The Modern Lake House: Design Guide for Relaxed Living

Softer, Lighter, Easy Breezy on the Lake

Enjoy the lake view- your LKS designer will help you with selections made to be in the sun (and sand).

Lake houses experience a type of light that is completely different from inland homes.Water acts like a natural reflector — scattering light, softening shadows, and shifting color perception throughout the day.

Soft, low-contrast palettes create calm cohesion:

• Warm whites

• Sand and oat tones

• Pale, sun-washed oak

• Soft grays

• Muted blues

• Mineral greens

• Weathered taupes

“Lake home palettes should feel like nature, not compete with it.”

A gentle foundation allows the view to take the lead and helps interiors look timeless year after year.

Choose Materials That Can Handle Moisture, Sun & Real Life

Lake homes experience humidity, bright natural light, and a constant flow of people, pets, and gear. Materials must be both durable and beautiful.

Flooring

• Engineered hardwood

• Wide planks

• Matte finishes

• Tones that disguise sand + wear

Counters

• Quartzite

• Granite• Dolomite (for low-use areas)

• Porcelain for high-performance durability

• Honed and matte finishes reduce glare from reflective light

Cabinetry

• Frameless systems (perfect for modern lake homes)

• Inset cabinetry for cottage, coastal, and classic styles

*Humidity and temperature, and how the home is experienced will ulitmately guide the material and framing selections.

Fabrics

• Crypton

• Performance linen

• Indoor–outdoor blends

• Washable slipcovers

These materials maintain a relaxed, lived-in look without sacrificing longevity.

Furniture & Layout for Relaxed Lake Living

Lake houses are gathering places. Spaces must support people coming and going... often with towels, snacks, pets, and sandy feet.

Priorities include:

• Open, flexible floor plans

• Large-scale sectionals

• Layered seating zones

• Durability-first upholstery

• Easy-to-clean rugs (flatweave, performance, wool blends)

• Side tables + ottomans for casual lounging

• Dining areas that expand for guests

Relaxed living means furniture that invites people to sit, nap, gather, and enjoy the view.

Lighting a Lake House

Even the brightest lake homes need strong lighting strategy.Daylight varies dramatically by season, region, and elevation — especially in northern climates.

Lighting Priorities

• Warm LED temperatures (2700–3000K)

• Evening ambiance that feels soft, not dramatic

• Layered lighting: sconces, accents, pendants, cove light

• Fixtures that feel natural (linen, tonal metals, matte finishes)

• Avoiding harsh or high-contrast fixtures that overpower

Lake houses look best with lighting that echoes the environment — gentle, warm, and airy.

Bathrooms & Mudrooms in Lake Homes

These two areas work the hardest in lakefront living.

Mudrooms Should Have:

• Towel hooks + storage

• Bench seating

• Sand-friendly flooring

• Durable cabinetry

• Wet gear zones

• Easy-access cleaning tools

Bathrooms Need:

• Proper ventilation

• Humidity-friendly materials

• Warm lighting for mornings and late evenings

• Low-maintenance stone alternatives

Spa-like simplicity works beautifully in lake house baths.

Climate & Seasonality Considerations:

Whether your lake home is on the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, the South, or a mountain reservoir, lake climates create similar design challenges:

• Reflective, shifting light

• Higher humidity

• Temperature swings between seasons

• Direct sun exposure on interiors

• Water, sand, and outdoor gear circulation

Designing with performance materials, soft palettes, and layered lighting ensures your home adapts beautifully all year long — regardless of region.

A Room-by-Room Lake House Design Checklist

Entry / Mudroom

• Bench + hooks

• Performance flooring

• Closed storage for gear

• Towel + swim item storage

Living Room

• Performance upholstery

• Wide, low seating

• Lake-facing furniture layout

• Soft, layered palette

Kitchen

• Performance counters

• Ample refrigeration

• Easy-clean cabinet finishes

• Seating for groups

Dining

• Expandable table

• Durable chairs

• Warm lighting above

Bedrooms

• Calm, tonal palettes

• Light-filtering window treatments

Bunk Rooms

• Built-ins

• Durable bedding

• Soft night lighting

Bathrooms

• Non-slip tile

• Humidity-friendly finishes

• Warm lighting

Outdoor Transition Spaces

• Indoor–outdoor rugs

• Bench + hooks

• Drop zones for sunscreen + towels