Create a tranquil lakeside retreat, no matter your location, with our 10 favorite lake house decor ideas

The lake house style is all about embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Taking inspiration from traditional lake houses, the style nods to the beautiful body of water that lake cabins, lodges, and cottages are lucky enough to overlook.

Luckily, this interior design trend isn't one that's limited to those who live by a lake. In fact, recreating the signature lake house look is about adopting a sense of serenity, resulting in a cozy interior that welcomes you as soon as you enter.

Inspired by nature, the lake house style prioritizes natural light and views, a nod to the traditional lakeside vacation home that allows its occupants to gaze at the landscape. Organic materials are at the forefront of the design, adding to the harmonious feel of the look. It's also a style that's characterized by comfort, so expect to see plenty of luxe seating and cozy materials.

How to get the lake house look at home

Whether you're designing your second residence – a charming getaway on the lake, or are simply looking for some beautiful new design inspiration, the lake house look puts cozy comfort and rustic natural character first.

Drawing from the beauty of the great outdoors and providing plenty of room for relaxation, this timeless decor idea exudes charm, character, and memories of serene, sun-soaked days by the water.

We spoke with designers who love the look – and they shared ten straightforward tips for getting the style down in any home. From prioritizing light to dialing down the kitsch, this is how to channel the tranquil lake, no matter your design style.

1. Use natural materials and textures

'Lake house-inspired decor embodies a serene and natural aesthetic, incorporating elements that reflect the tranquility and beauty of lakeside living. For this look, styling with natural materials takes center stage, with an emphasis on decorating with wood, textured linens, and the welcoming presence of natural plants. The design embraces a connection to the outdoors and seeks to bring the peaceful ambiance of the lake environment into the interior space,' says Olga Alexeeva, creative director at Black & Milk.

Because lake houses are often located on the coast, their design schemes draw heavily from natural materials and motifs. Wooden, vaulted ceilings and classic hardwood flooring often provide a base for the look, with rustic decor made of jute, rattan, and wicker making tasteful appearances. Cody Brown, co-founder and principal of Dallas-based Bridges Brown Interiors, says that 'neutral colors, cozy textures, and a few nautical touches without being kitschy' complete the design style.

'I enjoy implementing elements such as wood and stone, vintage textiles, cashmere throws, hand-woven rugs, rope-style textures, and nature-inspired artwork to achieve the comfortable yet luxe feel every lake house should exude,' he says.

With a spotlight on natural texture and rustic character, the lake house look is reminiscent of cottage style, says Eugenia Triandos, principal designer of Montreal-based Hibou Design & Co. With an added 'touch of nautical charm,' the natural elements make up a cozy, homey retreat that's fit for the whole family.

'We incorporate patterns and materials that evoke a cozy, cottage aesthetic, often incorporating elements like shiplap and farmhouse sinks. Wicker furnishings add to the indoor-outdoor living vibe we aim for, and we prefer to keep windows bare to maximize the beautiful views that these lake houses tend to have, by which we avoid any heavy window coverings,' says Eugenia.

2. Incorporate comfortable furniture

When designing a lake house-style home, it's vital to include spaces designated solely for relaxation and family gatherings. These living room seating areas don't need to be elaborate or over the top – they merely need to put your mind at ease. With your 'foundational elements like jute rugs and shiplap walls' already set in stone, you'll be able to layer cozy, welcoming elements to your heart's content, says Eugenia.

'Focus on comfortable, livable furnishings to maintain a casual and inviting atmosphere. Deep, comfortable upholstery is key to creating a space that feels cozy without being stuffy,' says Elizabeth Drake, principal designer of her eponymous design firm based in Chicago.

'A game table is my favorite element included in the design – well-situated with upholstered chairs, it can invite gatherings over a puzzle or coffee,' she continues. 'Focus on comfortable, livable furnishings to maintain a casual and inviting atmosphere. Deep, comfortable upholstery is key to creating a space that feels cozy without being stuffy.'

'Overall, lake house-inspired decor aims to create a retreat that embraces the calming influence of nature, bringing together elements of comfort, warmth, and timeless elegance to reflect the tranquil allure of lakeside living,' says Olga.

In this garden house project, pictured above, Black & Milk integrated a sauna building, wooden plunge pool and expansive outdoor deck to further exemplify the indoor-outdoor connection paramount to successful lake house design. And though not every lake house needs these luxurious design elements to thrive, plenty of natural lighting and gorgeous outdoor views never hurt.

'The abundant use of oversized windows and a large skylight allows for an uninterrupted view into the woods, integrating the natural beauty of the surroundings into the living space. The wood burner becomes a focal point, imparting warmth and coziness to the interior during darker hours, enriching the atmosphere and inviting a sense of comfort,' Olga adds.

3. Stick to an earthy color scheme

Choosing a color scheme for your whole home is an easy way to ensure you've got the lake house look down, and the key to finding the perfect shades starts with a quick glance out the window. Rebecca suggests starting with 'blue and green colorways' layered 'on top of a neutral palette' so the overall look 'blends into the natural outdoors instead of competing.'

'Think large plank wooden floors, white or cream walls, and potentially some shiplap accents along the stairway and bedrooms. You bring in color through curtain ideas, pillows and throws, and you can layer in woven rugs or even lamps with rope bases for added texture,' she says.

Though traditional lake houses often take on red, white, and blue hues, a neutral base with natural accents will never lead you wrong. Mix your interior design style with calming color combinations for a soothing, retreat-like look you'll never want to leave.

'It's important to capture a sense of muted tranquility and embrace a slightly melancholic vibe that resonates with the peaceful and contemplative nature of the lake setting. Starting with a color scheme that includes muted earthy tones, deep greens, and autumnal hues can evoke the serene mood of a lakeside retreat,' says Olga.

4. Keep it simple, and stay away from kitsch

When exploring any variation of coastal decor, including the lake house look, it's easy to stray quickly into kitsch. Visions of anchors, seashells and wooden oars hanging from the walls might scream lake house, but it's often best to leave these accessories behind.

'Lake house living is all about simplicity and having fun. There are plenty of ways to decorate without resorting to obvious color palettes and kitschy decor (you can have just ONE sign that says “Lake Thattaway”, and save it for the mudroom!)' says Gaia Guidi Filippi, principal and creative director of Dallas-based Gaia G Interiors.

Instead of the over-the-top accents, Gaia suggests sticking with 'comfortable and durable fabrics' and 'keeping the focus on the view at that indoor-outdoor feeling.' Integrate white shades and 'casual motifs' to keep the design scheme pared-back and pretty.

Kristen agrees that overly obvious ocean motifs don't always land: 'My firm has designed a few lake houses and our first rule is to try to avoid anything "kitschy" that screams "lake" (no oars on the walls or "gone fishing" signs),' she says.

'Instead, start slowly and layer in more found local pieces, like pottery, picture frames, and natural wood elements, and see how you can build on that cozy, inviting feeling versus trying to make it too obvious through wording,' Rebecca adds.

5. Plan for guests

One of the best parts of lakeside living is the company that comes with it, so you'll want to plan for family and friends to visit from the very beginning of the design process. Gaia says this involves considered spatial planning, carving out space for guest bedrooms, and extra seating in the living and dining room.

'Make it as entertainment-friendly as possible, with spots both indoors and out that offer each family member or guest a moment of relaxation and quiet luxury. If there is an opportunity to do so, I love a lake property with connected areas, like a breezeway to a guest room, a screened-in front porch or a dining area. It just adds so much character and charm,' she says.

Cody adds that the details matter, even down to the bedding: 'We recommend investing in quality bedding for each bedroom, as often, a lake house will have many family and friends visiting. Making the beds feel like a luxury hotel will add to the overall enjoyment of a lake house stay.'

An easy (and often overlooked) way to make the lake house cozy and comforting for each and every guest is by lighting the space with intention. Cody adds that a well-thought-out lampscaping scheme provides a welcoming environment for all.

'Adding layered lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting will create an ambiance that works well in the evenings when you cannot see the lake from inside the house and will allow you to create intimate areas to read a book or cozy up with a glass of wine,' he says.

6. Embrace family memories (and make new ones)

Instead of leaning into kitschy or predictable design motifs, Kristen suggests placing focus on 'family history, as well as the town or area where the house is located.' This will give your lake house-style home a unique, personalized spin that won't be replicated in the houses all along the coast.

'These places usually have a "lake history" where families have come for generations and embrace the culture of the place that weaves into the client's family history. The memories that are built there become timeless bookmarks. Our first request is getting family pictures and heirloom pieces that they want included. We'll then weave in wonderful new or vintage pieces that could be layered in to finish the look,' says Kristen.

Decorating with family heirlooms is often the best approach, but decorating with vintage is another fast track to a storied, characterful space you'll love. 'Incorporating antique or vintage pieces adds character and history to the space, enhancing the sense of charm and timelessness,' says Olga.

Aside from the history and meaning attached to vintage and antique pieces, Gaia adds that their slightly rustic look melds well with the hallmarks of lake house design and the surrounding natural environment. These furniture pieces and accessories contribute to the nostalgic feel brought on by the lakeside environment, and welcome guests in with ease.

'To find these unique pieces, we suggest planning a fun buying trip to local antique shops to find things that speak to your specific taste and correctly fit the scale of your home – our favorite place to do this is Round Top, Texas. As designers, we always start with a good space plan, then furnishings, rugs, and window coverings, making styling the last step of the process to pull the room together,' says Cody.

7. Don't be afraid to bend the rules

Though these expert-provided tips will send you on your lake house way, designing a lakeside home is no exact science. Creating an oasis for your family and friends should be, above all, personalized and heartfelt. That's why taking a few 'wrong turns' won't shatter your lake house look – they'll only contribute to the characterful, eclectic home you'll be happy to live in over the summer or all year round.

'Adding a few elegantly mismatched vintage furnishings or accessories can add that relaxed lake home vibe. Color palettes can be all lake colors or add a contrasting color to accentuate the view,' says Elizabeth.

8. Consider practical finishes

A lake house is typically a place for family and friends to relax during vacation. People will inevitably be in and out, so opting for stylish yet practical finishes will ensure your flooring and walls will stand the test of time and withstand any wear and tear.

Whether it's living room paneling or wood flooring, consider the overall design when selecting your materials and finishes while bearing in mind their durability. Jennifer Hamilton, Director of The Vawdrey House says, 'In terms of practicality, floor finishes that you (and pets) can come in from the lakeside and garden without being too precious. We love reclaimed, weathered timber, herringbone brick, or large flagstones for this kind of property.'

Whilst, of course, a lake house design is stylish, comfort and homeliness are at the core of the style. Kate Walker says, 'The lake house look is never overly polished. It's curated but comfortable where every detail matters. From the finish on the polished plaster walls to sight lines throughout the home, each decision is considered in context.'

9. Honor the lake views

Typically, lake houses are situated near a lake, meaning many of them boast stunning views and surrounding scenery. To encompass the meaning of the lake house style, enhance your architecture by prioritizing views, allowing the spirit of the lake to transport into your home.

Kate says, 'Lake house interiors should always honor the view. That means strategic window placement, sheer furnishings that filter the light, and a considered layout that allows the landscape to shine. Less is more - let nature take center stage.' Window seat ideas help create a serene nook in your lake house, making gazing outside even more enjoyable. Window treatment ideas enhance your architecture and nod to the outside if space doesn't allow for a designated seating area.

Lake house-style homes are often weekenders, but they need to function like permanent homes. The magic lies in space planning, zones for togetherness and retreat, spaces that breathe.

10. Prioritize peace and serenity

As with any holiday home, a lake house is the perfect place to retreat when you need some downtime. When designing your space, consider soothing decorating ideas that will guide you and help you prioritize a sense of calm.

There are many ways to make a home more relaxing but zoning your space by purpose will help the areas designated for lounging feel even more special and tranquil. Kate adds, 'Lake house-style homes are often weekenders, but they need to function like permanent homes. The magic lies in space planning – zones for togetherness and retreat, spaces that breathe. As you move through a lake house aesthetic there is a quiet rhythm – no echo, no visual clutter, just gentle transitions from one beautifully resolved space to another.'

Shop our edit to complete the lakeside look

Remember, 'a lake house is often where a family goes to get away from their everyday life, relax, and have fun. So, styling one is a little different than a primary residence,' says Kristen Rivoli, founder and principal designer of Massachusetts-based Kristen Rivoli Interior Design.

Regardless of design style or hometown, we all deserve a bit of lakeside relaxation. If the laid-back, serene feel of lake house style has resonated with you, then the coastal scandifornia trend might be just for you.