This project has such a special place in my heart. From the moment I walked the property and saw those views, I knew the goal: every room should feel like somewhere you never want to leave. The concept was a New England style home with the relaxed feeling of a Northwest lake house. Classic and timeless, but warm and inviting.

I am breaking down my thoughts as I was designing this home and adding in some tips and tricks along the way. Enjoy!

The Entry + Laundry Room

When designing an entry, the goal is to create a great first impression. So I went with a darker neutral blue on the vertical paneling throughout the space, Puritan Gray by BM, which feels calm but adds a bit of a mood and reads as a blue-green in this space. We placed a large mirror above a console table to bounce the light from the front door. This creates a warm and inviting feeling.

Just off the entry is the laundry room. Since it is only separated by a pocket door, I knew I wanted these spaces to feel cohesive. This was done by bringing the vertical paneling and entry flooring into this space. We painted this room in a gorgeous creamy white and added in color and texture with the vintage rug. We chose cafe curtains in this space to not obstruct the gorgeous view of the lake outside. I love how this space is luxurious but still so cozy.

Designer Tip: When designing two spaces close together (like a mudroom + laundry) maintain consistency with your architectural details and flooring, while using paint to give each space its own distinct personality.

The Living Room

The color palette was pulled directly from the views outside: blues, greens, and warm neutrals. I chose a black finish light fixture to create contrast against the soft palette and tie into the rustic character of the fireplace. A hand-knotted wool rug grounds the space and pulls all the hues together. I fell in love with this rug and this furnishings in this room came from it and that is typically my process in all my projects. Rug first and the rest of the furnishings follow.

We also placed a large mirror directly across from the window to double the lake view throughout the room. See below.

Designer Tip: A mirror across from a window is one of the easiest ways to amplify natural light and bring the outdoors in, especially in a home with a stunning view.

The Living Room Bar

The bar needed to feel connected to the kitchen but still have its own identity. We chose a greige cabinet color that bridges the two spaces and paired it with handmade zellige tile for texture and warmth. Glass front cabinets let our client show off her beautiful glassware.

The Kitchen

Our client wanted a white kitchen for a clean look but I wanted to make sure we didn’t lose any warmth. I achieved this by choosing a custom stain for the island that matches the wood trim and beams throughout the home. Brass pendants and light fixtures add warmth as well as a nod to the traditional New England style, while the dark walnut island grounds the space and serves as the focal point.

Designer Tip: Choose a different paint color or material for your island to create an intentional, cozy feeling in your kitchen.

The Dining Room

We chose concrete pendants above the dining table for an unexpected, sculptural moment. In a home full of traditional details, I love having one space where something more contemporary gets to shine. I knew that I wanted to mix different materials and textures here to add visual interest to this space.

The best part of this room, is the window bench behind the table that looks out over the lake. This is the perfect spot to cozy up with a book!

Outdoor Living

Our client wanted something different from the typical two-sofa setup, so we introduced a swing alongside the sofa. It adds a whimsical, playful quality that is so perfectly lake house. This is a space where guests linger and no one wants to go inside.

Designer Tip: Do not default to symmetrical outdoor arrangements. An unexpected seating element like a swing or hammock chair instantly makes a patio feel more inviting and unique.

The Primary Suite

The goal was classic elegance that actually feels comfortable. Wainscoting on the walls provides that elegant look. Velvet chairs at the foot of the bed add texture and anchor the room, and the reading nook with lake views and layered blue and green pillows is the kind of detail that makes a bedroom feel complete.

Designer Tip: Look for nightstands with a pull-out shelf on top so you can keep the surface beautifully styled while still having a functional spot for a water glass or book. Style and function do not have to compete.

Our client loves blue, so Cloud Sky by Benjamin Moore on the vanity feels so fitting for her lake house. The brass wall sconces match the cabinet pulls perfectly and add character with their little lampshade tops. We mixed metals intentionally throughout to add depth and visual interest.

Designer Tip: Use sconces on either sides of the mirror to provide a flattering light for getting ready. You’ll thank me later.

The Upstairs Den + Bathroom

The den doubles as an office and a guest room. The leather sofa is working hard in here: it looks like a typical leather sofa but pulls out into a comfortable (yes, really) guest bed. In the den bath, we went full moody with rich wood tones and Down Pipe by Farrow and Ball on the vanity. The bathroom also cleverly partitions to function as a powder bath when guests are visiting. I love how this space is just as beautiful as it is functional.

The Basement

We went a bit more traditional and formal upstairs and a more casual downstairs. We did this because this area has direct access to the lake and will act as the more casual hangout spot. Rich walnut cabinets contrast beautifully against a whitewashed brick wall, black soapstone countertops deepen the palette, and vintage glass pendants on brass chains tie it back to the rest of the home.

Westcott Navy by Benjamin Moore on the living space cabinets adds real richness. A pool table was the perfect final touch.

The Bunk Room + Bunk Bath

Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore sets a bold, spirited tone in the bunk room. Each bunk has a full below and a twin above, making them comfortable for guests of all ages. In the bunk bath, Caldwell Green on the vanity contrasts beautifully with black and white elements, and a custom penny tile floor adds personality and whimsy. The round mirror breaks up the straight lines, and the walk-in shower doubles as a perfect lake rinse-off spot before entering the house.

Designer Tip: When a bathroom is the first entry point from outside, design it to work harder. A walk-in shower means guests can rinse off before stepping further into the home.

The Guest Bedrooms

We gave each guest bedroom its own distinct personality: one feminine and soft with wallpaper as the focal point and gold accents throughout, the other more masculine and grounded with a custom upholstered bed made in fabric inspired by the lake views. A blue sideboard with woven doors and art representing the surrounding trees completed the second room beautifully.

Jack + Jill Bath

The Jack and Jill bath is designed so each bedroom has its own vanity and toilet, sharing only the tub and shower. Waters Edge by Benjamin Moore on the masculine side, Woodlawn Blue on the feminine side. Both share the same cabinetry with a whimsical cutout detail and marble penny tile but have different mirrors and sconces. This helps create visual continuity across the two spaces.

Designer Tip: In a shared bathroom, giving each side its own vanity color and mirror style is a simple way to honor each room's identity while maintaining cohesion through shared materials like tile and hardware.

This home was designed to be lived in fully. To welcome guests, host family, and make everyone who walks through the door feel like they never want to leave. That is always the goal.

Architect: Mittman Architect
Builder: Edward Smith Construction
Photography: John Woodcock

Behind the Design: Coeur d’Alene Lake House