When it comes to impactful lake house decor ideas, focus on blending the beauty of nature with cozy comfort and relaxed elegance. Soft beige and warm wooden tones, calm blues, and soothing greens all reflect the surrounding landscape. Add pops of vibrant color such as sunflower yellow or pink inspired by seasonal blooms, local wildlife, and gorgeous sunsets. Then, make sure to incorporate cozy textiles such as plush pillows, soft area rugs, and comfortable fabrics that encourage laidback summertime vibes. Take a look at these 10 lake house decor ideas to make your own.
1. Nature-inspired color to ground your lake house decor
Earthy tones such as blues, greens, warm beige, and wood tones set against white characterize a classic lake house interior design palette. To achieve a more coastal or nautical look, incorporate navy blue, turquoise, and white. On the other hand wood, stone, and natural fabrics evoke a connection with the surrounding environment.
2. A cozy gathering space
No matter your decor style—modern lake house or traditional cottage—make it a cozy space you and your guests enjoy spending time in. Craft a cozy setting for socializing, whether centered around a flickering fireplace, an entertainment center, or a cozy nook overlooking the serene lake waters. Outfit the space with soft area rugs, complemented by plush pillows.
Provide a generous supply of cozy quilt throws, perfect for when the festivities move to the outdoor deck for stargazing or marshmallow roasting.
3. Nautical touches for fun lake house decor
Nautical-inspired elements lend a playful charm to your lake house decor. Think conch shells nestled among weathered driftwood, classic blue and white stripes adorning armchairs and throws, and subtle anchor imagery woven into your wall art. Introduce rustic rope accents and splashes of tranquil turquoise to evoke the essence of coastal living. Opt for bold red accents for a striking maritime feel or embrace soft turquoise hues for a breezy beachside vibe. Whichever style you choose, let the spirit of the sea infuse every corner of your lakeside haven with a sense of adventure and calm.
Saffron Marigold
Pacific Blue (CP) ~ Rustic Navy Blue Ocean Euro Sham
Dress your favorite reading chair with a conch shell pattern inspired by waterside living.
Saffron Marigold
Pacific Blue ~ Rustic Navy Ocean Kitchen Curtain
Bringing a touch of coastal charm to your space, these curtains evoke the tranquility of the shore.
4. A revamped outdoor living space
Transform your lakeside retreat with an outdoor living space designed for socializing. Arrange ample seating options around a rustic table or fire pit, inviting guests to gather and soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake. Soft cushions and cozy quilted throws provide comfort as the sun sets over the water, while gentle string lights add a touch of magic to the evening ambiance.
Casablanca Blues - Blue ~ Jaipuri Razai Quilt
Istanbul - CP ~ Palm Tree Boho Navy Blue & Gold Throw Pillow
Sunflower Serenade ~ Yellow Sunflower Throw Pillow Cover5. A vintage pattern for lake house cottage style
Pair classic stripes with romantic florals to evoke the timeless charm of a lake house cottage. Opt for vintage-inspired floral prints in blue and white hues, effortlessly blending lake house elegance with cozy comfort. Try these vintage-inspired lake house decor ideas and feel free to throw your own spin on cottage style.
6. Lake house wall art
Capture the essence of lakeside living with curated wall art featuring a mix of photography and artwork celebrating the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. How about panoramic shots of the waterfront at different times of the day, from the misty dawn to the golden hues of sunset? Additionally, you might intersperse these landscapes with images of local wildlife and flora, highlighting the intricate details that make the lake ecosystem so captivating.
7. Modern lake house decor
Complement your lake house with modern decor for a stylish yet functional aesthetic. Incorporate elements like geometric or abstract artwork, large mirrors, and statement wall art. One foolproof lake house decor idea is to add pops of color with bold accent pieces or vibrant upholstery. The result is a dynamic space that balances modern sophistication with rustic charm.
Arabesque Arches ~ White Applique Embroidered Textured Curtains
Royal Mansour ~ Jaipuri Razai Quilt
Royal Mansour Quartz ~ Moroccan Geometric Gray Trellis Curtain8. Indoor plants for lush lake house living
Fill your lake house indoor spaces with verdant house plants, bringing the calming presence of the outdoors into every corner. Your home becomes an oasis where the boundaries between inside and out blur and relaxation flourishes. What more could you want during your lakeside retreat?
Leafy Veil - Fern ~ Green Applique Embroidered Textured Curtains
Butterfly Ballet ~ White Applique Embroidered Textured Curtains
Pinwheel Parade - Blush ~ Applique Embroidered Textured Curtains9. Woven lampshades
Let the rustic charm of rattan and other materials envelop your lake house in relaxed elegance. Picture a trio of woven pendant lampshades suspended gracefully above your dining table or a corded rope table lamp casting a soft glow in your coastal-inspired bedroom. When it comes to must-have lake house decor ideas, we can’t recommend these earthy accents enough. Why? They evoke a feeling of easy sophistication, harmonizing with the natural splendor just beyond your windows.
10. Water-inspired bedding
Drift off to sleep surrounded by the calming hues of the lake with bedding that capture your environs. Lake decor such as seashells, coral, and seagrass motifs add a touch of coastal charisma, while plush textures mimic the feel of soft waves lapping against the shore, enveloping you in a cocoon of tranquility.
What to decorate a lake house with on a budget?
If you’re decorating a lake house on a budget, purchase secondhand artwork, paint your walls a new color, replace your linens, upcycle old decor, remove clutter, and incorporate portable seating, e.g. ottomans.
How to decorate lake cottage style?
Cottage style celebrates the rustic charm of country living through the use of florals, natural materials, earthy tones, and vintage accents. Visit our cottagecore decorating guide for more ideas on how to decorate in cottage style, and adapt our suggestions to suit the unique character of your lake house retreat.
