A lake house has a tough job. First off, it has to compete with the beauty of Mother Nature, and that’s a losing battle to begin with. Then, a lake house has to be fun, like a day out on the water, yet relaxing, like the gentle crackling of a campfire. And, to boot, it needs to convey your personality. While that may be a tall order, it’s nothing your lake house can’t handle — especially if you pick the right design aesthetic. 

So, before you go building a lakefront home, distill your style into an aesthetic that fits you. Need some food for thought? Scroll down to read home design trends for 2024 and allow us to translate the cutting-edge into applicable design tips for your new home in Georgia's Lake Country.

The Nature Lover’s Abode

Just outside the window of your lake home, nature bustles. Waves stir the blue depths of Lake Oconee, trees swaying in the breeze as forest creatures flit about. You could spend the entire day out, soaking it all in. But what if you could bring that feeling with you when you go back inside? With biophilic design, you can! Nothing brings out the natural beauty of custom lake homes the way biophilic design does — plus, it’s one of 2024’s top trends. Biophilic design connects the outdoors and indoors using colors, shapes, materials, and decor inspired by nature.

Trend Tips

• Keep it Natural

Emulate nature in your designs by incorporating natural materials, such as stone and wood, as well as nature-inspired colors like greens, blues, browns, and off-whites. Decorate with plants, flowers — basically anything you could find on a nature walk — and voila, your lake home will transform into a biophilic getaway!

• Engage Your Senses

Create an immersive experience by incorporating natural sights, smells, and sounds into your design. Start by centering your furniture around windows to maximize your natural light and view. Then light a fireplace, turn on an indoor water foundation, or simply open the window to create a natural ambiance. Or, you could bring your living space outside by adding a grilling patio or summer kitchen. Summer kitchens, which became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, stand separate from the main house and are coming back as an extra space for outdoor cooking and entertaining.

The Rustic Retreat

People continue to seek comfort from the craziness of the world. And what better place is there to find reassurance than home? If you want to create a sanctuary of comfort for yourself, rustic is the way to go. Vintage and natural influences intermingle in the rustic aesthetic to produce a feeling of hominess. This is aided by the eclectic decor style that’s often associated with the rustic look, which makes it easy to include your personal style into your home design. 

Trend Tips

• Bring Warmth to Your Walls

Though gray and white have been one of the top color trends for much of the past decade, the look is officially on its way out. It’s being replaced by warm neutral hues like beiges, creams, and browns with rich undertones. Accent these neutrals with shades of green and blue or grounded earth tones like deep red and terracotta to get the perfect color palette for your cozy lake cabin aesthetic. Then, if you want to add contrast and visual interest to your palette of neutrals, try painting your interior doors a different color than the surrounding walls and trim. 

• Try Vintage

The rustic aesthetic incorporates decor that speaks to your life, interests, personality, and style. Among a sea of rustic lake house decorating ideas, antiques and vintage items stand out for the unique character each individual piece brings to your home. Try displaying family heirlooms or find your own pieces at a local flea market or antique shop near you. But, also, don't be afraid to balance your vintage elements out with something luxurious like velvet cushions or a wine niche. 

The Maximalist’s Playhouse 

Though minimalism has been one of the top interior design trends of recent years, in 2024, the minimalist aesthetic is being usurped by its boisterous counterpart: maximalism. Maximalism is about being ‘extra,’ going bigger and bolder with a more-is-more — rather than a less-is-more — mentality. From tiny decor details to furniture and lighting, maximalism is an exciting, hyper-stylized aesthetic that's at once effervescent and sophisticated. 

Trend Tips

• Go Bold

To achieve the maximalist look, you need to make a statement, and there are plenty of ways to do that in 2024. Start small by choosing decor and furniture pieces that come in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns that complement one another. Then, go bigger by creating an accent wall. You can try something bright like a patterned wallpaper or dramatic like a dark brown or jewel-toned paint color. Or, for something more exciting, put your accent somewhere unexpected, like the floor or ceiling. In your kitchen, for example, instead of accenting your walls with a bold paint color, create a more interesting design by installing modern dark kitchen floors or cabinets. 

• Mix and Match

Do you have a hard time deciding on just one style for your lake house? Do you find yourself pulled in different directions, not knowing which way to go? The maximalist would tell you to stay right where you are and embrace the chaos. If you like bits and pieces of the rustic and modern aesthetics, for example, then try combining vintage furniture with modern lake house decor to make your own rustic contemporary style. Don’t hold yourself back. If you want to be especially on-trend for 2024, try mixing and matching your metals or the color of your kitchen cabinets! 

The Coastal Charm

Embrace the serenity of the shoreline with a Coastal Charm aesthetic, a trending style for lake country homes that captures the essence of a beachside retreat right at Lake Oconee. This design aesthetic is all about creating a light, breezy, and relaxed atmosphere that echoes the tranquility of the lakeside. The color palette draws inspiration from the water and sky, featuring soft blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites. Natural light is a key element, with large windows and open spaces allowing sunlight to flood in, enhancing the airy feel. This style often incorporates natural elements that evoke aquatics like driftwood accents or sea glass decorations.

Trend Tips

• Soft, Nautical Palette and Natural Elements

  Utilize a color scheme that reflects the hues of the lake and sky, complemented by natural materials like untreated wood and stone. Decorate with nautical-themed items like ropes, shells, or artwork depicting the serene waterside to strengthen the coastal vibe.

• Comfortable, Casual Furnishings 

  Opt for furniture that prioritizes comfort and informality. Think plush sofas with light-colored slipcovers, wicker chairs, and rustic wooden tables. The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and effortless, inviting you and your guests to relax and unwind.

The Eco-Conscious Escape

As environmental awareness grows, so does the trend for Eco-Conscious Escapes in lake country homes. This design style is centered around sustainability and a deep respect for the natural surroundings. It focuses on utilizing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and a palette that reflects the natural world. The use of reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and local craftsmanship not only reduces the environmental footprint but also adds unique character to the home. Features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving fixtures are common, reflecting a commitment to living in harmony with the environment.

Trend Tips

• Sustainable Materials and Energy Efficiency

  Incorporate sustainable building materials like bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and reclaimed wood. Design your home to maximize energy efficiency with well-placed windows for natural light and ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances, and consider renewable energy sources like solar panels.

• Nature-Inspired Palette and Decor

  Choose colors and decor that mimic the natural landscape surrounding your lake home. Utilize greens, earth tones, and neutral hues to create a seamless transition between the indoors and the outdoors. Decorate with plants, natural fibers, and handmade items that reflect an eco-friendly lifestyle and bring a sense of the outdoors inside.

Do you want the inside of your lake home to be just as beautiful as the landscape that surrounds it? PAXISgroup and our team of lakefront home builders create high-quality homes that blend into their natural surroundings. Plus, we have the portfolio to prove it! Contact PAXISgroup to learn more about what to expect or get started with your lake home construction.