Behind the Design A Summer Lake House

Featured in the 2021 Summer issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine, Kate O'Hara is sharing all the details behind the design of a stunning custom lake home. 

A home made for weekend getaways with family and friends—for these city dwellers, their secluded retreat is a place to relax, gather, and build memories. So it comes as no surprise that it needs to offer the perfect setting for laid-back hosting of guests.

This home features bold color throughout the kitchen, creating a beautiful space for a small crowd. The kitchen is a true focal point, mixing neutral and organic elements to create what is not only functional but timeless. It flows naturally to waterfront views and outdoor spaces for cooking and connecting. Indoor spaces maintain a clean and classic aesthetic without sacrificing comfort and coziness. Whether inside or outside, this lake haven showcases Minnesota’s beauty.

Bold Kitchen Color

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and for a family that loves hosting, the kitchen is about function as much as it is a space for coming together. It was specifically designed to cater to visiting relatives and friends, with functional storage and features made for seating a crowd.

When you know you don’t want a white kitchen, it’s important to find the right color. These cabinets were made to be noticed in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue with honey-bronze hardware accents—a bold, yet classic look. The hood and island feature a custom oak finish, complementing the rich, blue kitchen cabinetry while maintaining the statement aesthetic. Natural ceiling beams complete the look while also drawing the eye toward stunning water views and outdoor spaces. Neutral countertops and faux brick backsplash add texture and contrast.

Of note is the custom island, which features ample seating and two styles of stools, including upholstered faux-leather stools and backless swivel stools that easily tuck under the island overhang when not in use. Additional seating is necessary for guests, and varied styles ensure maximum comfort for all. The pendant lights feature rope detail to add a bit of nautical flair.

This kitchen also features modern-day conveniences, further catering to an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This classic blue beauty includes a pantry with pocket door, additional beverage fridge close to the main dining area (because life on the lake is all about drinks), double ovens, and a single-bowl apron-front sink—all essential features for an active household. Chef-grade appliances with panel fronts blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen and complete the look.

Dining In

The dining room flows seamlessly from the kitchen. This bright space gives the impression of eating outdoors with ample natural light and function. A custom table in natural wood tones complements the contrasting aesthetic of large black windows and light walls. The ceiling beams continue to draw the eyes to that stunning view. Whether dining at the table or island, this room is perfect for gathering and reconnecting. And finally, with the kitchen close by, the counter and cabinets to the left of the fridge serve as a buffet for a crowd. This kitchen and dining combo is truly about function and fun no matter the size of the party.

Outdoor Living for Family and Friends

This sanctuary is about getting away and enjoying lake life. It needs to provide all the conveniences of city living and a place for rest and relaxation while serving all the host’s needs. More than a home away from home, it is a space that feels comfortable for this family of four and welcomes relatives and friends who are visiting for the weekend or a holiday. With stunning waterfront views, this multifunctional home infuses the joys of outdoor living, both inside and outside.

Whether lounging by the water, sitting around the dining table, or unwinding in the living room, these spaces all provide the opportunity to maximize the feeling of being outdoors. Finding the right windows for a waterfront home with such picturesque views is essential. And these windows are truly unique in how they literally open up, giving the feeling of being outside while in. Outdoor spaces feature plentiful seating for dining and relaxing, conversation around the fire, and of course, preparing a meal lakeside.

The summer season can feel too short, so maximizing both the beauty and the ambiance of the outdoors is essential. From easily grabbing drinks to picturesque views and the perfect backdrop for outdoor living inside, there is no bad seat in this house, whether inside or out.

Space for Living and Relaxing

The bold color of the kitchen along with neutral and natural elements flow to this living room made for relaxing. The subtlety of the blue chairs and calming effect of the neutral color palette and textures ensure a comfortable, yet functional, room. The large sectional provides seating around the fireplace—perfect for a family movie night. Organic elements such as the stone fireplace, natural wood built-ins, and textured shiplap wall embrace the surrounding environment. When at the lake, you want to feel like you are at the lake, even when it’s time to hang out inside. The design details not only add visual interest but remind you of the picturesque location.

The bar area keeps drinks close at hand and draws your eye to large windows that fold up to reveal an expansive porch. This porch is all about cozy comfort and is a true extension of the home. All furnishings are meant for outdoor use and are able to withstand the elements. Neutral tones throughout contrast against muted accents and lend an atmosphere of a refreshing spring day. A custom cement table grounds the lounge area and is surrounded by chairs featuring faux rattan and rope detailing to create the perfect gathering spot.

To capture the cross breeze, the porch features statement windows that slide up, allowing you to both see and feel the cool breeze from the comfort of the porch. The bar top accommodates easy conversation with those in the living room. An additional dining table provides the ideal spot for meals on the porch. These spaces are all about downtime and an opportunity to connect and unwind. There is no such thing as too many spaces when a home is meant for bringing people together. Whether hosting a crowd or enjoying a low-key weekend, these areas of the home are meant for rest and rejuvenation.

A Bunk Room Dream Come True

When having family and friends over, true relaxation requires a designated room for the kids. This retreat must function for those seeking a weekend reprieve as well as guests who may be visiting for a few days or a long holiday. To truly unwind, it’s important to provide a space for the youngest of guests too. A room that feels both fun and functional for a houseful and front-row views of the lake don’t hurt either.

This bunk room features custom bunks in natural wood tones, functional sleeping space, and outdoor views that make it so much more than a bedroom. Wood elements throughout blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the home while also bringing a bit of the outside in. This is a room the kids will want to hang out in and rest in at the end of a busy, fun-filled day.

For Rest and Reprieve

What is a getaway without a refreshing oasis? This master suite is just that, featuring a double-tray ceiling that is both elegant and timeless, neutral shiplap walls, textured bedding and accents, and large windows to let in ample natural light. This bedroom is calming and comforting, the perfect way to start and end the day, with a bath to match.

The master bath includes more signature natural wood tones combined with statement patterned porcelain tile. It is classic with subtle detail to complement the broader aesthetic of the home. The large soaker tub is the perfect spot to unwind while taking in the breathtaking views highlighted by an elegant and understated beaded chandelier in muted tones. The end result is a master suite that allows you to recharge each day—because every host needs a private retreat after taking care of their guests.

Coming and Going

Whether arriving for a long weekend or heading out, this entryway is both spacious and inviting. Offering a taste of comfort, it features a mix of organic and modern with the wooden bench and cozy accents against the sleek lines of the staircase. The spindle-style console features a subtle splash of color, and the mirror seamlessly blends and balances lake-inspired textural elements. This entryway not only invites you in but makes you want to explore and make yourself comfortable.

Hosting is about so much more than an evening of fun. This lake retreat is truly about the experience from beginning to end. Whether gathering in the blue kitchen to prepare a meal or enjoying the outdoor beauty with all the conveniences of city living, this getaway this getaway offers more than an escape. It’s a home away from home that offers both function and experience.

Interior design and photo styling: MARTHA O'HARA INTERIORS | Home build: JPC CUSTOM HOMES

Photography: SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY