So, tell me: would your dream house sit beside a quiet lake or on the edge of the sea? I’ve lived near both kinds of water, so I’m curious which you’d choose. Our homes often reflect our lives and passions, and where we’ve lived or how we like to spend our time usually shapes the style and feel we want.
Living on a lake and living by the ocean can produce very different experiences. Do you imagine distinct decorating approaches for each? Would you style them the same way, or would the setting change your choices? Your answers might even vary depending on what region of the country or world your dream house would be in. If you could pick anywhere, where would your dream house be?
The moment I first saw the house at the top of this page I was carried back to my childhood around Lake Oswego, Oregon. We lived on a lovely peninsula with a level yard leading to the water and a canal wrapping around part of the house. Summers there were magical. Even when we didn’t live directly on the lake, our properties often included lake easements, so we still spent every summer on the water.
I adore lake living and wouldn’t hesitate to have a lake house if the opportunity came. Still, deep down my heart is drawn to the sea—the salty air, the call of gulls, and those fresh sea breezes. That pull is one reason I love living in Seattle now: even if my home isn’t right on the water, I’m close enough to enjoy the scent and feel of the sea.
Let’s talk dream houses. Lake or sea? How would you decorate yours?
More inspiration:
Lake House Style
Hygge by the Sea Home
Coastal Style
Credits:
Top three images: Atlanta Homes | Interior design: Liz Williams, Liz Williams Interiors
Next two images: New England Home | Interior design: Heather Keare, Lisa Soule, Keare Soule Interiors
Bottom two images: New England Home | Interior design: Lisa Tharp, Lisa Tharp Design