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Help! Design Dilemma ---> Modern to Cabin/Lake House

7 months ago





We just purchased this lovely cabin/lakehouse in California. It is far too modern for a lakehouse so we will be making some "edits" to give it that war(er) cabin/lake feel. The house is a quad level and we are not huge fans of the latice work that separates the living room (first floor/ground level) and the dining room/kitchen (second level). I think we could do something else here but we are out of ideas. Thoughts?


Thank you in advance!

Comments (12)

  • PRO
    7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    Why does there need to be ANYTHING in those openings? Why are you rushing to make a cabin of something that is not?

    Focus instead on creating a warmer feel...with paint, rugs, furnishings, art.

    Lake side need not mean "cabin"


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  • PRO
    7 months ago

    A Clifornia Lake house is what exactly ??? Sorry you should have bought a cabin in the woods. A cabin can be any style ther eis no thing that says the lake drives the cabin style . Use some decor to give you a bit of "cabin" but honestly you bought the wrong house

  • 7 months ago

    The house is beautiful, I wouldnt be trying to make it something its not. I do think, its all the white paint, that makes it look a bit cold, and not really a comfortable place to be. Put your dollars into furniture that is comfortable, and new paint, and accessories, rather than tearing things apart on a house that doesnt need to be torn apart.

  • 7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    Good luck with your edits and enjoy your new home. Regarding the opening’s lattice, you could close up and add art on both sides (and/or furniture on lower), or if you want to keep slightly open, stained slats (matching flooring) might be a good choice and on lower section, make it a focal point. Suggest a more holistic approach though and wait until you are there for a bit; then decide based on your ascetics and needs.




  • 7 months ago

    Really people? The OP is not suggesting turning the house into something it's not but making some edits to warm it up a bit, but yeah let's jump all over someone because being an a$$hat is fun.

    OP - it looks like the pics may be brightened beyond reality making things seem even more modern and cold than they are. A bit of color, even a warmer neutral on the walls will go a long way to softening things. From there, your furniture, rugs, accessories etc will lead the way into something more your style. It's a lovely home and I imagine the views are wonderful. You can add softening window treatments but leave the view - that's part of the appeal I'm sure. The screen I agree is pulling attention - and not in a good way. Could the opening be closed up altogether or do you prefer feeling the spaces are somewhat connected? There are less modern screening options but be careful not to veer into territory that really doesn't fit house like victorian, craftsman or cottage. It should still read 'clean and modern' but does not have to be cold. Maybe something in a wood tone like your floors - just spit-balling ideas. Good luck and have fun making the space fit you.

  • 7 months ago

    Op delete Design Dilemma if you want REAL answers. The ”Pros” on there just rip you to shreds and do not consider you at all.

  • PRO
    7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago







    YES..... many of us do very much consider the op. It's an easy correction to a warmer environment within, with paint, with more texture, fewer bright and harsh colors, and more elements that suggest outdoors and a view beyond. Even a less mid cen/ modern take on all that implies.

    Sometimes people use an unintended word ( such as cabin ) to suggest a feel they want. True, it will not be a cabin successfully. That doesn't mean it can't be warmer, softer, and more inviting within it's modern aesthetic. .....and bring in the lake beyond.

  • 7 months ago

    I would start with a different paint color throughout. Then see how you feel.

  • 7 months ago

    I don't think this is a heavy lift. Natural wood, softer furniture, more color, particularly blue. A softer white paint might be nice, but you may decide not to spend the money. I like the idea of natural wood in that lattice thing. Do you need to to be open for airflow?


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  • 7 months ago

    The lattice is obviously there to keep people from falling through the opening. Can you close up that opening altogether or is it necessary for light or for ventilation/circulation?

  • PRO
    7 months ago
    last modified: 7 months ago

    Toning things down with most of your existing furniture.

    - Wood slats to replace the existing divider

    - Warmer wall colour

    - Neutral accessories

    - Natural fibre ottomans (to replace existing blue ones)

    - Adding curtains, coffee table, lamp, new neutral art...




  • 7 months ago

    OP... is this your furniture or are these listing photos?

    You can go a long way to give the home a different feel with warmer colored furniture, rugs, window coverings, etc.

    As for the opening.. even in a modern home, I'm not crazy about the spider web look. If you want to see through, then evenly spaced wood slats would work. If you really want a 'cabin' feel, you could put shutters there.