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For many people, summer isn't complete without a little boogie boarding, lugging a heavy cooler over the dunes, and collecting a bucket full of shells. But while beach house life brings with it all the fun, it also brings with it a lot of sand, which finds its way into floorboards, beds, and lunch boxes. So it's no surprise that more and more people are imagining lakeside getaways this season. According to Pinterest's weekly trends roundup, searches for “lakeside cottages” and “lakeside home decorating ideas” have increased by 45%, while “lakeside home decor” has also spiked by 25%.
When it comes to decor, lakeside homes aren't all that different from beach houses. Many are designed to accommodate large groups of guests, tolerate wet feet, and have a bit of an ocean breeze. Here are some of our favorite lakeside homes featured on Domino, along with some ideas you can adopt from them.
A great view for your kitchen
Designer Mackenzie Millhausen relocated the kitchen of this Alberta, Canada home to the second floor to maximize views of the lake and distant bird sanctuary. She added a bar in front of the window for extra counter-height seating, ensuring no one missed the view while sipping their morning coffee.
Create a practical paneled foyer
In a tiny lakeside cottage, the porch can easily become a dumping ground for boots and tools. Use a mudroom/laundry room to keep clutter under control, like Jenni Kayne's cozy Lake Arrowhead retreat. She outfitted her sleek shiplap space with lots of big baskets (perfect for storing towels and toys), a working sink, and built-in drawers.
Paint a low ceiling
If you have friends with homes on the water, every unused nook and cranny suddenly becomes a place to put a mattress. This Lake Maxine Cookie home shows how the space above the garage has been transformed into a dream guest suite. Painting the ceiling panels the same color as the sky connects you to the outdoors, not your cars.
