Lakeside Living: Designing a Lake House Retreat

Written by TRISH KNIGHT AND NICOLE VARGA | Design by KNIGHT VARGA INTERIORS | Photography by JANIS NICOLAY

Nestled amidst serene landscapes, this lake house embodies the epitome of tranquil living. With every aspect meticulously curated to harmonize with the breathtaking views and the rhythm of the water, crafting a lake house is a testament to the art of seamlessly blending nature's beauty with architectural ingenuity.

Whether you're nestled in the mountains of British Columbia or along the rugged coastline of California, capturing the essence of the lake house aesthetic can elevate your home to new heights of comfort and sophistication. Here are some of our designer tips to help you achieve that lakeside retreat look and feel in your own space:

Embrace Natural Materials

Lakeside retreats are inherently connected to nature, and your interior design decisions should reflect this connection. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and locally sourced objects not only pay homage to the surrounding environment but also age gracefully, acquiring a patina that tells the story of time and place. Consider incorporating reclaimed wood beams, stone fireplace surrounds, rustic-grade hardwood floors for character, and native landscaping to evoke a sense of timeless charm and infuse your home with warmth and texture.

Create a Neutral Palette

A neutral color palette serves as the perfect backdrop for lakeside living, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage. Opt for soft earth tones, muted greens, and calming blues to evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. Layer in textures such as linen, cotton, and wool to add depth and visual interest to the space.

Style Underfoot

Introduce calming neutral tones from the ground up that offer rustic and textural elements for added warmth and relaxed charm. Look for highly durable materials that can withstand moisture and high traffic, such as rustic-finished wide plank wood floors, engineered hardwoods, and tactile tiles.

Create Cozy Gathering Spaces

Lakeside retreats are all about relaxation and spending quality time with friends and family. Create cozy gathering spaces where everyone can come together to unwind and reconnect. Arrange comfortable seating around a central focal point, such as a large stone fireplace, and be sure to add plush throw blankets and oversized pillows to encourage lounging after long days spent outdoors. Natural textiles such as wool rugs, woven baskets, and linen upholstery add depth and interest to the space with their tactile quality evoking the feeling of being close to nature.

Maximize Natural Light

Expansive windows are a hallmark of lake house design, allowing ample natural light to flood the interior and providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Keep window treatments minimal to allow for unobstructed views of the outdoors, and opt for sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily opened during the day to create a bright and airy atmosphere.

Incorporate Outdoor Elements

Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home by incorporating outdoor elements into your interior design. Consider adding potted plants, fresh flowers, and other greenery to infuse your space with natural beauty. Incorporate locally sourced, rough-hewn wood into a bench or coffee table. Choose artwork featuring serene lake scenes, aquatic motifs, and coastal landscapes to evoke the calming influence of water.

Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Lakeside living is all about blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, so create seamless transitions between the two in your home. Install sliding glass doors that open onto a spacious deck or patio, and furnish outdoor living areas with comfortable seating, dining tables, and lounge chairs. Consider adding an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area to enhance the alfresco dining experience and make entertaining a breeze.

Consider the Layout

While aesthetics play a pivotal role in the design of a lake house, functionality is equally paramount. If remodeling or building a new home, the layout should be intuitive and practical, catering to the needs of both relaxation and recreation. An open-concept floor plan allows for seamless flow between living spaces, while strategically placed bedrooms and bathrooms ensure privacy and comfort for residents and guests alike. A well-appointed kitchen is central to a lakeside retreat, as local shopping may not be close by. Crafting a kitchen with work zones for multiple cooks with ample storage for food and beverages is key.

First Impressions

Designing a mudroom as the entrance to a lake house presents a unique opportunity to blend practicality with style while embracing natural elements. Incorporate ample storage for outdoor gear that is easy to use and looks great, such as hooks, open cubbies, and a bench to tuck shoes into. Infuse style with tile selection, millwork, and shiplap wall details, all while considering durability and function of daily use. Incorporating these expert tips will help you achieve the lakeside retreat look and infuse your home with serenity and natural beauty. By embracing natural materials, creating cozy gathering spaces, maximizing natural light, and prioritizing comfort and functionality, you can create a luxurious retreat-style home that exudes elegance and sophistication all year round. From architecture to the smallest details of interior design, every element can be curated to celebrate the timeless allure of lakeside living. With a deep reverence for the natural world, a lake house stands as a testament to the art of design in perfect harmony with nature.

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For more designer advice and trend inspiration, check out our latest issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine.

Knight Varga Interiors | Designers Trish Knight and Nicole Varga are both co-founders of Knight Varga Interiors. With two decades of experience, this Vancouver-based multi-award-winning design firm has become known and sought after for creating well-curated interiors. The firm provides complete bespoke residential design services throughout Vancouver, BC, Canada, and North America.