Are you a beach or a lake person—or both? Summer is just around the corner, and if you are planning a vacation, it’s a difficult choice to make. Who doesn’t love the sand beneath your toes and the sound of the waves? There’s also the romantic, enduring appeal of laying on a dock by the lake or spending the day floating around in an inner tube.
If you’re in the process of designing a lake house, you’ll quickly realize some key differences that will set your design apart from a beach cottage. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite lakeside design elements to provide a snapshot of lake house chic style inspired by Serena & Lily. As a brand synonymous with light, airy coastal furniture, Serena & Lily is the perfect place to turn when designing a beach or lake house.
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Nautical Colors
Interior designers often draw inspiration from the outdoors, especially in beautiful settings. While beach houses frequently include hues like coral and teal to reflect the ocean, sea life, and sunsets, lake houses tend to feature a more subdued color palette. You’ll often find shades of navy and sage that mirror the serene tones of the lake.
Serena & Lily specializes in bright interiors and would likely lean into crisp whites with pops of navy and lighter earth tones to create an elevated nautical lake house design. However, you could also embrace the darker hues to create a more moody design – it all depends on your personal style and what makes you feel cozy and comfortable in your lake house.
Lightweight Yet Durable Furniture
As seen in a coastal beach cottage, lake houses should be designed for relaxation and recreation. The lake lifestyle is not one where furniture can be too precious. Your sofas and tables need to handle frequent usage without showing too much wear and tear. Your decor should look classic and fresh but be durable enough to withstand potential pets, snack time, and the occasional wet swimsuit. The Serena & Lily English Roll Arm Club Chair is a perfect example of furniture that exudes luxury without the fuss.
Lakeside Decor
Differing from the light, playful nature of coastal homes, classic lake house designs often include elevated nautical elements, from rope details to golden anchors and vintage maps. Circular mirrors reminiscent of portholes are also popular. Finally, you’ll often find vintage-inspired decor, like lantern pendant lights and antique drawer handles in lake houses.
Spotlight on the Views
One of the greatest joys of lake house living is drinking coffee in the morning while you enjoy the breathtaking views outside. To make the most of the scenery, keep window treatments to a minimum, opting for sheer curtains or shutters that can be opened fully. Then, direct your seating arrangements towards the windows so you can appreciate the lake when relaxing.
Shiplap
Shiplap, characterized by overlapping wooden planks, is a common design feature in lake houses. It can be used on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Shiplap plays into a nautical theme while also adding texture, warmth, and a touch of rustic charm befitting a lakeside retreat.
Bunk Beds
Both practical and fun, bunk beds are perfect for kids and guest bedrooms in a lake house. Not only do they provide more room for sleeping, but they add a camp-like charm that kids, in particular, love. Create a cozy guest bedroom with two bunk beds, or deck out a kids’ bedroom with four bunks for the ultimate sleepover.
Serena & Lily: A Fresh Take on Lakeside Living
If you love bright and airy interiors filled with classic accent pieces, Serena & Lily is the perfect place to find decor for your lake house design project. Their signature range of furniture includes everything from stylish beds to chic headboards, all with an undeniable sense of charm. Shop everything you need on Kaiyo, where you’ll find pre-owned Serena & Lily pieces for less than retail. But hurry – pieces from this brand get snapped up quickly!
