10 Trending Lake House Decorating Ideas

A lake house is a special place — and it deserves a special kind of decor. Whether you’re planning to rent a lake house for vacation, you’ve just purchased one of your own, or you simply want to decorate your home in the style of one, you’ll need the perfect decorating ideas to bring your lake house vision to life.

From stunning accessories to practical furniture pieces, we’ve got all the suggestions you need to turn your lake house into a cozy home. Plus, you can use these ideas whether you’re decorating a single room or the entire house. So, take a look and get ready to bring your lake house to life!

Use the Colors of Nature

When planning your lake house decor, it’s best to start with the colors of nature. Incorporate natural colors found in the lake’s landscape. This includes shades of blues, greens, and browns or tans. Add seashell and driftwood accents to create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider adding nature-inspired wallpapers or textiles to make the space more inviting and cozy.

Add Upcycled or Thrifted Furniture Pieces

To add charm and warmth to your lake house, integrate thrifted furniture. Implement pieces made from sustainable materials like bamboo and wicker. Incorporate antiques and vintage items into the design to give your space a rustic atmosphere. If you’re feeling creative, consider refurbishing and upcycling old pieces to give them new life in your home.

Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture

Maximizing space is crucial for lake house living, especially since most lake houses are on the smaller side. And what better way to do that than with multipurpose furniture? From foldable tables and desks to sleeper chairs and sofas, there are plenty of options to enhance functionality without compromising style. Investing in such versatile pieces can revolutionize your lake house experience.

Introduce Nautical Elements

Since you’re decorating a lake house, why not take advantage of its nautical theme? Consider adding anchors, buoys, and fishing nets for decor. Utilize boat-style furniture with rustic accents like rope to bring the aesthetic of the sea to your home. Look for items that evoke the natural beauty of the ocean to spruce up your home décor.

Incorporate Outdoor Elements

Take full advantage of what lakeside living has to offer by creating an outdoor living space. You can start by adding a screened-in porch where you can relax and take in the view from inside your home without being bothered by bugs. Add outdoor furniture, such as Adirondack chairs or picnic tables, to create a comfortable hangout spot for friends and family members. Don’t forget about lighting! You can opt for solar lighting or LED lights for an energy-efficient solution that can brighten up any outdoor space. String lights are especially popular.

Soften the Aesthetics

To add a touch of softness to the mix, incorporate cozy textiles and weaves into your home décor scheme. Utilize linen fabrics, natural fibers, and light woods in your design. Additionally, look into adding light-colored floor rugs or wall hangings to soften up your layout even further.

Accent with Candles and Lighting

Incorporating candles throughout the space is another great way to bring some warmth into your lake house décor. Add decorative lanterns and sconces for ambiance when hosting guests around the fireplace or dining table at night. From pillar candles to jarred candles, there are plenty of options to add depth and twinkle throughout the home. For more warm light during darker months, string lights are another fun option worth trying out!

Choose the Right Accessories

Though subtle compared to larger furniture elements, accessories can make all the difference when it comes to adding color and life to a lake house aesthetic. Fill bare walls with artwork that showcases regional landscapes or other art pieces inspired by lakeside life. Add wall art in different sizes and shapes to bring depth into the design scheme, including vintage maps, framed photographs, mirrors, or even strings of starfish. Finally, a few plants go a long way when it comes to freshening up your space. Consider hanging plants on porches or balconies and placing some by windowsills or on shelves. In line with the lake theme, bringing natural beauty indoors is never a bad idea!

Incorporate Architectural Accents

Whether you own an older lake house or just want to make yours look more rustic or elegant, architectural accents can completely transform how it looks from within! Introduce exposed beams on ceilings or walls for a natural look that brings character into any interior setting. Utilize brick walls or stone paneling as additional ways of bringing texture into stylish spaces. Alternatively, wood panels molded into different designs can offer another dimension of color and rustic style to any room.

Add Logs and Natural Wood

For a more rustic lake house style, try incorporating logs and more natural wood elements into your home. An affordable way to do this is to gather logs, pinecones, and more from around the area. Stack them up near fireplaces along with stones for easy access during those colder days when you need some extra heat but don’t want to go outside. You can even try making log benches. They have so much personality while providing extra seating during get-togethers with family members or friends. Plus, don’t forget about accessories such as rustic furniture pieces made from natural woods as they introduce an extra layer of coziness and charm to any living room!

Introduce Shades of Blue

Finally, don’t shy away from introducing shades of blue into your lake house décor. From pillows and bedding to rugs and art, make use of different shades, such as navy and aqua, throughout the space. This is an easy way of bringing out those beach vibes without going overboard on accessories or adding too many coastal-inspired décor elements.

Final Note

A lake house is a special place to escape to, relax, and rejuvenate. It’s a place to connect with nature and make memories with friends and family. By applying the trending lake house decorating ideas we’ve shared here, you can create the perfect atmosphere that captures the essence of lakeside living and highlights the beauty of nature.