lake house love

When these sweet clients sent us photos of their lake house, we were absolutely swooning.

There’s just something about a good old fixer upper with great bones in such an amazing, idealistic setting that sets our hearts a-thumpin’.

Can we come over? We’ll bring the s’mores! ;}

And the place they wanted to get started first? The kitchen.

These original photos were taken right when they purchased the lake house. And since then, They’d gotten to work with some painting, and the removal of one of their kitchen cabinets on the left to open it up a bit, and quick fixes for that in-the-meantime phase. As you can see, they’d already come a really long way! So we were more than happy to offer a design plan for their kitchen/dining area.

So without further ado, here’s a few of our ideas: Lake House Love. 

The kitchen is a chance to bring in subtle classic color. Since it’s a lakehouse, we feel like they have permission to have a little more fun in this area. And then really update it through the years with their own accessories as they please.

We chose items that are a {little bit of an} investment, and items that are a real money saver. We think all the best spaces are that way, anyway. Timeless classics that are worth investing in, mixed with those bargain finds, and one of a kind handmade pieces. With these design ideas, we really just wanted to help preserve that fun lakehouse vibe while also bringing it up to date in a classic, modern way for the entire family to enjoy. We listened to all their requests, and we hope they’re as excited as we are about these finds as a great spring board for them!

So, first things first…. 

Architectural elements : 

1. Paint: 

They mentioned that Elmira White was the color that is already on those walls. We think this is great, so we paired it with another historical color – Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue. We’d love to see this on their ceiling, when they remove that drop down, {12} with a nice planked ceiling {example close to palladian blue}.

We also think that those beams would look great in a deeper contrast than the current stain. They can strip it down and re-stain, or cover it depending on what it’s made of. We would also love to see 3 – 5 beams running the opposite direction as seen here to bring that real fun rustic vibe to their space and highlight the great a-line roof. If they want to stain the center one, and then match up faux ones for the opposite, they can check out samples + get that fun rustic look. Or build faux ones. 

10. That support pole in the middle of their kitchen would look great trimmed out like this. If ya can’t beat em…we say at least make it pretty. ;}

7. Flooring: 

We’d take that flooring all the way through where they can in their space, but specifically in the kitchen/living/dining area. They’ll be amazed at how much larger their lake house can feel with a unified floor. Tile is super durable and withstands water and warping in a humid environment, as is appropriate in this space. 

Cabinets: 

8. The simple, classic shaker style would be a great timeless addition to their space with open shelving {as requested} above.

• For the countertops: since they’re local, we have a source in Wetumpka that makes beautiful heart pine tops for a very reasonable price. We’ve used him for our own kitchen, and you can see it on our island {and a how to for sealing} here. We’ve had this for over a year now, and it’s held up wonderfully.

• We love these hardware pieces {3} in a simple, classic polished nickel + milk glass. A great classic touch.

4. She requested one unified countertop for their bar area, at a lower height. These barstools for their lower bar area {simply extend the countertops out} are great in this easy adjustable find. They can also squeeze more in if needed with the backless option + affordable price.

Revisions to the arrangement: 

• We would center that oven to on the far wall, as seen on our inspiration board. Remove the microwave above, and put it at the end of the bar area, inside the cabinets. 

• Add a DIY hood {we thought this was an easy way to use their color for a customized look}. Kitchens can be a real price suck, and this saves a little while also giving that custom built look so they can spend bigger in other areas. 

• Move the fridge to the other wall {see next illustration} + do a few customized built ins around it to maximize their space for a needed pantry area. We realize there are light switches there, and this is an easy relocation fix with a certified electrician. We did it recently in our own home for our entryway. This is a small price for a major gain in wall real estate.

Bath door image {and how to!} borrowed from the fabulous rambling renovators 

The Oven: 

A smaller range will probably give them more space with their entire work area since it’s a little limited. But we realize people are choosey about their stove tops/ovens, and it looks like they have electric right now. This is a great little suggestion to tie in nicely with that classic, timeless feel. 

Shelving: 

Paired with these brackets, reclaimed wood, or the same heart pine. We’d love to see the same shelving just a little more of a space under that kitchen window. {2} We love simple blinds for their window treatments.

Sink + faucet: 

We’ve had this sink for years and loved it. {We’ll have it in our next home, too.} Paired again with that classic, polished nickel faucet.

Tile: 

8. Again, we love the simple subway backsplash in this tile. This is from the same company for the flooring. It’s a gorgeous, classic finish.

We would use a very light grey grout for a classic look in their installment. We’d love for them to take it all the way around, since there is no clear stopping point in the kitchen with the requested open shelving. It helps unify the space, and once they’ve purchased that much tile, it’s only a few extra hundred to take it around to the fridge on the next wall as shown, to help unify the space. We chose cararra because it’s natural finish is timeless and appealing, and the material is actually easier to drill into than glass tile. See Pretty Handy girls’ tutorial for that here + cleaning tips here – marble is totally doable on a backsplash and virtually low maintenance with a good sealant/cleaner. 

13. This rug is indoor/outdoor if they’d like something small under foot with a little pattern in the kitchen. 

14. Because tea towels make everything cuter ;} – they’re on sale in our studio now!

Lighting: 

5 + 11 We included some fun schoolhouse lights, {in a set of three for the bar area} and a nice pair of chandys for both their living room and dining area. We felt the two should match, just like the original plan since they are so close together. They add a lot of swank to the space. However, it still makes sense to have those ceiling fans because we know how hot it can get in Alabama! Especially at the lake. We would love to see something later in this nice modern find that doesn’t call so much attention to itself. Also, that extra vintage light against the “new” fridge area can go. Or be turned into a recessed light.

Dining area: 

This may be a custom build from them with metal and wood – we always ask around because you never know who can weld, or we have a great welder, if you’re interested. Topped in reclaimed wood, or the same heart pine for a great, open look.

Realistically, it’s probably three pieces combined so that it fits nicely in the house. We thought this would give them a great opportunity to open up a space a bit with those cabinets that were there, but also utilize much needed shelving for things like extra food, dishes or even lake stuff everyone always brings. All tucked away nicely in baskets or crates. 

{I usually shop over time for the best finds price-wise with baskets like this – the blue are some we found at the flea market ourselves, but wouldn’t be hard to reproduce – or just the ones you find at Michael’s in the craft section painted in great blues to tie it all together is another option} 

We also LOVE this idea if they have their grand baby’s bathing suits, or their grandmother’s or any interesting swimsuit attire ;} – See vintage framed swimsuits 

• Metal S

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We hope this helps as a great springboard to get you started with everything -we can’t wait to see what they do with it! – Kitchens are always an overhaul, but totally doable… It also helps that they aren’t living there full time! Yet? ;}

Please note: out of respect for our clients, we no longer share most of our sources here. Thanks so much for understanding! If you’d like to check out more of our design service options for your own spaces, please be sure to check out our in-person services, and our e-services pages – we look forward to hearing from you! – Also, don’t forget about our gift cards! 

As always, have an inspired day!