Imagine a home with views of shimmering water, decorated in an iconic lake house style. A lake house is a place that exudes calm relaxation, where the cares of daily life are gently eased away. Much of this feeling has to do with the home’s unique décor, which celebrates both the calm and splash of blue water. Lake house style is a balance we all yearn for.
Lake homeowners tend to bring the outdoors in when deciding on interior finishes and décor for their homes.
Skye Fingalson
Interior designer
“There’s nothing quite like it,” agrees Skye Fingalson, an interior designer and owner of Design 2 Sell in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. “The sought-after aesthetic is gaining popularity amongst everyone looking to get away. In our region, that means ‘Going to the lake.’” Fingalson describes lake house style as a nature-inspired, outdoorsy feel, bringing inside the colors of water, wood, and foliage.
Why the lake calls to us
Water is a primal attraction to humans, who are themselves made mostly of water and cannot live long without it. Water cools you off, lets you float, shimmers in the sunlight, and is a magnetic focal point for the eye. A large expanse of water makes your heart rate slow, your breathing deepen.
Since the 18th century, people with the means to escape their city homes often built a summer home near a river or lake. They used lighter fabrics and colors to decorate the interiors, with comfortable furnishings that weren’t fussy. Many of the materials used then — canvas, rattan, hand-blown glass, shiplap — are still used today.
Today, a waterfront home lets the water itself truly take center stage. The home is comfortable, and its style reflects the outdoors and a return to the beloved essentials of life.
What is lake house style?
Lake house style at its best captures the feelings of joy and well-being that come with living near the water. “With incredible views of serenity and beauty to enjoy, lake homeowners tend to bring the outdoors in when deciding on interior finishes and décor for their homes,” Fingalson says. That includes a palette of blues, greens, and neutrals; cozy textiles made with natural materials; décor that reflects the outdoors; and, most of all, a spirited and fun feeling.
You may want your décor to reflect the type of house you have. For example, maybe you have a large home with lots of windows and a modern vibe, or perhaps a little cottage that’s low on frills. “We see homeowners take one of two directions: beachy with a coastal twist or a rustic log cabin approach,” Fingalson says.
Think about the size of the rooms and what kind of lake living goes on around you. If the area is shady and filled with trees and hiking trails, you might reflect that with deeper colors and candle décor. For a wide-open expanse of lake views and watersports, consider furnishings that would be appropriate both indoors and outdoors.
Keep in mind, too, that a lake house style works in many different types of homes, even those that are not near the water. If you make some of the simple changes that Fingalson suggests, the spirit of lakeside living will thrive wherever you are!
The lake house bedroom
It’s important to feel like you’re on vacation when staying at a lake house, Fingalson says. To create a getaway feeling especially in the bedrooms, go for a light and airy effect. This is easy to do with a relatively neutral palette for walls and floor, and then punctuated with pops of color.
Blue is a great primary color choice for the lake house bedroom. Not only does it symbolize the vitality of water, but blue also has a positive psychological effect, making us feel more relaxed and peaceful. All shades of blue, from deep navy to bright turquoise, work well in lake house décor, Fingalson notes. Choose bedding, pillows, lamps, and more in blue solids or patterns. Blue and white stripes have a particular association with boating and is a fun pattern for children’s rooms.
Blue is an attractive counterpart to neutral tones of cream and wood, as well as more vibrant colors like orange and yellow. Have fun with area rugs, towels, artwork, and pillows using a bit of vivid color.
Artwork and decorative details
Wall décor can be tricky, Fingalson notes. Her view? Balance is key. “Mixing wall décor materials such as canvas prints, mirrors, wall clocks, and dimensional wall décor gives each room more interest and character,” she says. “Too much of the same type of wall décor becomes bland and flat.”
Arrange decorative items in odd numbers, such as in threes or fives, for the best effect. In larger rooms, using large decorative pieces and wall décor is more impactful and less busy. “Being mindful of scale is a huge factor while putting the final touches on your home,” Fingalson advises. “This includes area rugs, furniture, light fixtures, and wall art.”
Open shelves are wonderful display areas and extremely popular in modern lake homes, and Fingalson says to play around with them until you get the look you want. “Try mixing not only different shapes but also heights, textures, and sheens,” she notes.
The great outdoors, lake house style
Keep in mind that most of your daylight hours (and a few of your evening ones, too) will be spent outdoors. Pay special attention to your decks, pool area, front porch, and backyard spaces. Where are the best views? Where will dinners and lunches be served?
Choose oversized chairs and chaise lounges, and place various-sized wicker tables nearby. Scatter welcome mats with fun motifs and personalized messages in front of doors and stairways. For those mid-afternoon naps, set up a few cozy fringed hammocks, and remember the pillows.
Potted plants are always at home in the lake house, both indoors and out. Choose some cute pots with flowering plants, and place them on windowsills, stairways, and kitchen shelves. Add pot hangers, and enliven the room corners and porch eaves with geranium and fern.
