As lake homeowners and realtors, we love sharing our favorite lake house design ideas with the community. We have a lot of experience helping clients create the waterfront retreat of their dreams, as well as furnishing and decorating our own slice of paradise.
Everyone has their own unique preference when it comes to decorating. We’re not here to tell you what to do! We’re here to provide inspiration and guidance as you navigate this exciting journey.
The great thing about decorating is that you’re never obligated to stick with one aesthetic. Homes tend to evolve over time. Whether you’re moving into a brand new waterfront abode or updating a storied family cabin, let these lake house decorating ideas give you some food for thought as you plan the next move.
1. Get Inspired by Your Surroundings
Not that you need an excuse to explore the scenic nature surrounding your home, but taking a hike is a wonderful way to get inspired. Lakeside living is all about appreciating the beauty of nature, and you can incorporate those outside themes into your inside design.
The goal is to create a harmonious transition between your interior and exterior spaces. The color palette of tranquil water, lush forests, and sandy beaches can help you come up with lake house decorating ideas.
Beyond color, you can find lake house design ideas by choosing pieces with natural materials, textures, and imagery. Seashells, driftwood, houseplants, and flowers are all right at home in a lake house. Wicker, wood, jute, rattan, and rope pieces can also bring some natural flavor to the space.
2. Embrace a Rustic Farmhouse Feel
Farmhouse home decor & furnishings complement lake houses beautifully, giving them a warm and welcoming feel that conjures visions of simpler times, but never goes out of style. There are two main schools of thought: traditional and modern farmhouse design.
Traditional farmhouse gets you closer to what it would be like to live long ago in an old-world farmhouse in the countryside. Traditional farmhouse lake house decorating ideas include weathered and antique pieces, large, extra-comfy lake house furniture, and exposed natural materials like wood, brick, metal, and stone. The goal is to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the quaint, bucolic charm of yesteryear.
Modern farmhouse design has similar elements, but with a sleeker, more contemporary feel. You want to capture that homeyness while still embracing the luxuries of modern living. Clean, simple lines and an overall minimalist approach bring a sense of clarity and organization to traditional farmhouse design, which often celebrates imperfection and busyness.
Of course, you’re not obligated to choose one or the other! You may find that modern, rustic lake house decor sparks decorating ideas that give your home a taste of both worlds.
3. Create a Beachy Staycation Paradise
If you’re seeking lake house design ideas that lean more on the playful, whimsical side, consider beach-style home decor & supplies. Beachy interior design tends to be exuberant, vibrant, and bold, creating an energetic feel that makes every day feel like you’re on vacation. That said, it can also be quite elegant.
How you approach beach design is up to you! Some people lean into the festive, tropical side, incorporating bright shades of yellow, orange, turquoise, coral, and green alongside brighter neutral tones like white and beige. Colorful flowers, bamboo, and tall, potted palm trees further add to the exuberant atmosphere.
You can also get lake house decorating ideas from the softer, more relaxed side of coastal living. Picture a lighthouse on a foggy Cape Cod shore, rather than a beach villa on a sunny Hawaiian island.
For example, coastal home furnishings are similar to beach design, but they lean more on the subdued side. It’s heavily influenced by nature, with comforting shades of blue and green blending with gentle neutral tones, such as beige, white, and brown. Decorations with nautical themes such as anchors, buoys, paddles, and boats give the space personality without being overly attention-grabbing.
Shop Expert-Curated Lake House Decor
Lake House Must Haves is the ultimate one-stop shop for high-quality lake home decor and necessities that capture the essence of life at the water’s edge. Browse our collections to bring these lake house decorating ideas to life. From lake house wall art to contemporary outdoor furniture, we carry everything you need to transform your house into a home.
These lake house design ideas are just the start of your journey with us! We’re passionate about waterfront living and all that comes with it. Check our lake house blog for more decorating tips, activity ideas, gift guides, and so much more. Make the most of every moment at your lakefront retreat. Shop timeless essentials that spark joy—now, and for many years to come.
