Lakehouse Design/“Theme”

Throughout the years, you've asked for more insight on the design process...and we've listened! So, going forward, I am going to begin sharing more of how we design our spaces. The first decision we ultimately make is what  "theme" suits the home. Typically, factors that help us select a theme are existing features of the home, location, and original architecture. Next, we consider personality. If we were helping a client design a home, I would try to nail down their personal preferences and lifestyle so that I could design a space that reflects them. For example, for our residences, this translates to minimal decor and clean spaces.

​Our first home which we built in the country (cows in the backyard and all) was designed with "Modern Farmhouse" in mind. We went all out with Midcentury elements in the Ada tri-level as that home was built in 1964 and screamed Midcentury. We have shared how we designed the most recent GR condo to remind us of our travels to 30A, which boasts modern, coastal decor (let's be honest, that condo had little pre-existing character, so we had to get creative!). Let's talk about what we have decided for the #HTLakehouse!

"Scandanavian Beach House" 

There are so many directions that we could take this house. Initially, we loved the idea of a modern cabin vibe for a Michigan Airbnb  (plaid, oak, jewel tones). One day, we would love to find a little Floridian Airbnb, which we will design with aspects of coastal inspiration (blue, driftwood). We pictured a "beach house" and a "cabin airbnb."

However, we plan to move into the #HTLakehouse for now , so after thinking about this idea, we decided to go another direction. While we love the cabin vibe, it didn't feel very "us," We weren't sure if we would like for our full time residence to feel like a cabin getaway. We'd love to decorate a plaid mountain home someday, but not as our primary residence. We'd like for this home to be a reflection of us! 

The home has lake views, and is just a short drive from the beach. While designing the house, we asked ourselves what feelings will the house produce....what kind of memories will we be creating there? We plan to spend the summers walking the beach, enjoying coffee on the porch overlooking the water, biking the neighborhood while admiring beach houses, and kayaking around the lake. Considering these elements, we decided that we want this home to feel calm and coastal, while also evoking feelings of summer and adventure. 

To keep the design true to "us," we will be adding Scandinavian elements, keeping things minimal.

White + Shiplap + Oak + Danish furniture + Hygge + Greenery + Natural light + Linen

We are going with white walls, ship lap ceilings, light hardwood floors, built in bunks, and a new exterior (more on that later!). We will also be adding TONS of windows! Here are some inspiration photos! 

These images get me JAZZED! I cannot wait to move into this home. While the house is rather humble in stature, it may be my favorite home yet. The size and shape of the home may not be the most glamorous compared to our other projects, but something about it truly feels like "home"...like never before! This summer is going to be a fun one.

HJJ