. ago - & it's the 1st getaway we've owned - so nothing historic came with it. Still thinking..

Think canoe paddle, fish landing net...an assortment of vintage lures on a piece of drift wood a collection of ole post cards from the area...
And what's the matter with a print....watercolor or a framed art photo?
Linda C

Linda C, nothing at all wrong with a print or photo. Was just hoping my post might spark a memory with someone who had seen something - either in person, on a blog, or in a magazine - that might be more original and suit the spot to a "T." This forum has provided great inspiration since I discovered it during our build.

We have a small collection of 3 antique chalkboards hanging in our living room. Might be a cute idea for guests - you could leave them a welcome message and they could leave you a thank you. My mom has a chalkboard at the front entrance to her cottage and her renters often leave her little messages about what a good time they had.

LOVE the chalkboard idea, little people can draw a picture and adults can leave a note. An old fashioned way of communicating our appreciation to each other! When the board is not being used, draw a seasonal pic to relate to the holiday, holly and pinecone at Christmas, hearts on Valentines Day . . . . could be interactive and fun!

O.K., still thinking...a quilt; a group of old books with charming covers displayed each on its own little ledge, as a decorative plate would be; a trio of old game boards (e.g., different checkers boards); framed botanical prints or scientific drawings of flora/fauna from the area; a group of framed pressed flowers from the area -- this would be a fun project, actually, and you could write the botanical and common name beneath each one, but now I'm drifting into prints! We had a summer place when I was a child, with old farm and logging implements displayed on the exterior of a building. Sounds junky, but it was cool. Maybe that's why I like the idea of stuff from the area (though I'm usually a spare-decor type person)!

Perhaps a corkboard to which you could post appropriate messages, photos of previous guests, inspiring quotes or jokes for your guests' information and entertainment. Might help make them feel welcome if you post a note saying there are cookies on the counter or fruit in the frig in case they get hungry in the middle of the night.

I also like original handmade art and think of the framed print I bought at a yard sale, strictly for the frame. However when I looked closely at it I realized the seashell print could be embellished by adding real shells and some jute twine as the frame was deep, almost shadow box style. With the frame painted white it's a nice piece for my guest bath wall and looks like a lot more than the 25 cents I paid for it. Frames are incredibly inexpensive in thrift stores and yard sales and can be easily painted and creative artwork made from all different types of mediums. Kids' art could be framed, even finger painting by very young potential artists looks good framed!

I second LindaC's idea of lake-themed objects. Also, have you looked at Ballard Designs for inspiration? They do a good job with cottage looks. Or another idea - decorative plates. There's almost an endless variety and you could find them somewhere like Homegoods for a good price.

What appeals to all ages,to all people,to all styles? A mirror, a simply framed mirror. Plus the mirror will bounce light arond the room.

You may make a large photo wall wihtout frames.

I like fabric....a fishing net with the glass baubles on it....a quilt... an embroidered shawl

I still love quilts hanging on walls and many are easily modern country looking - Gees Bend - and are easy to dust, clean.

The whole camp look, to me, can really get kitschy, and look like a Red Lobster restaurant from the eighties.
But I do like oars!

How about one of those handmade signs from Etsy -- one with the "House Rules" -- lots of folks there will make your own custom sign with your own "house rules" -- Also seen LOTS of those kinds of signs/prints at World Market ....

I like the idea of a cork board, but instead of cork, how about a sheet of homasote or foam insulation covered with linen? Really easy to make, and you can control the dimensions.

THen you could pin up any or all of the ideas - antique post cards of the area, "rules of the house" (I particularly like no more than eight men to a bunk, no boots in the bed, and no goats or chickens in the bunkhouse...) a schedule for the day, a welcome - whatever suits you.