Lake House Plan Designs

If you’re still in the design phase or just looking for ideas before you build your custom lake house, now is the perfect time to learn about modern lake house exteriors and determine which features suit your needs.

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Decks and Patios

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One of the hallmark features of lake house designs is the deck or patio. Whether you’re planning a one-story ranch lake house or a multi-level lake house, the deck or patio can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home.

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For lake house decks, material choice makes all the difference when it comes to durability. Classic wood decks are quickly being replaced by composite decking materials because of their longevity. In the past, composite materials couldn’t mimic the look and feel of real wood, but today, advancements in technology have all but eliminated the need to use wood for its visual appeal.

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Besides the material used, you have a lot of options when it comes to the style of the deck or porch. If you have a two or three-story lake house in mind, consider how many levels your deck should be. Multi-level decks give you access to the outdoors on as many stories as you like, and they offer ample room for entertainment.

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Paint Colors

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A major decision in your lake house plan designs will be the exterior architecture. Modern lake houses utilize color to blend in with the environment and create a synergistic appeal. Natural paint colors such as browns, greens, and blues are great choices to complement your surroundings. And don’t neglect the importance of neutrals, such as grays or beiges, when choosing a paint color as they can provide a perfect balance to your primary color.

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It’s important not to get too color crazy though. Less is usually more when it comes to color. It’s a wise choice to have a primary color that is used for most of the coverage and use an accent color to highlight specific features of the architecture, such as the gutters or window shutters.

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Architectural Style

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While you could opt for any style when building your custom lake house, many homeowners opt for designs that embrace their surroundings. Lake houses are unique compared to other types of homes in that the rear of the home is more of a centerpiece than the front.

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Because of this, lake house architecture should place a high emphasis on functionality toward the rear of the home. Multiple points of entry at the rear of the home make it easy for homeowners and guests to step outside and enjoy the lake from any room of the home.

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Covered patios and porches offer protection from the sun on a hot summer day and allow for the party to continue outdoors even if rain starts to fall. An extended patio creates the option for roasting marshmallows around a built-in firepit.

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Window style and placement is another architectural feature that can enhance your lake home’s ambiance and make you feel like you’re one with the outdoors. We’ll discuss windows in further detail later in the article. No matter what decisions you make, planning the architectural style of your lake house is important and you should consider functionality when making design decisions.

Your lake house won’t be complete without well-manicured landscaping. A nicely designed landscape surrounding your lake house can really increase its visual appeal and provide a luxurious ambiance for you and your guests. Here are few key points to consider when thinking about how you want style your lake house greenery:

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• Design your landscaping to have clearly defined pathways. You will obviously want to make frequent trips down to the lake, so create a pathway highlighted by both plants and/or flowers as well as stone pavers and lighting.

• Make sure to plant with waterflow in mind. Rain will naturally run downhill to the lake, so you’ll need to use plants that can handle the flow of water and absorb erosion.

• Personalize your space. Guides like this are excellent sources of ideas, but this is YOUR dream lake house, so make it yours. Whether it’s a stone statue you love or an open area for your kids to play, make sure you leave room for your personal touches.

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Get more lake house landscaping ideas

Lake house furniture can go a long way to set the mood and provide the comfort and functionality you’re looking for at your lake retreat. You could choose to go with a nautical theme, embracing the boating environment with furniture that has accents such as rope or twine.

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Rustic wood tables and chairs adds a natural charm to a lake house by bringing the outdoors inside, and look great with other lake house décor. No matter what your taste is, there are some key points to consider when it comes to functionality.

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• Incorporate oversized sofas for ample seating. Most lake house owners plan to use their home not just for a peaceful retreat, but also for gatherings with friends and family. You’ll want to make sure you have enough seating to accommodate your guests.

• Don’t overlook the importance of durability. Lake house furniture can take a beating from the elements. Lake houses are often in hot, humid areas and if you plan to enjoy your lake house with the windows or patio doors open, the humidity can wreak havoc on interior furniture.

• Utilize furniture that doubles as storage space. Pieces like ottomans and benches with built-in storage could come in handy for organization purposes, especially if you plan to use the lake home as a rental property as well.

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More about selecting lake house furnishings

When designing the windows for your custom lake house, a good rule of thumb is to design your window style and layout to maximize the views and promote an abundance of natural light. Large windows, especially in the rear of the house (or the side facing the lake) make a lot of sense. With so many style options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Below are some of the window styles that go great with lake homes:

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• Corner Windows: These unique windows are just as the name suggests, part of the corner of your home. They provide an expanded view and offer unique architecture not commonly seen in residential structures.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: When you want to maximize natural lighting in a room, nothing beats this style of window. These work great in lake house living rooms and master bedrooms and can really make you feel like you’re standing outside from the comfort of your home.

• Sliding Glass Doors: A perfect entry/exit to your lake house deck or patio, turning a door into a large window for excellent views and lighting. They’re also great if you have children and want to keep an eye on them while they’re on the deck.

• Skylights: When thinking about your lake house windows it’s easy to forget that not all windows have to be on a side wall. Skylights are wonderful additions to lake homes because they further enhance the connection to nature by allowing you to relax and stargaze, free from the humidity and mosquitos.

• Sunrooms: Adding a dedicated sunroom to your lake house serves as a get-away within a get-away. These rooms are excellent for relaxing while reading a book, doing your morning yoga with the sunrise, or taking an afternoon nap after a morning on the lake. Custom sunroom additions allow you to tailor the room to its primary intended uses, and the design phase of your lake home is a perfect opportunity to explore options.

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Windows are one of the most important aspects of your lake house design because they are your visual gateway to the outdoors. But they also play a major role in your lake house’s energy efficiency. Modern windows can be manufactured with features that reduce airflow and minimize UV pass-through, keeping your home cooler. Be sure to ask your builder about energy-efficient window options when you’re in the planning phase of your custom lake house construction.

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Learn more about lake house window ideas