15 Lake House Interior Design Ideas for Your Waterside Escape (With Photos!)
Take lake life to the next level.
Lake houses are the ultimate relaxing retreats. Whether hosting friends or unwinding after a day by the water, thoughtful decorations make your lake house memories even sweeter. Unsure where to begin? Keep reading for our top lake house interior design ideas.
1. Opt for Light Wood
Opt for furniture made of lighter wood to enliven your lake house. Common in coastal homes, light wood gives any space an open and airy feel. The white wood dining set and sideboard featured above seamlessly create a bright gathering space.
Give a nod to lake life by incorporating items traditionally used on the water, like kayak paddles or boat oars. This lake house decor brings waterside adventure into the heart of your home. Hang paddles above the bed, or place them in the corners of the room for a nautical twist.
Stripes are reminiscent of everything nautical and work perfectly in lakeside homes. They add visual interest to your space without overpowering it. Shades of blue or navy are perfect for tying in the color of water. The striped dining chairs featured above serve as a playful focal point.
If bold stripes aren’t your thing, don’t worry – look for smaller stripes in a light color to add subtle details to your lake house. Striped wallpaper is perfect for giving off a waterside feel. To complete the look, choose a few pieces of nautical-themed wall art.
Incorporating shades of blue into your home instantly gives it a lakeside feel. Go for blue walls and look for blue-toned decorative objects, like glass balls or lanterns. Then, finish the look with your favorite nautical decor.
When it comes to lake house designs, your walls are a great place to get creative. Form a gallery wall with items that make you feel like you're on the lake, like wall art with ropes, anchors, or boats. For a personal touch, frame photos of your favorite lakeside memories with friends and family.
Used to tie boats to their docks, rope is synonymous with lake life. Add rope details to your lake house to incorporate that waterside feeling. The rope table lamp featured above adds texture to the space, creating a cohesive look when paired with the rope-framed mirror.
Turn your child's room into a lake-inspired retreat. Look for boat-patterned bedding to incorporate a nautical but playful theme. Then, add brightly colored throw pillows in shades of red and blue. No little ones? Lake-inspired bedding is also a great way to dress up any guest room.
Texture adds interest to any room and is an excellent consideration for lake houses with neutral color palettes. Throw blankets and pillows bring cozy layers to your living space, while jute and sisal area rugs add visual interest that keeps you warm underfoot.
For a classic lakeside look, choose rustic decor. Start with acoustic or wood wall paneling for a cozy cabin feel. Then, add warmth to your space with dark wood furniture, like the coffee table or accent chair featured above. For a finishing touch, consider a fireplace to bring a campfire vibe into the heart of your home.
Lake house interior design doesn’t have to be strictly nautical – try making it modern! Keep furniture slim and sleek to give a modern feel while choosing lake-inspired colors, like light blues and grays. Look for dining tables and chairs with slim legs and rounded edges for a modern vibe. Then, complete the look with lake-inspired wall art.
If a traditional nautical feel doesn’t fit your lake house vision, don’t worry! Embrace a rustic vibe by playing with patterns. Pair patterned throw pillows with a dark leather sofa to add splashes of color to a cozy rustic backdrop. Then, lay a patterned rug in light colors to offset the sofa’s darker shades. Distressed coffee tables are another great choice because the wood detailing adds its own unique pattern to the room.
Opt for a twist on the traditional nautical look by choosing wooden decor items. Instead of a traditional bookcase, select one in the shape of a rowboat. The bookcase featured above offers shelving for books and decor items while acting as a rustic decor piece itself. Add decorative objects like wooden birds, foxes, and antlers around the room for a rustic spin on traditional lakeside animals.
When decorating your lakeside abode, don’t forget the outdoor space! Add seating to your front porch to unwind by the water while enjoying the view. Opt for cozy selections like a hammock chair, outdoor rug, or throw pillows to extend the inviting feeling of your home to the outdoors.
Turn your lakehouse into a winter wonderland by swapping out summer decor for cozy elements. A wood stove keeps you warm after a long day cross-country skiing or ice skating across the lake. Add texture to your space with soft blankets and faux fur pillows for curling up on the couch. Consider a faux antler chandelier for a finishing wintry touch.
