It’s the dog days of summer…just enough time left to pack up the family and head to the ultimate getaway spot: the lake! As an avid sailor, I love spending time out on the water, and enjoy the opportunity to capture that ‘free-spirit’ feeling indoors.
The Dos and Don’ts of Designing Your Home
Clients often tell us they want a “beach house” feel in their lakeside home. Getting this look means easy-breezy furnishings, light and bright colors, and a relaxed atmosphere. For the furniture, slipcovers are a great way to go, so that it’s not the end of the world if Fido jumps on the couch with sandy, muddy paws. And think pillows, for days lounging with a great book. Be sure to have several small, moveable tables to make it easy to keep your beverage nearby.
Often, the view from a vacation home is the star of the show. So as to not overwhelm it, choose a subtle, nature-inspired wall color that pairs nicely with your décor. Embrace the natural light by leaving windows unadorned. And bring in a few touches of a nautical theme. We often will keep these toned down a bit, but it is fun to incorporate some driftwood, seashells, fish or boats as accents (that bookshelf in the background is shaped like a rowboat!).
And don’t forget the floors. It’s a wise idea to invest in rugs for your beach home. There’s no denying that time at the beach results in an abundance of sand brought into your home. Protect your floors from sand, dirt, and mud with rugs that are easy to shake out. Indoor/Outdoor rugs are an especially good choice for high traffic areas.
What are your beach home must haves? For more lake house design help contact us.
