Tag: DIY

Top 3 DIY Design Trends for Fall

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine.

At the end of October, we’re finally in the thick of autumn. It’s the perfect time to relax on your back porch, gaze out at the lake, and enjoy a warm beverage. In preparation for this season characterized by hygge, many lake home residents decorate their houses with the latest fall trends to ring in the season. But this doesn’t necessarily mean traveling to the store or hiring an interior decorator. There’s plenty of ways to create these trends with DIY projects. From vintage decor to pumpkin centerpieces, we’re here with some advice on DIY design trends for this season!

Incorporate Natural Decor

To complement the scenery around your lake home, try incorporating natural decor into your interior designs. This style is especially popular during autumn when the colorful shades outdoors are incredibly vibrant. “From the lakeside, any decor you choose should be complementary to the area as well as to the season,” says Sarabeth Asaff, home design expert at Fixr. who lives on the lake. “That means a lot of natural decors – mums, pumpkins, corn stalks – things that fit in well with the natural feeling of the space, while still highlighting the season.” 

If there’s a local farmer’s market near your lake house, it’s a great place to pick up pumpkins, flowers, and other decorative items. For a specific DIY project that incorporates natural elements, check out these homemade fall decor crafts. Sarabeth also advises looking directly to your backyard for the best DIY inspiration. She urges, “Don’t be afraid to bring the outdoors inside. If the leaves are changing color, why not snip off several twigs with leaves in vibrant colors to create a centerpiece that’s natural and colorful at once.”

Embrace Hygge

Hygge, the Danish concept of being comfortable and cozy, is completely aligned with the lake lifestyle. And this fall, this life philosophy is trending. “Both inside and outdoors, put an emphasis on the cozy this year”, Sarabeth says. “It’s about comfort, so line your outdoor chairs and benches with soft pillows in fall hues. Swap out your window treatments for something a little heavier, and make sure to include plenty of candles and throws throughout your living spaces.” If you don’t have candles at home, candle making is a quick, simple hobby you can take up. It’s also a fun science lesson about how wax burns and consolidates! 

Another component of hygge is embracing warmth and familiarity. As such, a related trend is vintage, nostalgic items. Jen Stark, the founder of Happy DIY Home, recommends mixing vintage plates, frames, or vases with fall decor like pumpkin displays. She says to use these items as a “throwback on your mantle or coffee table with brown-hued bottles surrounded by faux fall flowers.” Get inspired by these fall centerpiece ideas to create your vintage table spread.

Dark Accent Colors

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.

While pastels and floral prints characterize springtime, dark tones are in season this fall. Think mustard yellow, a “mulled wine” shade of reddish-purple, and copper. Jen Stark comments, “This year, we’re seeing pops of dark accent colors being really popular for fall decor. Bring in evergreen foliage in deep green with navy tones that mimic the crisp, night sky.” 

If you’ve adopted a sewing hobby during quarantine, this would be a great opportunity to sew window curtains or a pillow cover with a dark purple or burnt orange fabric. You could also try reupholstering a chair with a velvet fabric to add a sense of warmth and texture. These DIY sewing projects will certainly capture the essence of fall at your lake home. 

Happy decorating!

Best Fire Pit Kits of 2020

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of decoist.com.

Fire pit kits, a recent DIY trend, are part of a long history of fire pits in general. For the past several years, fire pits have been a popular feature at lake houses. It’s not hard to see why. Especially during the fall, fire pits add a much-needed sense of light and warmth to your outdoor space’s ambiance. Roasting marshmallows, drinking wine, and staying cozy beside a fire describe the season’s essence. 

However, when it comes to choosing a fire pit, there’s a lot to consider. They can be expensive to install, difficult to set up, and a headache to operate. If you’re running into these issues when choosing a fire pit, DIY might be the solution. 

Many manufacturers have created fire pit kits — designed for convenient installation and easy maintenance. If you dream of a nice fire pit but love the convenience of DIY, these user-friendly products are perfect!

Belgard’s Fire Pit Kit

Photo courtesy of Lowe’s.

This circular stone fire pit kit from Lowe’s is a simple DIY design. The tumbled stone evokes a polished, contemporary look. With a retaining wall product surrounding the stones’ interior, it won’t crack at high temperatures like a brick fire pit would. 

This product is available in six color blends to match your existing lake house’s hardscape for aesthetics. Suppose you don’t have all day to install, no worries.

This fire pit kit’s build time is only an hour because it comes with instructions and ready-to-assemble pieces.

RTA Square Fire Pit

Photo courtesy of RTA.

After this square fire pit kit is shipped to your door, it can be assembled in one afternoon. If you’re having trouble, check out one of RTA’s installation videos for outdoor kitchens (the same process applies for fire features). 

Once you’ve installed it, its durable features ensure that you’ll enjoy it for years to come. For instance, it comes with a weatherproof on/off switch, the ability to withstand freeze/thaw cycles and coastal climates, and a lifetime warranty on the structure. 

Available in natural gas or propane, the stainless steel burner is the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen. You’ll also love using the plate and drink counter space for your lake house guests.

Park Canyon Propane Fire Pit Kit

Photo courtesy of Home Depot.

For a hint of classic elegance in your backyard, check out this propane fire pit kit from Park Canyon. The product is made of resin with a circular steel frame. It doubles as both a patio heater as well as a table. 

When it’s heated, it has a power of 50,000 BTU and an automatic shut off to keep everyone safe. Up to 4 people can enjoy its warmth on a crisp fall evening. Plus, you can control the temperature just by pressing a button for maximum comfort. 

With a mesh guard that contains fire sparks and an attractive cover to conceal the propane, it’s one of the more sophisticated fire pit kits you’ll find.

Cape Cod Fire Pit

Photo courtesy of Stonewood Products.

This Cape Cod Fire Pit has been a bestseller at Stonewood Products every year, and the reasons are obvious. 

First, it’s designed to install quickly and easily so you can spend more time enjoying your fire pit than creating it. It’s also incredibly versatile. 

When ordering, you can customize height and color so that it blends seamlessly into your backyard. 

You can also tailor this fire pit kit to your needs by adding a smokeless fire ring, a spark screen, or a grill surface. This circular, stone fire pit is a timeless look that easily integrates with surrounding nature. 

Belvedere Round Fieldstone Kit

Photo courtesy of Rosetta Hardscapes.

This fire pit kit from Rosetta is designed to help you customize your outdoor dream space. 

Varying shapes of wet cast concrete bring out a balance of modern and rustic looks. Especially paired with a stone hardscape, this look is perfect for a lake property. 

For your convenience, it comes with a block key and pattern for quick installation. And depending on your preference, you can choose between a wood-burning or gas-powered fire pit. 

At your lake house, fire pit kits are a great way to achieve a low maintenance landscape. They’re easy to install, and the designs are elegant and straightforward. 

This fall, you can assemble a fire pit kit in one afternoon and invite guests over for s’ mores by evening. From our lake house to yours, stay warm outside and enjoy the season! 

Insider Tips for Home Renovating

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Decor Demon.

It’s no secret that home renovating is costly. According to Home Advisor, remodeling an average 2,500 square foot home costs anywhere between $15,000 and $200,000. For lake houses, there are additional considerations like flood preparations. Between material costs and contractor fees, one fact is certain — it’s easy to break the bank. But savvy lake homeowners know the insider tips and tricks to keep costs low. Whether you’re renovating to increase property value or to improve your aesthetic, we’ve got advice on saving money and simplifying the process. 

For Deals, Timing is Everything

Kitchen renovation by Bill Samuel
Before and After of a kitchen renovated by Bill Samuel.
Marble backsplash tiles purchased from Floor & Decor.

Home renovating should not be an impulsive task, especially when buying large materials like flooring. “For big orders, you want to plan ahead,” says Bill Samuel, a Chicago-based real estate developer. From seven years of experience flipping homes, he’s an expert in finding the best possible materials at low prices. “Know when stores like Menards and Home Depot are running specials and buy within that window.” Besides staying vigilant about sales, he also advises buying discounted gift cards online. 

For the best department store sales, a holiday weekend is a good bet. This strategy helped Ashley Buchanan, senior project manager at Obviously and Birmingham-based homeowner who recently renovated her house. By capitalizing on Memorial Day Weekend sales, she never paid full price for any of her renovation materials.

Besides holidays, seasonality affects prices. Andrew, a home improvement contractor with Contractor Advisorly, says to buy just before winter. “That’s when contractors tend to have less business. During that time, they want to get as much business as possible and are willing to reduce prices for it.”

More than Lowe’s and Home Depot

Before and After of Mike Hillis’s bathroom makeover.
Materials from Habitat for Humanity.

If your lake home is in a remote area, a Lowe’s or Home Depot might be too far. But this doesn’t mean you can’t renovate. Is there a Habitat for Humanity nearby? This nonprofit sells used materials at lower prices. If brick and mortar are out of reach, contractors and woodworkers often post leftover materials, light fixtures, and furniture at a reduced rate on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. While it’s a lot to sift through, it’s a goldmine if you’re lucky. Also, be on the lookout for demolition sales from buildings in your neighborhood. 

Another penny-pinching tip for home renovating is to take advantage of overstock. “When contractors buy materials for a project, there will often be a lot of leftover material,” says Andrew. “Usually this material is left for the customer, but if you’re willing to negotiate, you can get reduced costs on materials in return for letting the contractor keep leftover material.” If possible, find an overstock store in your area. For instance, in Birmingham, AL,  Southeastern Salvage has plenty of surplus building materials. For a second home like a lake house, overstock stores are perfect — especially if you aren’t too picky about your designs. 

Start with the Foundation

Before and After of Ashley Buchanan’s den after new paint, flooring, lighting, and window treatment.

When remodeling a lake home, a complete overhaul isn’t necessary. To save money and time, focus on the most foundational components such as paint, light, and windows. The rest is just furniture, which you can always change. “The power of paint is the biggest one — it truly cannot be underestimated,” says Ashley. “Same with lighting. It’s crazy how a $40 light fixture can change the whole vibe of the space.” She also explains how her window treatment converted the living room from “clinical” to “balanced and intentional.” By adding a simple bamboo shade and tall curtains, the whole room shifted. “Now it’s my favorite room to hang out in, and it’s where everyone hangs out when they come over,” she describes. “It feels cozy, and it feels like me.”

When in Doubt, DIY

Before and After of Ashley Buchanan‘s washer and dryer area using DIY materials to transform the space.

In home renovating, installation costs often surpass the cost of the materials. So, if you can endure the time, effort, and physical toll required for installing your own materials, try the DIY angle. Ashley says that installing her own bathroom tiling saved at least a few thousand dollars. With the right tools and resources, it’s certainly doable. Plus, you’ll have complete control over the renovation process.

For most DIY projects, it helps to start with existing, free resources before consulting an expert. “YouTube is great for people looking to DIY,” says Bill Samuel. He recommends House Improvement’s channel with plenty of videos for homeowners looking to fix things like tile and drywall. With enough DIY experience, you’ll be just like Ron Swanson in this scene from Parks and Recreation. 

For more remodeling tips, check our previous blog posts on upgrades that can backfire, outdoor renovations, and the basics of flipping a lake home. Now let’s get to renovating! 

What is Wabi-Sabi Design and Why it’s Perfect for a Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Mademoiselle Claudine via The Spruce.

In recent years, concepts from various countries have become trendy in U.S. interior design like the Swedish idea of hygge, meaning comfort and coziness, which has grown in popularity. From further east, the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi has made its way into U.S. architecture and interior decor. Before diving headfirst into this trend, it’s important to understand its meaning and cultural context. For wabi-sabi specifically, this meaning happens to be aligned with the lake lifestyle. Let’s take a deep dive into this concept and why it’s perfect for a lake home. 

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Photo courtesy of Joelle Magazine.

Although the trend is relatively new, the concept is rooted in ancient Japanese culture. Specifically, it comes from Buddhist tea ceremonies where the tea masters used simple, rustic, and irregularly shaped utensils. When you break the word down, “Wabi” refers to understated elegance that is often found in nature. “Sabi” is a celebration of the imperfections that come with aging. Wabi-sabi describes something humble, authentic, and beautifully imperfect. In other words, it’s appreciating the way something is rather than how it should be. 

Wabi-Sabi in Design

Photo courtesy of My Modern Met.

In keeping with this definition, wabi-sabi design is typically asymmetrical, modest, and intimate. A classic example of these characteristics is kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending cracked pottery with gold and silver resin. Instead of trying to hide the ceramics’ flaws, this technique celebrates them. 

Photo courtesy of Wallsauce.com.

In 1994, Leonard Koren’s book Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, and Philosophers garnered more widespread attention. The work of architects like Tadao Ando made wabi-sabi into a lauded design trend. For the interior decorator, wabi-sabi design techniques include mixing and matching, embracing and repurposing old items, artisanal decor, and homemade projects. However, just because it’s an eclectic style doesn’t mean it’s full of clutter. A wabi-sabi space should also be highly organized and peaceful.

The Appeal of Wabi-Sabi

Photo courtesy of DECOR8.

In a world where the latest trends are aiming for perfection and newness, wabi-sabi is refreshing. Helen White, design lead at House Of, says, “I think the main appeal of this style is that it appeals to the unpretentious and whimsical among us. There is so much beauty in the weather-beaten, cracks, and bumps in items as there are in meticulously crafted, smooth edges.” Further, this style offers permission to pick decor that simply brings you joy, even if it doesn’t match a specific aesthetic. Instead of showcasing a particular trend, wabi-sabi design introduces the people who live there. 

Invoking Wabi-Sabi at Your Lake House

Photo courtesy of dwell.com.

Wabi-sabi is evident in nature. Flora and fauna are not engineered to look a certain way– they simply are what they are, even as they age. At the lake, you’re surrounded by wabi-sabi. More broadly, the idea of leaving the city behind and retreating to nature with your loved ones is in itself, wabi-sabi. Since the lake lifestyle already adopts this concept, why not reflect it in your decor?

Photo courtesy of theuppers.com.

Jeneva Aaron, founder, and CEO of The House Wire, describes, “Wabi-sabi design is also about bringing nature inside your house. This is very much possible when designing a lake house… I believe the wabi-sabi concept is used in most lake house designs because of the natural effect. People are now more into fulfillment over materialism.” In practice, you may incorporate earthy tones and organic materials into your decor, such as driftwood. The bottom line is that it should reflect something you genuinely love, even if it’s not in vogue. After all, lake homes should be welcoming, and a wabi-sabi style expresses that sense of warmth.

What do you think? Would you consider incorporating wabi-sabi into your lake house decor?

Fun Ice Cream Recipes to Try This Summer

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Fox Island Creamery.

Finally– the holiday we’ve all been waiting for this summer. In honor of National Ice Cream Day on July 19th, we’re taking a look at some delicious homemade ice cream recipes. Whatever your preferred flavor, there’s a frozen treat for you to enjoy at your lake house. 

Hot Cocoa Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of Delish.com.

There’s nothing better than drinking a warm hot chocolate while watching falling snow outside your lake house in winter. This ice cream recipe is simply the colder equivalent of that delicious treat. Add some chocolate drizzle and a candy cane for a little Christmas in July.

Ingredients: 

  • 3 c. heavy cream 
  • 1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk 
  • 3 hot cocoa packets 
  • 1 c. mini marshmallows, more for garnish 

Directions: Beat heavy cream in a stand mixer with an attached whisk. In the mixture, fold in mini marshmallows and hot cocoa. Move the mixture to a 9” x 5” loaf pan and smooth with a spatula. Top with additional marshmallows and freeze for 5 hours, until firm. When ready to serve, let soften outside the freezer for 10 minutes. 

Check out the full recipe from Delish.com.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com.

Strawberry ice cream is a classic warm-weathered dessert. Enjoy this light and refreshing fruity flavor from the comfort of your lake home. The chunks of strawberries add a fun texture to this treat.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved 
  • 8 ounces more strawberries, coarsely chopped 
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1 cup low-fat milk 
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • ⅔ cup sugar, plus ½ cup more for macerating 
  • ½ cup light corn syrup 
  • ¼ cup vodka or silver tequila 

Directions: Puree halved strawberries with lemon juice and salt in a blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to create 1 ½ cups of puree. Combine milk, cream, ⅔ cup sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Once you’ve brought to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Strain mixture into a bowl in an ice bath and occasionally stir for five minutes until cold. Stir in strawberry puree, refrigerate covered for at least 2 hours. 

See the full recipe from marthastewart.com. 

Cookies and Cream

Photo courtesy of SouthernLiving.com.

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, cookies and cream is a staple ice cream flavor. The key to getting this beloved ice cream recipe right is in the cookies. Make sure you’re crushing them with consistency, so every bite is delicious. Keep in mind that you need an electric ice cream maker for this one!

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup cold whole milk 
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar 
  • 2 cups cold heavy cream 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 18 Oreos (or other cream filled sandwich cookies)

Directions: Whisk milk and sugar until sugar dissolves. Then, stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Transfer to an electric ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions. Meanwhile, crush cookies in a ziplock bag into a sandy consistency. Add cookie mixture to ice cream as the machine is running. Once it’s done, transfer the ice cream to a 9” x 5” loaf pan. Chop the remaining 8 cookies, sprinkle over the ice cream, and fold. Freeze for 2 hours. 

View the full recipe at Southernliving.com. 

Cannoli Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of Delish.com.

Cannolis and ice cream are delicious separately, but they’re even better together. If you can’t find cannoli shells at the store, try substituting graham crackers or ice cream cone pieces for a similar crunchy texture.

Ingredients: 

  • 2 c. heavy cream 
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 
  • ½ c. ricotta cheese 
  • ½ tsp. Ground cinnamon 
  • ¼ tsp. Ground nutmeg 
  • 2 c. mini chocolate chips, divided 
  • 1 ½ c. crushed cannoli shells, divided 
  • ½ c. chopped pistachios, divided 
  • Cones for serving 

Directions: Beat heavy cream for five minutes in a large bowl with a whisk or hand mixer. Fold in sweetened condensed milk, ricotta, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it’s thoroughly combined. Then, fold in 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips, 1 ¼ cup crushed cannoli shells and all chopped pistachios except two tablespoons. Once it’s combined, transfer to a 9”x 5” pan and top with remaining chocolate chips, cannoli shells, and pistachios. Freeze five hours until solid, then let soften 10 minutes before scooping. 

View the full recipe on Delish.com. 

Vanilla Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of CountryLiving.com.

We’re going back to the basics. Sometimes, nothing beats a simple scoop of vanilla. This vanilla bean recipe is the perfect blank slate, so you can keep it plain or add fun mix-ins like m&ms, chocolate glaze, or sliced almonds. Whatever you prefer on a warm lake day!

Ingredients: 

  • 3 c. whole milk 
  • 2 c. heavy cream 
  • ½ c. sugar 
  • ¼ tsp. Kosher salt 
  • 1 vanilla bean 
  • 5 large egg yolks 

Directions: Whisk all ingredients besides the eggs in a large, heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot. Gradually whisk 1 cup hot milk mixture into yolks. Whisk yolk mixture into remaining milk mixture and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, whisking constantly. The mixture will thicken. Then, pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding solids. Cool completely. Chill between 8-24 hours. Pour into an electric ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions. 

See the entire recipe on Countryliving.com.

Vanilla Almond Ice Cream with Cherries and Pistachios

Photo courtesy of FoodandWine.com.

If you have gourmet tastes, this ice cream recipe is for you. The combination of nuts and fruit brings out a refreshing, natural flavor. Keep in mind that this dessert calls for a few more ingredients than your standard homemade ice cream, but the tasty payoff is worth it.

Ingredients: 

  • 6 egg yolks 
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream 
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk 
  • ¾ cup sugar 
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise with seeds scraped 
  • ½ teaspoon pure almond extract 
  • ¾ cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved 
  • ¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped 

Directions: Put a medium bowl into a large bowl of ice water. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks for 1-2 minutes. Whisk cream with milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium saucepan. Simmer until sugar is dissolved. Gradually whisk half of the mixture into the egg yolks, then whisk back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat, constantly stirring for 12 minutes. Strain the custard through a medium-mesh strainer into the ice water bowl. Discard vanilla bean. Let it cool, then stir in almond extract. Seal in a freezer bag and lay flat in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Transfer frozen custard to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Transfer to 9”x4” pan and fold in cherries and pistachios. Cover and freeze for 6 hours. 

Check out all the recipe details at foodandwine.com.

Don’t have the kitchen tools needed for some of these recipes? No sweat! You can always enjoy homemade ice cream at the lake using the tried-and-true ice cream recipe in a bag. It’s an easy and fun science experiment that’s just as tasty.

From us at Lake Homes Realty, Happy National Ice Cream Day! 

Top Six Baking Cookbooks to Buy This Summer

Posted on Camille Smith

Due to the pandemic, we’ve been spending more time indoors, looking for ways to occupy our time. For comfort, many of us have turned to baking. In fact, creating homemade bread is such a popular activity that yeast is now hard to find. It’s no wonder — there’s a delightful satisfaction that comes with creating your own baked goods. Just imagine the smell of fresh bread, taking that first bite on your lakefront patio. Simply mouth-watering. If you’re hoping to start a baking project during quarantine at your lake house, check out these six baking cookbooks. From baking bread to hosting guests, we’ve got you covered. 

The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Photo courtesy of Cindy’s Recipes and Writings.

This cookbook lives up to its bold title. In 1998, The Washington Post admiringly referred to author Rose Levy Beranbaum as the “Diva of Dough.” She’s continued this legacy since. The award-winning author of The Pie and Pastry Bible (the fruit of 10 years of labor) released The Baking Bible in 2014. This general cookbook covers a wide range of meticulously crafted baking recipes from ice cream cookies to sweetbreads. If you’re a detail-oriented baker and believe that every teaspoon counts, this cookbook is for you.

The Bread Baker’s Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread by Peter Reinhart

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.

If you’re specifically interested in bread, this is one of the top baking cookbooks. A key figure in artisan bread making, Peter Reinhart’s passion for bread led him to a two-year journey in search of the perfect pizza. He originally released The Bread Baker’s Apprentice in 2001, and it won a James Beard Award in 2002. In 2016, he released a 15th-anniversary edition with updated methods. It includes tried-and-true recipes from across the world, such as artos (Greek Celebration Bread), French Bread, and New York bagels. It also features a crash course in bread classifications and categories. If one book isn’t enough for your (br)education, check out Peter Reinhart’s regularly-updated blog and learn his philosophy about why bread is special in his Ted Talk. 

Little Flower Baking by Christine Moore

Photo courtesy of LittleFlowerCandyCo.com.

As she describes in her cookbook, Christine Moore used to create homemade meals for her parents as a child. This lifelong passion for baking turned into a successful career. With head baker Cecilia Leung, Christine Moore founded the local cafe Little Flower Candy Co. in Pasadena, CA. Her cookbook, Little Flower Baking, includes homemade recipes like cream biscuits, layered cakes, and buttercream frosting. Staci Valentine’s photography decorates the pages and captures each dessert in detail. She’s carefully tested every recipe to ensure that it’s doable for home cooks. When it comes to top baking cookbooks, this one’s a great choice that will satisfy your sweet tooth. 

The Art of French Pastry by Jacquy Pfeiffer & Martha Rose Shulman

Photo courtesy of sg.carousell.com.

Just because we can’t travel to France right now doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the country’s delicacies from our lake homes. Brought to you by French master pastry chef and teacher Jacquy Pfeiffer and New York Times Cooking columnist Martha Rose Shulman, this book is extensive. It’s not your standard cookbook, which is often full of recipes but disengaged with the overall craft of cooking. In The Art of French Pastry, each recipe is deeply connected to the artistry behind the desserts. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to pipe an eclair or if you’ve wondered what a paring knife is used for, this high-class pick of the top baking cookbooks is for you.

Fancy Desserts by Brooks Headley

Photo courtesy of Eater.com.

Brooks Headley is not your average chef. He’s a punk rock drummer who found his passion for pastries in his late 20s. After serving as the executive pastry chef at the luxury restaurant in New York City, Del Posto, he opened Superiority Burger. His experimental style and creativity are evident in his book, Fancy Desserts. The term “fancy” is even paradoxical, as the book is filled with down-to-earth authenticity. The first page features a wine glass filled with gummy bears, and he lists “human hands” as its own section among necessary baking tools. He’s known for including vegetables in his recipes, such as Sweet Pea Cake. This book is perfect for those with a fun spirit who want to make creative yet high-quality desserts. 

What’s a Hostess to Do? – Susan Spungen

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.

Once quarantine lifts, you’ll want your lake house guests to witness your new cooking skills. What’s a Hostess to Do? is your perfect guide to this future event. Recently lauded for her innovative Peppermint Stripe Cookies, cook and food stylist Susan Spungen is an expert on creating food and entertaining. Although not a traditional cookbook, this book earns its place among the top baking cookbooks. It covers everything from casual dinners to brunch buffets. She also includes tips about hot topics like mailing invitations, facilitating mingling, and hundreds of party dish recipes. In her newly-released book Open Kitchen: Inspired Food for Casual Gatherings. 

We hope these books inspire your quarantine cooking at your lake house. In the words of Peter Rinehart, “May your crust be crisp, and your bread always rise!” 

Lake Activities: What Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

From reading on the dock to water skiing, an endless amount of activities are at your fingertips when you own a lake home. Especially as summer is approaching, your options grow exponentially. With countless possibilities, choosing a lake activity can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve created this decision flowchart. Start at the top, answer each question, and discover what exciting feat you’re in for today!

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result was in a turquoise box, get ready for a cozy, laid back day indoors. Greet the day with a slow yoga flow on your screened porch. By afternoon, maybe you’ll scour the pantry for ingredients to start a new recipe. Baking projects like homemade bread are more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re in short supply of cookbooks at your lake house, popular apps like New York Times Cooking and Yummly have hundreds of recipes.

Similarly, there’s no shortage of DIY projects at your disposal. Examine each room of your lake home and ask yourself what’s missing. Maybe a cute chalkboard, decor made of driftwood, or an outdoor fire pit. You can create any of these pieces on your own, so why not get started today? If you’re not feeling creative and need to use the day to recharge, try one of The Atlantic’s recommended quarantine reads for the summer. Or sink into the sofa watching a lake-themed movie. 

Outdoor Activities

If your result settled on a lime green box, you’re spending the day outdoors! The lake waters are getting warmer these days, so why not take advantage? Whether you’re practicing competitive swimming strokes, water skiing, or canoeing with a fishing rod in hand, enjoying the water in your backyard never gets old. If you’d prefer more green space than blue today, try exploring one of the hiking trails near your property. If you own a mountain bike, grab your helmet and start pedaling. Otherwise, bring a walking stick and go at your own pace. While you’re there, count how many different species of birds you can spot. Check out this bird identification guide to brush up on your ornithology skills. While most of these are solo activities, if you’re feeling social, you can turn the day into a small social gathering — once quarantine ends, of course. Your backyard is the perfect setting for a summer picnic. Bring a set of speakers, a blanket, and enjoy the view with your crew. 

The Day’s What You Make It

We hope this flowchart helps you determine what activity you’d most enjoy at your lake house today. However, this decision-making tool is certainly not prescriptive. Ultimately, your perfect day at the lake is whatever you want it to be. Whether you decide to squeeze in every activity on this list, pick just one, or none at all, what’s most important is that you enjoy your lake retreat on this summer day. From our lake home to yours — have fun!

From Colors to Crafts: Using DIY Nautical Decor in Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Down East Magazine.

For lake homes and beach houses, decor in nautical themes is a classic look. A blue and white color scheme with boating motifs evokes a relaxed, cheerful feel. However, this style can sometimes go awry. Too often, lake homeowners go overboard– pun intended– with sailing-related paraphernalia. The result is more junky than sophisticated. When designing a nautical room for your lake house, it’s important to remember that a little boat-inspired charm goes a long way. Thankfully, achieving this whimsical, yet polished balance does not have to be complicated. There are plenty of DIY nautical decor projects that you can begin right now, in quarantine, to revamp your room in time for summer. Check out some of our tips below!

Painting Your Walls

Photo courtesy of Maine House Interiors.

Painting — or repainting– your walls is a basic, yet often overlooked tip for designing your nautical room. Although we associate shades like blue, white, red, and yellow with boating, combining these bold colors on one wall may look chaotic. Kate Diaz, interior designer and owner of home DIY website SwankyDen.com, comments, “Stick to a simple color palette for a classic look. For a more modern look, use bolder, darker shades of blue to offset bright whites. Doing so will create a stunning contrast while maintaining an elegant appeal.” Katie Mills, a writer for Poshh Living Magazine, agrees, adding, “About 80%-90% of the space should be neutral.” Besides blue and white, you can opt for wood tones to lean into a more rustic vibe. As for those bright yellows and reds that we associate with nautical flags– they work best in smaller doses. While an entirely red accent wall could be overwhelming, painting a single chair in red can add a fun pop of color.

Picking Nautical Items

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Finding nautical accent pieces is easier than you think. Often, the best sailing-inspired items are miscellaneous objects found both indoors and outdoors. Katie Mills advises, “Try finding genuine nautical items to use as decor. Oars are the obvious choice and are easy to paint and repaint.” If you have old canoe paddles, try painting a few and hanging them on your wall. While you’re at the boat dock, grab a few twists of rope or nets. Using these nautical objects, you can create plenty of designs. Kate Diaz suggests wrapping natural colored ropes around plant pots or using burlap to create a nautical footstool with glue and a stapler. You may also find nautical objects in other rooms of the house. For instance, if you have a round mirror in the foyer, try moving it to the nautical room, as the circular shape will resemble a ship’s porthole.

Choosing Crafty Projects

Photo courtesy of Tori Grant Designs.

In addition to repurposing boating items as decor, you can also get crafty with everyday materials. Everything from glass bottles to pieces of wood has creative potential. If you have sewing equipment, you can create nautical pillows. With old wine and sauce bottles around the house, you can paint them, wrap twine around, and place them on a bookshelf or patio table. Using driftwood, easily found in the lake, you can make these small sailboat figures. For a more personal touch, paint a picture frame with nautical shades and feature a photo of your family on the boat. While your paints are out, consider painting a welcome sign for your house. Each of these DIY crafts will instantly add a warm, lakeside feel to your room. 

We hope these ideas help you brainstorm DIY nautical decor projects you’d like to undertake. Picking one or two projects is best. Katie Mills reminds us: “It’s fine to have the occasional ship in a bottle, decorative anchor, or painting of a ship, just keep them within reasonable limits!” So, pick the craft that interests you most and get started. You’ll be surprised at what a single DIY nautical item can add to your lake house! 

Top 3 Fabric Trends of 2020– And How They Reflect Lake Living

Posted on Camille Smith

While spending more time inside during the quarantine, perhaps you’ve considered redecorating a room in your lake house. After all, if you’re going to be home all day, you might as well enjoy your surroundings. A vital element of any room’s decor is fabric choice. From upholstery to pillowcases, a well-selected fabric has the power to tie a room’s aesthetic together. As we reach the halfway point of 2020, we’re taking a look at the top fabric trends of the new decade. To get more insight, we spoke with some of the best in the business, Sunbrella, and Perennials. Fortunately for us, this year’s fabric trends merge seamlessly with the appreciation for nature that lake lovers share. 

Textured Looks

Consistent with the styles described in our previous post on 2020 outdoor furniture trends, textured looks are fashionable for fabrics this year. Materials with intriguing, tactile patterns evoke a sense of comfort as well as style. Jordan Murphy, public relations manager at Perennials, explains, “Textured fabrics such as outdoor cushions bring a few indoor comforts out. No longer are outdoor fabrics relegated to only canvas and linens.” Perennials’ newest collection, In the Mix, features elements of this texture play. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi style of finding beauty in imperfections, it highlights detailed patterns and a sense of movement. 

Nature-Inspired

This year, designers are meeting customers’ interest in natural beauty by turning to the outdoors for inspiration. Murphy mentions that Perennials’ top colors are always neutrals and blues — shades that are common in nature. Sunbrella’s designs feature natural colors as well. Lauren Blaskie, manager of brand research at Sunbrella, comments, “A flower garden or an evening sky offer great color combinations. Bring these contrasting hues onto a porch with a classic blue bench or boldly patterned chair.”

Further, just as nature is dynamic and bold, so is Sunbrella’s recent collection, Dimension. By layering vivid colors with detailed textures, the collection showcases a sense of movement. Combining colors like “sunset orange” and “dark night” reflect the same brilliant mix of hues found in nature. 

Cultural Influences

When looking at trends, it’s not only important to consider “what’s in” but to also examine the mindset behind the specific styles. This is why Blaskie uses cultural observations to create new patterns for Sunbrella. Some significant cultural shifts that have impacted fabric trends in 2020 are mindfulness and sustainability. These mindsets impact both the way fabrics are created as well as their designs. Lauren Blaskie mentions that Sunbrella’s designs also reflect customers’ values of originality and comfort. She explains, “unique, hand-spun looks and novelty yarns provide a personal, lived-in feel to our favorite outdoor spaces — from a peaceful and cozy porch swing to a bright and welcoming patio furniture set.” Beyond simple color and texture trends, buyers want their decor to evoke a peaceful sense of home. 

For Lake Homeowners

As lake lovers who enjoy relaxing outdoors, we appreciate this year’s trends that celebrate the natural world. Textured looks reflect the variety of textures found in surrounding flora and fauna, and natural colors blend seamlessly with the lakeside atmosphere. Finally, the behind-the-scenes emphasis on mindfulness, sustainability, and comfort is already present in the lake living mentality. We hope you embrace these fabric trends and create indoor and outdoor designs that suit you this year!