So, which would you choose for your dream home: a peaceful lakefront retreat or a breezy seaside cottage? Having lived near both lakes and the ocean, I find the two settings inspire very different ways of living and decorating. Our surroundings shape our homes and our homes shape how we live, so where you’ve lived and what you love often guide design choices.
Lake life and coastal life each bring unique moods and practical considerations. A lake house often feels intimate, sheltered by trees and calm water, while a seaside home is open to wide horizons, salt air, and wind. These differences affect materials, color palettes, furniture choices, and layout. Do you imagine decorating a lake house differently than a sea-facing home? Many people choose distinct styles for each, while others prefer a consistent aesthetic no matter the view.
The image at the top of this page reminded me of my childhood on Lake Oswego in Oregon. We lived on a lovely peninsula that opened to the water and had a canal wrapping around part of the property. Summers were spent on the lake, and even when we didn’t live right on the shore, lake easements kept us connected to the water. That upbringing shaped my love for lake-house comforts: cozy nooks, warm woods, and relaxed, lived-in style.
Even so, my heart leans toward the sea. There’s something irresistible about salty air, gull calls, and the constant motion of the ocean. That pull toward coastal living is one reason I love being near Seattle—close enough to the water to savor the sea breeze and that unmistakable coastal atmosphere.
Deciding between lake or sea comes down to lifestyle and feeling. A lake house can be a quiet sanctuary for boating, fishing, and restful summers. A seaside home invites open-air living, fresh bracing winds, and a lighter, often brighter coastal decor. Both settings inspire thoughtful choices in materials—durable finishes by the sea to withstand salt and wind, and softer, warmer textures by the lake to create snug comfort.
If you’re looking for design inspiration, think about how you want to feel in the space. For a lake house: embrace cozy textiles, layered lighting, natural woods, and antique or vintage touches that feel timeless. For a seaside home: favor light, airy fabrics, weathered finishes, breezy slipcovers, and a palette of soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites.
Practical choices matter, too. Coastal homes benefit from materials that resist humidity and salt—porcelain tile, stainless hardware, and outdoor-grade fabrics. Lake homes often prioritize warmth and comfort, with rugs, upholstered seating, and window treatments to frame serene water views. Both settings reward intentional storage solutions for outdoor gear and furniture that balances style with durability.
Ultimately, your dream house should reflect how you want to live. Do you imagine long evenings on a dock with quiet water all around, or wide-open mornings listening to waves and seabirds? Whether lake or sea, let the location inform your color palette, textures, and furniture choices so the home feels cohesive and personal.
Tell me: would you choose a lake house or a seaside home, and how would you decorate it?
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