The kitchen is the heart of the home. Much more than a place to cook food and pour drinks, it’s a central hub where friends and family gather to socialize, celebrate special occasions, and make lifelong memories.
In a lake house, the kitchen tends to be especially busy when you’re hosting guests. People coming and going, good conversation flowing, and the scent of a home-cooked meal lingering in the air—it’s a magical experience. And, on those quiet nights, you retreat to the kitchen for a midnight snack or a nightcap to finish a perfect day spent in your slice of paradise.
Having must-have kitchen items on hand elevates your lifestyle in countless ways. From stylish lake house kitchen decor to practical lake house accessories, we’re sharing the essential kitchenware that belongs in every lake house. Let’s dive in!
1. A Kitchen Island
Adding a kitchen island to your space is a life-changing upgrade. It significantly increases your counter space, giving you a place to prep or hold your culinary creations. When guests are over, pull up a few barstools and the kitchen seamlessly transitions to a makeshift speakeasy where people sip drinks, chat, and occasionally lend a hand with the cooking.
2. Wall Art
All too often, the kitchen gets overlooked when it’s time to decorate. Add lake house wall art to your list of must-have kitchen items! Sprucing up your walls makes the kitchen feel more like a natural extension of the rest of your home, creating a more welcoming environment for you and your loved ones.
3. Storage Solutions
As you brainstorm lake house kitchen ideas, keep organization in mind. Sometimes it’s not about what you can see, but what you can’t see.
Under-sink organizers keep cleaning supplies tidy and out of sight. A rack for pots and pans prevents cookware from turning into clutter. Home storage decor like cabinets and shelving give you ample space for dishware and silverware while adding visual texture. A food storage set keeps leftovers fresh until the next time a craving hits.
4. Practical Accessories
It’s easy to forget about practical must-have kitchen items until you reach for them and they’re not there! A well-stocked kitchen ensures that you’re always ready to accommodate the day’s plans (or make new ones on the fly). A can opener, corkscrew, hand towels, and cutting boards are all items you’ll be glad to have on hand when the need arises.
Furthermore, specialty accessories like a vegetable chopper and ice maker make prepping food and drinks easy-breezy so you can focus on having fun with your guests (or getting back to your favorite TV show before the commercials are over).
5. A Trash Can (With a Lid)
A high-quality trash can with a lid that seals tightly is one of those must-have kitchen items that makes a major difference in your overall lifestyle, but often gets overlooked. Sure, a better bin isn’t the most glamorous item on your shopping list, but waste disposal isn’t always easy when you’re living out in nature. That lid will work wonders in maintaining a pleasant environment.
6. Extra Dishware & Silverware
Even if you don’t plan on having many guests over, it’s best to consider the possibility when coming up with lake house kitchen ideas. Having extra dishware and silverware in the cabinets means you can invite the neighbors over for an impromptu dinner party, or be ready if a family member gives you last-minute notice that they’re in town.
7. A Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth speaker is another one of those must-have kitchen items that you don’t appreciate until it’s there. Music enhances the kitchen experience, letting you or your guests set the mood with the perfect soundtrack. You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks while you cook. When you’re ready to move the party to the patio, your portable speaker comes right along.
Stock Your Lake House Kitchen Today
Lake House Must Haves is a one-stop shop for all of the supplies you need to furnish and decorate your dream lake home. Our collections are lovingly curated by a husband and wife team who are realtors and lake homeowners. We only stock must-have kitchen items that we would use ourselves, so shop with confidence.
After choosing your kitchen supplies, have a look around. We carry contemporary home decor for every room in the house, as well as outdoor lake essentials for your exterior space. Whether you’re putting together a new home shopping list or simply looking to update a well-loved cabin, you can count on us to be your go-to source for all of the essentials.
We hope these lake house kitchen ideas are helpful. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for personalized recommendations from our friendly in-house experts. Make your lake house feel more like a home with must-have kitchen items.
