We were immediately drawn to the beautiful lake views and thoughtful layout of this waterfront home. The windows were generous, and the setting was serene, but the interior felt dark. Honey oak trim, dated finishes, and heavy materials made the space feel closed off from the outdoors. With a few strategic interior design updates, we knew we could create something brighter, easier to live in, and more aligned with the setting.
This wasn’t a total overhaul. It was a series of smart changes that made the home feel more open, livable, and true to the function and style of a modern lake house.
The Kitchen: Working With What Works
The kitchen had solid custom cabinets, plenty of natural light, and a layout that made sense, but the finish was weighing everything down. Rather than replace the cabinetry, we painted it in a lighter color, instantly lifting the feel of the space. We also removed a full row of upper cabinets and installed open shelving to keep the wall feeling relaxed and functional. The dark granite countertops were replaced with white quartz countertops, and a simple 4×4 backsplash tile added just enough texture without pulling focus.
We kept the original wood flooring, which paired nicely with the updated palette. New champagne gold hardware and a sculptural faucet provided a refined, modern touch, turning this into a bright kitchen design that finally felt like part of the rest of the house.
Living Room: Seating With A View
The living room didn’t require a major renovation, but it did need a shift in style. The slate fireplace surround and entry tile didn’t reflect the relaxed tone our client envisioned for lake house living. We swapped both for something lighter and more casual, which helped set the tone for the rest of the floor. We then replaced the heavy drapery with woven roller shades, motorized for ease of use, which keep the sightlines open while providing practical light control.
Master Bathroom: Same Space, Better Flow
Next, we tackled the primary bathroom. The layout didn’t make sense for this homeowner; a large corner tub with a sliding door enclosed the shower, making the whole room feel cramped. It wasn’t practical, and it didn’t reflect the functional bathroom design the homeowner wanted.
We removed the tub and reoriented the layout to create a large walk-in shower. The design palette was simple: white tile, soft gray accents, and brushed gold finishes for warmth. We installed a black double vanity with matching mirrors, adding storage and balance. The result is an efficient, comfortable bathroom without expanding the footprint.
Lakehouse Living
The principles of lake house interior design guided every aspect of this house. We didn’t tear down walls or reinvent the floor plan; we made intentional changes that added up to a much clearer expression of how the home should feel: open, light, and in sync with its surroundings. Each space now supports the way our client lives and lets the view do the talking.
Design with Impact
We believe every home should reflect the people who live in it. Our team specializes in creating spaces that are tailored to your style, needs, and lifestyle. We design homes that not only reflect what you want your space to look like, but homes that reflect how you will live in it. Check out our design page to learn more about how we can design your home with Impact.
