Lakehouse Interior Design: Tips from a Chattanooga Designer
The greater Chattanooga area is surrounded by some of the most beautiful lake and mountain settings in the Southeast. From properties along Chickamauga Lake and Nickajack Lake to mountain retreats in the North Georgia hills and along the Cumberland Plateau, vacation and second homes are a significant part of the regional real estate landscape. Designing these homes requires a different mindset than a primary residence. Here is how we approach lakehouse and vacation home design at McLain Collins Interiors.
[See: Room-by-Room Design Inspiration]
Design for Relaxation First
A lakehouse should feel like an exhale the moment you walk in the door. Every design decision should support that sense of ease. This means comfortable, generous seating in every room, natural materials that feel organic and unforced, a color palette that echoes the water, sky, and surrounding landscape, and layouts that encourage gathering and relaxation rather than formality. At the lake, the dress code is casual, and your home’s design should match that energy.
Choose Materials That Handle Real Life
Lake homes experience more wear than typical residences. Wet swimsuits, sandy feet, sunscreen on upholstery, and a revolving door of family and guests mean materials need to be durable without sacrificing beauty. We recommend performance fabrics on all upholstered pieces, which now come in beautiful linens, velvets, and wovens that are spill-proof and fade- resistant. Stone, tile, or luxury vinyl plank flooring handles moisture and foot traffic better than hardwood in lake environments. Indoor-outdoor rugs in living areas provide texture and color while being easy to clean.
Maximize the View
The lake or mountain view is the primary asset in any vacation home near Chattanooga. Design should celebrate rather than compete with the view. This means keeping window treatments simple: sheer panels or minimal roman shades that frame the view without obscuring it. Furniture arrangements should orient toward the best sight lines. Color palettes and materials should complement the natural landscape outside rather than pull attention inward.
Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
In the Chattanooga area, where the climate allows for outdoor living from spring through fall, the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces should feel effortless. Covered porches, screened-in rooms, and outdoor dining areas become some of the most used spaces in a lake home. We design these areas with the same care as interior rooms: weather-resistant furnishings that are genuinely comfortable, outdoor lighting that extends usability into the evening, and materials that age gracefully in the elements.
Design for Guests
Lake homes typically host more overnight guests than primary residences. Thoughtful guest room design includes comfortable mattresses and quality bedding, bedside lighting and USB charging, adequate storage for luggage and clothing, private or semi-private bathroom access, and small amenities like extra towels, a fan, and a basket of essentials. Bunk rooms or flexible sleeping spaces with trundle beds and sleeper sofas allow you to accommodate more guests without needing extra bedrooms.
Keep Maintenance Low
Vacation homes sit empty between visits, so design choices should minimize maintenance. Materials that do not show dust and wear easily, finishes that resist moisture and temperature fluctuations, and a level of simplicity that makes opening and closing the house easy all contribute to a lake home that is a joy rather than a burden to own.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Lakehouse design prioritizes durability, comfort, and connection to the outdoor environment. Material choices emphasize moisture resistance and easy maintenance. The aesthetic is typically more relaxed than a primary residence, with an emphasis on gathering spaces, guest accommodations, and indoor-outdoor flow.
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Luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile, and concrete are excellent choices for lake homes due to their moisture resistance and durability. If you prefer the look of wood, engineered hardwood handles humidity fluctuations better than solid hardwood. We often use LVP on the main level and engineered hardwood in bedrooms.
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Focus on quality over quantity. Invest in a few statement pieces like a substantial dining table, luxurious bedding, and good lighting rather than filling every surface with accessories. Intentional simplicity feels more elevated at the lake than an overly decorated interior.