These lake house decorating ideas will help create a comfortable, yet rustic oasis, expertly blending nautical decor with the beauty of nature all around.
As you can imagine, since I love all things blue and turquoise, I also love all things coastal and beach house. I try to incorporate some of the coastal decor influences in my home without being overly beachy – since, well … I don’t exactly live near a body of water. Ha!
So I swoon a little bit when I get to vacation at the beach or the lake and get to see a home fully embraced in nautical-inspired decor. This doesn’t mean there are anchors or shipwrecked art all over the wall, but more subtle nod to the sea outside the window.
Having a lake house doesn’t mean you have to hang oars on your wall. But it’s highly recommended. And it’s totally adorable.
Lake life is similar to the beach life in that it’s lots of blues and natural elements. But when I think about beach decor, I think of a lot of blue greens, turquoise and mint. When lake house decor comes to mind I think more of a rustic, cabin vibe with navy and white and natural wood tones. It has more of a camp feel to it, rather than a vacation vibe.
I love the all white look, but I also love a natural wood wall and/or ceiling in a lake house. Something about those warm wood tones make me feel rustic and like we’re in a real cabin at the lake.
It’s the perfect place to have an exposed rock fireplace.
And a bunk room, for sure. I don’t know what it is, but I go week in the knees over a built-in bunk room. #Ihaveathingforbuiltins
Round, port hole windows are also a wonderful way to give a nod to the nautical theme without being cartoonish.
Enjoy these inspirational photos I rounded up of some of my favorite non-overt lake house looks!
Hiya Papaya
Source Unknown
Lorie A.
Hi Laura,
What is the green/blue color used on the door and shutters of the home on your home page? The gray home (looks like shaker siding) with big white pillars, stone steps and the American flag on the left as you look at the photo? Looks like the perfect color for my lake home door!
Thanks!
The Turquoise Home Team
Hi there!
Sorry we can’t help you with the paint color, but here is a direct link to a post about it on another website: https://houseofturquoise.com/2011/06/day-one-dream-home-tour.html
Laura
Hi Lorie, I actually know that color off the top of my head, because I have been drooling over that house for years! It’s Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore. I used it in my dining room in my last home and still love it to this day!
xo, Laura
Karen Shermer
Love your site Laura. Recently bought a small house by a lake for my husband and I to retire. Plan on decorating with blues. There are warm woods in the house. I realize all homes have different elements that affect how a color looks but can you suggest a good neutral paint color or better yet paint scheme for us to start with?
Richard Davis
I agree with using blue and neutral colors for decoration. Great blog by the way and thanks for sharing!
lauren
Love this post! Such great inspiration here! I love the warm wood tones, blues and whites.
[email protected] Pillow
Just phenomenal & great. Really wonderful & awesome idea. Thanks a lot. Keep up the great job.
Nancy Davies
Gorgeous! Gorgeous!! Gorgeous!!!
Laura
So very gorgeous! Yay!! xo!
Pat M.
Some of the best inspiration photos ever! I want a house on the water …..
Barb V.
Okay, I will take any one of these places. Wowee!!
Krista
Gorgeous inspiration! I love the bunk rooms! Thanks for including me,Laura!
Laura
Love your home, Krista!!
Debbie Gail
The Lake House/Farm House look is so relaxing. This makes me want to take a few days off to go to the lake.
Laura
My husband’s family has a lake house, so we get to go whenever we want to. It’s so fun to dream about how to decorate it!