Forget the Fish Décor: Designing a Lake House That’s Relaxed, Refined, and Full of Fun
- Karen H
- Jun 13
- 4 min read
By Home by Hattan
There’s something special about designing a vacation home—especially a lake house. Maybe it’s the relaxed pace, or the way memories seem to collect like smooth stones along the water’s edge. For me, designing these homes is more than just fun—it’s deeply rewarding. Why? Because every decision is rooted in joy. These spaces are made for connection, celebration, and rest.
Unlike primary residences, vacation homes often invite a different design energy. Clients tend to loosen up a bit. They commit to bold color. They prioritize comfort. They say yes to the little things that make a space feel personal and playful. And I love it. These are some of my favorite projects because they embrace the spirit of “home,” without the day-to-day constraints.
Leave the Lake House Theme, Keep the Personality
Vacation homes carry value beyond property lines. They offer a backdrop for family bonding, a space to relax and recharge, and a hub for traditions that span generations. While I always design with these values in mind, in vacation homes they take center stage. Everything—from layout to materials to lighting—is curated to support togetherness and ease.
That doesn’t mean your lake house needs to look like a postcard rack exploded in it.
Here’s the truth: your lake house doesn’t have to be kitschy. Unless you want it to be—and in that case, go all in! I’ve seen the joy that a well-placed vintage fish sign or “Lake Life” pillow can bring. But themed decor isn’t a requirement. You can honor the setting without leaning on clichés.
Instead of plastering every wall with anchors and oars, consider subtle nods to your surroundings.
Bring the outdoors in with natural wood textures, sky blues, misty greens, and watery hues that echo the landscape outside. A lake home can feel grounded in its environment without shouting about it.
Designing for Real Life and Real People
One of the best things about vacation homes? They're rarely designed for just one person. You’re imagining bunk beds packed with cousins, kitchen counters lined with snacks, and decks scattered with laughter.
So, think practically—but joyfully.
Plan for Guests
Bunk rooms are always a hit, especially with younger visitors. One of our clients created a teen-friendly hideaway complete with LED lighting tucked inside a cozy bunk room. It’s now a favorite hangout spot for nieces, nephews, and friends.
Add Thoughtful Touches
In another one of our client’s spaces, we upcycled a vintage bookcase into a coffee station for upstairs guests. It’s charming, useful, and saves everyone a trip down the stairs at sunrise (because not all of us are early risers!).
Create play zones.
Rec rooms, game areas, or lounge-y spaces go a long way in making the house feel like a true retreat. Make room for play—just as much as you make room for rest.
A fellow designer, Vrinda Khaitan from House of Quirks said it best: “Interior design should feel like a deep relaxing breath, not a performance. We’re not creating just for the ‘gram or a magazine spread: we’re crafting for moments-- quiet mornings, loud dinners, spontaneous laughter and everything in between.”
Don’t Forget Yourself
Here’s where a lot of homeowners fall short: they forget to carve out space for their own rest. Yes, it’s wonderful to host. Yes, bunk rooms are fun. But your vacation home should be a retreat for you, too.
Take time to think about where the sun sets, where the water glimmers, where the breeze hits just right—and then build your sanctuary there. One of our favorite examples? One of our dear client’s lake house, where a pair of chaise lounges on the back porch face the water just so. It’s the kind of spot made for morning coffee, quiet afternoons, and deep exhales.
Let Joy Lead
Designing a lake house is an invitation to play, rest, gather, and be. There are no hard rules—just thoughtful choices that reflect how you want to live in the space. Whether you lean into bold color, keep things calm and collected, or sneak in a fish-themed throw pillow for good measure—make sure the space tells your story.
The best vacation homes aren’t just designed well. They’re lived in. Loved in. And full of life.
Bring Your Design Vision to Life with Home by Hattan
Feeling inspired to create a space that highlights both you and your spouses preferred styles? That’s what we do! Contact us today to learn how our services can help you design for how you want to live!
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Mark & Karen Hattan
Founders, Home by Hattan Design + Build
Intentionally combining luxury and livability,
we create homes that are as beautiful as they are functional—designed for effortless elegance and meaningful connection.
Because HOME is important, and so are the people who live there.
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