6 Designer Tips for Lakeside Living

Insider tricks to designing the ultimate waterfront getaway

To see these designer's tips in action, check out this modern vacation home in Grand Lake.

1. LOOK FOR DURABILITY: 
Consider pieces such as an indoor-outdoor rug for selected spots inside the home. “They can withstand wet feet,” says DiGennaro, who chose a Paolo Lenti rug for the Grand Lake home. 

2. SELECT FEEL-GOOD MATERIALS:
“We did a sofa with a soft chenille texture for the living room. And a big shearling rug. It is super soft and fuzzy and feels good when you’re barefoot,” DiGennaro says. “I like the contrast between the icy mountain water and really cozy, snuggly interiors.” 

3. GO NATURAL:
Simply designed pieces such as a walnut coffee table and cedar dining table add functional beauty to rooms, as does reclaimed oak flooring. 

4. CREATE BUILT-INS WITH BENEFITS:
Two bunk rooms were created in the Grand Lake home to give the younger members of the house ample space to accommodate friends for sleepovers. For one of the rooms, fine woodworking was used in making four bunks, a staircase, niches for books and trundle beds that pull out, Pulte says. And each bed has a window for daydreaming. 

5. DON’T COMPETE WITH THE SCENERY:
Keep walls, floors and furnishings in a muted color scheme so the eyes aren’t drawn away from the striking views. 

6. CREATE FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS:
Furniture for the living areas can be repositioned in multiple layouts depending on who is visiting and what activities are planned. “We wanted it to be fluid and engaging,” DiGennaro says.