We have some huge news to share! It’s something we’ve dreamed about for so long, and we still can’t believe it’s real. We got a lake house! We are so incredibly excited and wanted to bring you along for the very first step of this new adventure.
Before we start filling it with furniture and turning it into our home, we wanted to give you a full, raw, empty lake house tour. This is the “before,” a blank canvas full of possibilities. We have so many ideas swirling in our heads, and we want to share them all with you. Come walk through our new home and see the dream that’s about to come to life!
A Bright Welcome: The Entryway and New Floors
The moment you step inside, you feel a sense of space. The entryway is so much wider than our old place, which is a wonderful change. We’re already imagining a beautiful console table here and some slim, clever shoe storage to keep things tidy.
But the first thing we truly fell in love with is the flooring. Even though this is an older house, the previous owners installed new white oak flooring throughout. It’s light, bright, and completely transforms the home. This beautiful flooring makes everything feel fresh and modern. It’s the perfect foundation for all the lake house decorating ideas we have planned.
The Heart of the Home: An Open Living and Dining Space
Walking past the entryway leads you into the best room in the house. This space is a dream. It’s a huge, open room with an entire wall of windows looking out onto the lake. The light that pours in here is just incredible.
We’ve already moved our dining table in, and it fits the space perfectly. There’s also a charming little fireplace in the corner. We can’t stop thinking about how cozy it will be at Christmas, with a big tree and stockings on the mantle.
One of the first projects here will be updating the windows. Right now, they have old vertical shades that feel a bit dated. We plan to replace them with beautiful drapes and blinds. This simple change will make the room feel so much more luxurious and frame that amazing lake view.
Now, we have a big decision to make. This bright, beautiful room could be the perfect spot for our main living area, with a big sectional and a TV. But it could also be a more formal living and dining space. We’re still figuring it out and would love to hear what you think!
Kitchen Dreams and Renter-Friendly Fixes
The kitchen is another spot we absolutely adore. Can you imagine doing dishes with a view of sailboats on the lake? It’s amazing! The layout is great, with a little island for prepping food and a cozy breakfast nook.
While we love the space, it needs a few updates to match our style. We’re planning a budget-friendly, renter friendly kitchen makeover to really make it shine.
Here’s a quick look at our plans for the kitchen.
| Kitchen Area | The “Before” Challenge | Our Makeover Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Older, busy granite that feels a bit dark. | Use a high-quality contact paper to wrap them for a clean, white marble look. |
| Pantry | A large, amazing walk-in pantry. | A full organization makeover with clear jars, woven baskets, and pretty labels. |
| Backdoor | Dated vertical blinds on the sliding door. | Remove the blinds and add simple curtains to soften the look and improve the view. |
This home makeover inspiration shows you don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. We’re also very excited about the pantry. It’s going to be so fun to organize and make it both beautiful and functional.
Creating a Cozy Den
On the other side of the house, there’s another room that could be the perfect TV and movie space. This room used to be a bedroom, but the doors were removed to create an open den. It already has great built-in shelves that we are so excited to style.
This is where we’re exploring some cozy den ideas. We’re thinking of putting the TV here with a nice media unit and a comfy sectional sofa. It feels like the perfect spot to turn the lights down, get cozy, and watch a movie. It’s also tucked away from the main living area, which is great for keeping noise separate when we have guests.
A Serene Escape: The Primary Bedroom Design
Upstairs, the primary bedroom feels like a peaceful retreat. It has a beautiful tall ceiling with an exposed beam that adds so much character. Best of all, the walls in here are completely smooth, which means they are a perfect canvas for paint or even wallpaper! The primary bedroom design is going to be so much fun to create.
The absolute highlight, though, is the private balcony. Stepping out, you get a stunning sunset view over the water. It’s breathtaking. We plan to put some comfy lounge chairs and twinkle lights out there to make it a magical spot to relax.
To give the room a high-end, hotel-like feel, we’re going to install two layers of curtains: one sheer for privacy during the day and one blackout for a perfect night’s sleep. This room is going to be a major transformation.
FAQs
What to look for in a lake house?
Look for a great view of the water. Check for easy access to the lake. The condition of the home is very important. Think about outdoor space for fun. A good layout makes living easy.
What content does Kristen McGowan create?
Kristen McGowan creates home decor videos. She shares many DIY projects. Her channel features amazing home makeovers. She gives helpful tips for decorating. Her focus is on modern interior design.
What is Kristen McGowan famous for?
Kristen McGowan is known for her beautiful style. She is famous for renter-friendly decor ideas. People love her clean and modern aesthetic. She makes interior design look easy. Her videos inspire many people.
What is the purpose of a lakehouse?
A lake house is a place to relax. It is an escape from busy daily life. It helps you connect with nature. It is a great spot for family and friends. You can enjoy activities like swimming and boating.
How do you take care of a lake?
Taking care of a lake is very important. Do not use harsh chemicals on your lawn. Maintain your septic system properly. Plant native plants along the shore. This helps prevent soil from washing away. Always pick up any trash.
Our Lake House Makeover Journey Begins
This new house tour is just the beginning of a very exciting journey. We feel so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to start personalizing every room and making this house our home. From the kitchen updates to the cozy den and the dreamy primary bedroom, there are so many projects ahead.
We are so glad we could share this empty lake house tour with you. It’s a fresh start, and we’re excited to fill this home with love, laughter, and beautiful decor.
We’d love for you to be a part of this! What do you think we should do with the main living space? Let us know your ideas in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe to follow along with all the makeovers to come