Lakehouse Cottage Inspiration & Coastal Decor Resources

Lakehouse Cottage Inspiration & Coastal Decor Resources brings ideas to get the look of a favorite lakehouse property that continues to inspire. The three board and batten lakeside structures (main house, guest cottage, carriage house) caught my attention years ago because they were painted the same white as what I chose for our former home. However, it was the genius design and beautifully breezy coastal interiors that made me explore it more deeply. Imagine multi-generational living that could happen with such a design! You’ll find coastal decor resources for exact design elements as well as suggestions for pieces in the same spirit.

Lakehouse Cottage Inspiration & Coastal Decor Resources

This beautiful home was dreamed into existence by designer Lisa Furey with architect: Court Atkins.

Isn’t the board and batten amazing? The covered porch is so charming and feels so cozy with its privacy yet openness.

If you love coastal style, modern country sensibilities, and a relaxed lakehouse retreat aesthetic, you’ll love this. And if your favorite color is blue? Boom.

Lakehouse Cottage Tour & Resources to Get the Look

Even though the interior designer who built and enjoyed this property called it a cross between modern farmhouse and coastal cottage, it really is combination of traditional, classic, and modern styles.

Here’s a snippet from the real estate listing when it was offered for sale:

“Expertly sited to take advantage of the views of lake, park and conservation area, this charming compound was created with special attention to all details…A separate carriage house includes a second floor bunk room, kitchenette, and a deck overlooking the lake.”

Three separate structures totaling 3,000 square feet hold so much potential for a multitude of functions.

Imagine having a business in the carriage house and offering the guest cottage as an airbnb!

Lakehouse Overview

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3,100 square feet, .5 acre

White Paint Color Used for Interiors & Exterior

Benjamin Moore White OC-151 is the color on all of the exterior structures and interior walls. This is a bright, clean, crisp white with blue undertones and a modern feel.

For more tips for choosing a white paint color? See this helpful post.

Coastal Cottage Video

To get the most from this post, WATCH THIS GORGEOUS VIDEO OF THE PROPERTY BEFORE OR AFTER YOU READ THE POST to get a feel for the interior design and see up close and personal glimpses of some of the design elements highlighted below.

Coastal Decor Resources to Get the Look

Find exact resources and other ideas for options to get the look with furniture, light fixtures and decor.

If you feel as though you need a coastal cottage like NOW (and even if you’re far from any waterfront), you could always add this greenhouse beauty to your yard:

Lakehouse Front Porch & Entry

 All of the light fixtures were handcrafted in New Orleans by Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.

The simplicity of the Shaker bench means it could work in a variety of settings from French country to modern farmhouse to minimal MCM.

I think you’ll note with the design elements chosen for the project that the emphasis is on timelessness and not kitsch. So important when you want to harmonize with the waterfront or sea, but not go too far into cheesy, nautical, territory with kitschy signs that says “lake this way.”

You get a sense of the sophisticated simplicity straight inside the door where you are greeted by shiplap, artwork, and a restrained palette.

Lanterns inside and out set a coastal, vintage, classic, cozy tone.

There’s quite a range when it comes to pricing of lighting, and I have found that we usually get what we pay for. If you fall in love with a particular fixture, go for it if it is perfect for the property. Even if you move in a few years, a new owner is going to cherish the quality and investment for the sake of timelessness.

My favorites are the ones with candle-style lights inside:

If you like your lanterns to come already distressed, there are fabulous possibilities.

Cottage Entryway Decor & Furniture

Even though shiplap is a very traditional choice, you sense the modern aesthetic of this home at once inside the front door.

What do you think of the open stringer style of the stairs?

We love it when the designer shares exact paint colors so that we can sample them for our own projects!

Benjamin Moore CSP 600 Andes Summit

Coastal Style Lighting & Decor in Foyer

Consistent with a lakeside retreat, these bell-shaped retro fixtures like this work dreamily:

A similar coastal style bell shaped ceiling light:

We often see rustic benches and built-ins in lakehouse entries and mudrooms, so I think it is unexpected and a delight that an elegant batik upholstered bench lives here instead.

With the right fabric, you could build your entire scheme around such a bench.

I can also imagine how the bench could be pulled into service for seating in a dining area when entertaining..

The cheerful blue painted tall cabinet keeps the entry feeling clutter-free and in a small space without a closet? Just the ticket.

Sliding barn doors also conserve space, and as you can see, they need not be “barnlike” or excessively rustic.

Coastal Living Room Design Ideas

The wood shiplap on walls and ceilings add texture, personality, and strength this new build. When you don’t want a space to feel brand spankin’ new, such architectural interest delivers.

As you’ll see, the color story is all about blue and white with natural accents.

Lakehouse Cottage Lighting Ideas

In lieu of an ocean of recessed can lights, iron and glass vintage style classic lights add character and pop against white shiplap.

Throw Pillows in this Coastal Cottage

Wondering about the source of those pillows and fabric? It’s such a great way to get the look of this room without investing in the other big ticket items.

Here you go, and don’t you love the indigo!?!

There’s a modernity to that pattern so the whole look feels fresh and not like your granny’s lakehouse.

Not that there’s anything wrong with granny’s lakehouse. Any lakehouse is still a lakehouse for corn’s sake.

Which White Sofa for a Coastal Family Room?

White sofas are so often a smart start to a proper coastal, seaside, or beachy living room.

The sea of white means you can have fun through the seasons and over the years playing with colorful accents and pattern.

I’m partial to wood platform sofa bases even though I have never had one! Just feels so clean and crisp and shipshape.

See a few more sofas in this story where white is celebrated.

Natural Woven Accents & Rugs

Natural fiber area rugs are a great choice for a coastal cottage or lake house when you’re after a no fuss look and low contrast layering over a wood floor..

If you don’t have wood floors, a natural sisal or jute rug like this can be suggestive of wood.

Look away from trends since these sorts of durable, classic choices are meant to be relevant for years and won’t feel silly down the line.

Also, find more jute area rugs with geometric patterns HERE.

Ideas for Hardwood Flooring

With all the white millwork, the warmth of these hardwood floors brings beautiful harmony to the mix.

Not the exact flooring, but here’s a similar engineered flooring. You’ll want to shop for light toned options that aren’t too yellow or brown. Natural, limed, and greyed oak feel beachy and less formal.

Natural Materials & Adding Texture

Notice how modern, breezy, balanced, and whimsical this staircase area feels:

The round plates, sphere light, and all of the linear action (both horizontal and vertical) create a dynamic energy. This is the magic of interior design and when elements come together separately to create a cohesive story.

Staircase Light Fixture

A gorgeous light brings curvy contrast and natural texture that feels organic and friendly.

Window treatments are kept simple and classic, but I can imagine some lively patterns that could be introduced in a lakehouse such as this.

Fabrics can create a beautiful backdrop for memories, and especially in vacation cottages where family and friends gather for holidays and vacation, plenty of memories are sure to be made.

Coastal Cottage Paint Colors

Designer Lisa Furey shared these paint color names. The exterior white paint color, interior walls, cabinetry, and trim are all the same color: BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151.

Master Bathroom Vanity Paint: SHERWIN WILLIAMS Tinsmith 7657.

Grey Kitchen Island Paint Color: BENJAMIN MOORE Pashmina AF-100

Blue cabinet in entry color: BENJAMIN MOORE Andes Summit.

Get the Look: Lakehouse Dining Room

The casual dining area is between the kitchen and conversational area of the great room.

Great Room Light Fixtures

If you have never explored lighting designed by Thomas O’Brien, you’re in for a treat!

His work is so classic and timeless!

Here is a more friendly-priced alternative to the Thomas O’Brien pendants.

Do you love the look of woven chairs but prefer a softer feel?

I’m dying to try one of these out for comfort – anyone out there know firsthand if they’re comfy?

Not sure these vessels are still available:

Coastal Patio Decor & Furniture Ideas

Just a few ideas for patio furniture:

While these aren’t the chairs on the deck, they might feel right at home there.

Where do we even begin with the beauty of this Lisa Furey designed kitchen?

So much style in a relatively small footprint!

Lakehouse Cottage Kitchen Decorating

I’m not sure I have ever seen a taller shiplap-covered range hood…have you?

To my eyes, that range hood is not even overpowering since it blends with the shiplap.

There’s a lightheartedness in here, and even though there are plenty of luxe features, it’s not showing off.

The style of the cabinets is simple, and the hardware is subtle.

The backsplash tile is handmade, and even though I am sure it is slightly unnerving to choose a pattern that will remain in place for many years, when you fall in love with a tile…it is so gratifying to be greeted by it daily.

I’m also struck by how gentle this kitchen feels in spite of it being a working kitchen decked out with appliances.

That’s a quality I was going for in our kitchen we recently renovated. More than a utilitarian space, I wanted it to feel like a welcoming lounge space where you want to linger. Not sure if you saw my moodboard:

Isn’t the farm sink a sight to behold with the tall window and floating shelves flanking it!?!

Kitchen backsplash tiles are Walker Zanger Duquesa Jasmine Field Tile in Mezzanotte: FIND them HERE.

The paneled frig definitely helps keep the mood soothing and less utilitarian.

Get the Look: Lakehouse Blue Bedroom

There’s no need to have huge bedrooms anymore! It’s more prudent to simply get them right so that you can sleep peacefully.

But bedroom closets? Not sure those can be too big…ha!

Coastal Details in a Cottage Bath

I love all the circular shapes introduced here:

And do we care what the headlines read in terms of grey paint being in fashion? Nope.

Grey is a natural, neutral, timeless hue that has earned its due. Stop picking on grey, haters.

That said, I don’t have experience living with grey tile. Do you? Wonder if it feels like a downer to greet in the morning shower or bath?

I can also imagine woven baskets where we see these plates on the wall.

Coastal Bedroom Suite

There’s an airy feel in this space with its soothing coastal colors and expanses of cool white.

Someday this swing will show up in one of my spaces!

I love these traditional swing arm sconces for reading in bed:

and what a simple nightstand idea:

You’ve got to love a bed that combines too beautiful elements: a poster style bed and an upholstered headboard.

Primary Bedroom Porch

What a dream to have a blue-ceiling-painted screen porch right off your bedroom in a coastal environment!

Can you even imagine falling asleep out here?

This just may be my favorite spot in the whole house.

A porch with any swing at all would seem dreamy!

Sometimes what your bathroom needs is a few upgrades rather than a full gut job.

Upgrading a faucet or changing out the hardware on a vanity can elevate a space.

Even changing out the mirror has potential to freshen your bath.

I like this one even better:

Inspiration from a Lakehouse Guest Cottage

It always helps to see how a designer decorates a small cozy bedroom since that is what most of us have to work with.

Does it even matter when the bed nearly takes up all of the floor space?

Blue and white are a coastal kitten’s best friends! How much do you love this cheerful runner on the stairs!?!

I would never tire of the pattern!

Coastal Carriage House

The sweetest coastal cottage kitchenette, anyone?

Who can resist those itty bitty shelves!?

The only thing better than an apron front farm sink is a mini version!

How would you ever get your guests to leave?

Is this whole property a love letter to blue and white or what?

Hope you enjoyed this tour and all of the beachy but not shabby glimpses.

Thanks so much for touring and pinning away these inspiring design ideas!

So many memorable moments in this cottage property!

Now pour yourself something yummy and then go back and watch the video at the top if you haven’t already!

Thanks for reading and joining on the journey as we collect more ideas from inspiring interior design.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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