Decorating Guides
Design Dilemma: I Need Lake House Decor Ideas!
How to Update a Lake House With Wood, Views, and Just Enough Accessories
After spending New Year's on a lake in a mountain/lake house I wish I could have designed myself, I came across this Design Dilemma on our Questions page: "Our lake house is a 1900 one-room school house with a pretty bad 1970s 3-bedroom addition," says Houzz member modryja. "We are trying to recapture its original charm (keeping the wide pine floors and rejuvenating the original post and beams for our main room). My husband wanted knotty pine walls, but has agreed to a 4-ft. wainscot of Douglas fir instead. I don't know what to do with the rest of the wall, I'm hoping for a warm, cozy, comfortable feel. Thanks for any of your ideas!"
Designing a lake house can be tough since it's supposed to be all about the view. Too much decor can detract from the entire reason the lake house exists anyway — the lake! Here are some ideas for making lake house style work:
Designing a lake house can be tough since it's supposed to be all about the view. Too much decor can detract from the entire reason the lake house exists anyway — the lake! Here are some ideas for making lake house style work:
First up, color scheme. Before going indoors, take clues from outside. Blue-grays and slate grays inspired by water are my go-to hues for lake appeal.
Wood plank is a pretty big design element when it comes to a lake house. Because design is about making things your own, I love the idea of wood plank installed on walls — mixing it up horizontally and vertically. Stick with a gray tone to keep the natural light abundant; super dark or heavy stains can instantly make the space darker.
Also play with art to bring nautical touches inside. In this photo, a swimmer is depicted in the painting above the fireplace. That one touch goes a long way.
Also play with art to bring nautical touches inside. In this photo, a swimmer is depicted in the painting above the fireplace. That one touch goes a long way.
In her question, modryja notes that her husband's first choice for the walls was knotty pine. It's definitely the most classic choice and is certain not to just be a fad. The yellow-ish hue can be limiting when putting together color choices; I often recommend painting the wood out white for a fresh look.
The couple was also considering wainscoting, but wondered what to do with the rest of the wall. If you're installing 4-ft. of wainscot, I'm a fan of juxtaposing it with a classic, nature-inspired wallpaper pattern. Toile can work well but I often like more modern prints depicting waves or horizons; classic geometrics work will too if you stick with the blue-gray family.
When it comes to accessories, one or two pieces can pack enough punch to say, "Yeah, this sure is a lakehouse" without overdoing it. It's all about the edit.
While many lake houses have large, open great rooms, older ones may have less formal floor plans that are somewhat choppy. You can work with it by being consistent with walls. In this case, the same beadboard
in the kitchen carries on into other rooms. It's a great way to unite different spaces. This strategy could help modryja connect the 1900 section of her lake house with the 70s addition.
in the kitchen carries on into other rooms. It's a great way to unite different spaces. This strategy could help modryja connect the 1900 section of her lake house with the 70s addition.
Glossy planks on the ceiling draw the eye up and emphasize a view, whether a lake or forest.
By incorporating industrial-chic elements with character and relevance, you can add lakeside flair that also serves a purpose. Also, never count rope out from lakeside decor. The texture adds a fresh visual layer.
Tongue-and-groove plank installed on an entire wall can help delineate space within a space. If your lake house has floor-to-ceiling glass along the back, this is a great way to continue the architectural lines, using them to direct the eye out back. Consider dove gray over more obvious neutrals like beige or cream; it's soothing and works well with lake colors.
Patios are another great place to play with beach textures. Bamboo stalks or strands of seagrass are a great way to add protection from the sun while also bringing some of the great outdoors inside.
Do you have suggestions for modryja's lake house? See the original question here.
Do you have suggestions for modryja's lake house? See the original question here.
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