by MARSHALL BONE
Lake houses epitomize the peacefulness of nature—the calm waters, the laid back ambiance, the opportunity to escape from everything. If you plan to go to the lake house for a weekend or spend a whole season there, decorating it with rustic accessories can help you enjoy your stay and make it warm and inviting. Here are ten incredible ideas on using rustic decor to bring that much-needed coziness into your lake house.
Reclaimed Wood Accents
Cover your lake house with old wood accents to give it a rustic feel. Reclaimed wood adds beauty and character to your furniture, wall paneling, and ceiling beams. This unique technique also champions frugality and sustainable development (talk about knocking two birds with one stone). Old wood adds a sense of history by bringing in a weathered touch and its natural shades. It creates warmth that makes the room suitable for unwinding as you think nostalgically about the good old days.
Stone Fireplaces
A stone fireplace can make your lake house’s living room more beautiful. Use rocks such as fieldstone, river rocks, or piled stone for a rough, natural look. Doing so will give an inviting warmth during cold evenings spent at the lakeside, whether it is a traditional wood-burning type or a contemporary gas one. Create comfortable seating around it and add gentle illumination to make the area more intimate.
Vintage Finds
Use vintage finds to add character and authenticity to your lake house decor. Add antique lake home furniture, old-fashioned accessories, and retro signage to achieve the rustic lake house aesthetic. Shop for unique items that tell a story and make your getaway more nostalgic. Aside from adding visual interest, these pieces will make the space more personal and inviting.
Cozy Fabrics
Fabrics play a big part in giving a room a cozy, homey feel. When choosing what kinds of throw blankets, pillows, and rugs to use, pick ones made from warm materials such as wool or flannel. Adding some plaid, striped, or checked patterns here and there will make your lake house look even more comfortable while keeping that “rugged” vibe going. You want to layer them so the whole place seems lived-in and inviting. When it’s time for reading or just curling up with a book on those rainy days, those soft, fluffy fabrics won’t let you down! Layer on a fall outfit and unwind!
Natural Light and Views
To truly enjoy your lake house, make the most of natural light and views. Use large windows, French doors, and skylights to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the lake and make your room livelier with natural lighting. Instead of heavy drapes, choose light sheer curtains that should give your refuge an airy feeling and blend the inside with the outside.
You can also keep an aquarium to bring nature indoors. Fresh water, green plants, and tropical fish, such things can help you feel connected to the outdoors and deepen the peaceful and calm nature of your refuge.
Rustic Lighting
Good lighting is essential for creating a rustic atmosphere. Consider installing dimmable chandeliers, lanterns, and sconces that can help you create a soft mood at night. With the right lighting, your place will change and become warm and welcoming.
Natural Elements
Fill your rooms with items like driftwood, pinecones, or rocks you’ve picked up along the shore. Use these items to create centerpieces and arrangements that will blend in with the beauty outside and add depth to your coastal home decor. Moreover, these natural materials bring more depth into your space, making them ideal for interior design accessories.
Rustic Kitchen and Dining
The kitchen and dining room are crucial points to consider when enhancing the rustic nature of any home. With that in mind, these rooms should mirror the crude allure of the areas around a lake in a farmstead-type fashion. When designing these spaces, consider using open shelving made of farmhouse-style cupboards. Additionally, incorporate pieces that are aged or have an industrial feel. Create the right spot for family dinners or get-togethers by matching different chairs with a big wooden table or using benches.
Cozy Bedrooms
Design the bedrooms to create a relaxed hideaway in your lake house. Utilize either wood or wrought iron bed frames with a rustic feel and layer them with lots of quilts, blankets, and pillows. Get into your casual, cozy wear and add warm lighting in the form of fabric shades or bedside lamps. Remember to add personalized decor, like unique wall clocks or stunning green box art, to make it more peaceful and calming.
Outdoor Spaces
Prioritize and decorate your outdoor space to create a clearer and more comprehensive rustic thematic effect. A porch, patio, or deck can be a welcoming relaxation zone by setting up comfortable seats, using outdoor rugs, and throwing numerous pillows around. When choosing furniture, settle for weather-resistant materials such as wicker or tick. Add outdoor lighting like string lights or lanterns to create a magical ambiance. Warm lighting provides a perfect setting for basking in the scenery around the lake.
Upgrade Your Lake House with Rustic Decor
To convert your lake house into a warm rustic sanctuary, opt for décor items that best capture the serenity and beauty of the surrounding nature. Home accessories can help you achieve this ideal charm in your house on the lake. Be it stained glass lamps, funky clocks, or faux fur throws. Here’s to making a rustic lake house where comfort, style, and memories come together.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
