Lake House Decor

Welcome to our beloved tiny Summer Home! The best part about living in Upstate New York is being close to water, specifically the Great Lakes and it’s neighboring glacier made Finger Lakes. Just South of Rochester is Honeoye Lake where we have a sweet little colorful summer home. I’m so happy to be taking you on a tour and giving you a little peek at lake life at our itsy-bitsy cottage. If you’re coming over from my dear friend Gloribell from  I don’t know how she does it   Miami home “Welcome.” In my eyes she’s one of the lucky ones who gets to enjoy Summer all year round!  Now come inside our quirky unpretentious cottage and I’ll give you the full tour!

turquoise painted front door with decal on doorThe Itsy Bitsy Summer Home

The 745 square-foot cottage is packed not only with color but stuff.  So every time I find something that I need to bring in I also need to take something out.  Each year we concentrate on renovating or  improving a different part of the cottage.  This is our third Summer and we decided to concentrated on our deck, dock, and patio. But I also made some interior additions that I’d love to share. The great room is divided in two by a tan twill slipcovered sleeper sofa. By going neutral with the sofa and the tan sisal natural carpet   it allows me to accent with multiple colors, patterns and styles.

interior view of a small light bright summer home cottage with peaked ceilings

For the past year I’ve been loving my new neutral NAVY.  I just gave our master bedroom a navy and white facelift. There are so many gorgeous navy home accents that it just trickled over to the Lake. I purchase accent pillows, throw blankets, glass contains, vases and new linens; all shades of blue to go with my nautical striped curtains.

blue and white striped curtains from Homegoods , nautical striped pillows

A Tray That Travels

I’m always carting food and drinks outside so a large tray makes the trip easier. This Summer  I cleared off the coffee table tray and started fresh with a Hampton’s Entertaining book by Annie Falk from HomeGoods, a simple glass vase filled with peonies from our garden at home and a piece of driftwood found last fall on the shoreline. To finish the vignette I added a glass cloche and silver bird from to mantel. Simple and pretty and easy to move when we need to make room for overnight guests on the sofa.

Summer peonies in a vase and a coffee table booksummer nautical decor on a wooden tray in front of a pebbled fireplace

The Chairs that Started it All

I can honestly say that these colorful ikat chairs were my inspiration for the entire cottage color scheme. It was that easy!  Navy, turquoise, green and pops of yellow are echoed throughout the cottage. These lakeside swivel chairs are by far the most comfortable seating at the Lake. When not used for sitting fireside during the cold months you can turn around and watch TV or the sunset over the water. I added a navy blue embroidered accent pillow and a white ceramic candle votive on the table in between the two chairs. To shop similar chairs click here.

bright colored patterned furniture in a summer cottageblue and white striped curtains and on lake time pillow

Kitchen Central

When we purchased this cottage there was a huge soffit above the peninsula and cabinets that hung below. Blocking the entire view of the lake. If you’d like to see what this kitchen looked like prior to our renovation click here.

white painted kitchen cabinets in this one room lake house

Moving over into the kitchen I updated with some fresh accents. I added a 6 foot long hand painted wooden Summer House sign over the sink. It brings your eyes up to the shiplap ceiling and crystal chandelier. This crystal hand blown chandelier used to hang in our dining room at our last home with fancier black and gold leaf shades. It sat in our basement until the cottage remodel and was one of the pieces that I just couldn’t part with!

Space is tight in the kitchen so I try to keep everything to a minimum and close at hand. In the corner I added a large navy blue and white striped vase, cobalt blue cookie jar and some other nautical inspired dinnerware and linens from HomeGoods.

My new home decor blends seamlessly with my vintage finds. And yes I even purchased dish soap to match my kitchen knobs!  The wooden window above the sink is painted with one step paint Velvet Finishes by Kellie Smith color Modern. A vintage dish towel became the simple no-sew window treatment.

Making Waves

We added some fresh colorful striped beach towels to the bathroom. If you’d like to see the scary “before” pictures of this bathroom click here.

Peace, Love, and Sandy Feet

My daughters Chloe’s room is always kid central. Even though it’s the smallest room in the cottage, it always seems to have the most amount of kids camping out in there. If you’d like to see more of her room click here. The amount of friends down at the lake has grown so we  turned a shed into a fun nautical bunkhouse.

There used to be a large walk-in closet in our bedroom but realistically who needs to hang up clothes at the lake? We tore down the closet wall giving us ample room for our bed. We added our grandparents vintage dressers and now when we wake up we are able to see the lake. This room is a collection of favorite thrifted and sentimental items. The headboard is made from vintage church pews, a broken mirror frame and reclaimed wood floorboards. To learn more about how my father and I made this DIY headboard  click here.

Let’s Take This Outside

Now let’s head outside. On the screened-in porch we swapped out the rusty fixture for a new school house ceiling light and farmhouse wall sconces.  I painted my husband’s grandmother’s gate leg table white.

We spend a majority of our time out on the screened porch when the bugs get pesty. For a bench I upcycled a king size headboard into a daybed and placed red, white, and blue nautical inspired pillows on the back. We purchased ten blue metal stacking bistro chairs. The fact that they stack is such a bonus since we always have company.  It’s a very patriotic porch to say the least!

Every Day’s A Party at the Lake

As I mentioned earlier, this Summer we concentrated on the porch, patio and deck and it was well needed since we entertain every weekend. We added comfortable Raglan woven outdoor dining chairs from Raymour & Flanigan. These chairs make you want to sit, relax and stay a while, they are THAT comfortable. The metal frame and woven seats are a breeze to wash down. The fabric covered Sunbrella cushions stay out all weekend.  They looks so much better than my old picnic benches. No more slivers and I don’t have to stain them each year. Amen!

In keeping with my turquoise and navy theme I purchased melamine plates, glasses, and serving pieces from HomeGoods. We try to avoid glass down near the water since were always on the move.

The bright fuchsia, yellow and pink peonies match perfectly with my all weather indoor outdoor tablecloth with zipper to accommodate the umbrella.

I still had some space off the patio to add a tiny metal bistro chair set and a matching coordinating Cape Town chaise lounge chair. The navy blue fits perfectly in my color theme.  I added a turquoise lumbar fringed lake pillow and a white ceramic garden stool for a side table. Someone loves to take an afternoon siesta on this chair. What was I thinking? I should have bought two!

Although the breeze can be strong off the lake the sun still scorches. Giving shade to the outdoor dining area is a navy blue with white trim Market Umbrella.  Also made all weather material this will not fade. 9 feet covers the whole table! Just beyond the patio is our brand-new dock landing. The previous landing was rotted and completely unsafe. This was my opportunity to make it more of a welcoming place to spend time.

What’s Up Dock?

There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning and having coffee out on the dock and  listening to the water hit the shoreline. Previously we only had space for a small bench and our two Adirondack chairs. I purchased the Khara wooden bench from Raymour & Flanigan which comfortably seats three. I’m all about adding round elements to square spaces and this beauty did the job! To shop outdoor benches, click here.  A blue and white striped poof gets moved around for additional seating or a footstool. Anchoring it ALL is a cobalt outdoor rug. As soon as we laid it down my neighbor came over and took off her flip flops to test it out barefoot. She said it was nicer than her indoor carpet! Outdoor carpets have certain come a long way.

Of course I needed coordinating beach towels. In the center of the deck we have a massive slate and iron table. To brighten the dark table I placed a marble turtle with citronella pebble candles, a white/navy striped vase, and a solar cut out lantern which cast the most amazing shadows at night.

I’m always talking about the floral filler section at HomeGoods and this month didn’t disappoint. For under $15 I found a package of 15 turquoise star fish and shells. Just like Waldo I’ve scatter them all around the cottage for just the right amount of whimsy.

Meet Me on The Dock

The Sun’s out and our lakehouse is ready for Summer entertaining. I hope you all come down and meet me down on the dock! We just purchased a new boat and are so excited to start restoring it.  I hope you all enjoyed my Cottage Summer home Tour. Now it’s time to sail on over to Designs by Laila’s Blog. She’s has taken on a new home remodel and I am sure she has quite a feast for your Summer eyes!

Don’t forget to visit the other fantastic bloggers participating in our Summer Home Tour. We each bring a little something different and you’re sure to be inspired by ALL.

The Summer Blogger Home Tour Headliners

Janine Happy Happy Nester | Kim and Lacey Styled With Lace | Amy Crazy Chic Designs | Joan 2 Ladies & A Chair | Kathleen Lindsay Hill Interiors | Liz Home & Fabulous | Loi Tone On Tone | Sheila Maison De Cinq | Julie & Jodie The Design Twins | Gloribell  I Don’t Know How She Does It | Amie Meme Hill Sudio | Laila Designs by Laila | Tamara CitrineLiving

Happy Summer Friends! What are your plans this Summer? I hope it involves relaxing, spending time with family and friends and enjoying some good weather! xox Amie

  • I have partnered with these affiliates and received products in exchange for this post. All expressed opinions are 100% mine. Amie Freling

33 Comments

  1. Reply

    Doris-Jean Petereit

    June 13, 2017

    Dear Amie, thank you so much for taking me on this lovely summer tour and sharing your beautiful summer home. I enjoyed it so much. And I’m sure I’ll come back and visit this again – to have a closer look at all the amazing details. Have a wonderful summertime! Jeannie

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 13, 2017

      Jeannie thank you so very much for your kind words. You made my day and are always welcome to swing on by!

  2. Reply

    Julie Lancia

    June 13, 2017

    Amie, I picture visiting your cottage and being blown away! It’s so gorgeous and so stylish! Not what one expects coming to a little cottage by the lake haha 🙂 You are amazing and all your spaces inspire us to no end! Congrats Girl! XOXO Julie & Jodie

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 13, 2017

      Thank you so very much Julie! I can’t wait to head on over to your post. Have a great day. ox

  3. Reply

    Lizbeth Carrillo

    June 13, 2017

    Amie, everything is fabulous! I love all the blue touches, it’s to die for!

    Xox, Lizbeth

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 13, 2017

      Thank you so much LizBeth! Heading to your blog post now.

  4. Reply

    Gloribell

    June 13, 2017

    Amie I always love how you make every space feel chic and so cozy. You are the goddess of color. Love it all!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 13, 2017

      Haha Why yes Gloribell. I have a relationship with color for sure! Have a great day. xo

  5. Reply

    Sheila Irwin

    June 13, 2017

    Amie, this lake house is seriously darling! I love the blue and white as it’s just quintessential summer. And your chairs are awesome! What a great statement they make in the room.

    Your lake house is just perfect in every way. And I never realized you were RIGHT ON the water!! How lucky you are to have this:))

    Sheila
    xo

  6. Reply

    Tamara

    June 13, 2017

    Amie, your use of color is unreal…I am so floored at how you combine your patterns and all those rich and vibrant hues. What an amazing lake house this is, and I would just love to see it in person! Which by the way, I am only a few hours drive away, so I may just come and meet you on that beautiful dock! Gorgeous my friend!

  7. Reply

    Kathleen

    June 14, 2017

    Oh Amie – your cottage is summer perfection in a gorgeous 745 sf package! (Well, more because you have to count that incredible deck and dock area!).

    I love all the navy and turquoise touches mixed in with the white. And all the natural textures you’ve brought in.

    So, so pretty and wonderful, Amie! Love your tiny cottage, and love you!!

    xo

    Kathleen

  8. Reply

    Loi Thai Tone on Tone

    June 14, 2017

    Love your summer blues, Amie!! Your lake house is sooooo cheerful, charming and beautiful. Save me a spot on that dock – I could sit there all day.
    Great tour!
    xo
    Loi

  9. Reply

    Joan

    June 14, 2017

    Oh my goodness!!! I love every inch! Every detail! You are amazing Amie! I love your lake house and the way you designed and styled it. BTW I have a ‘Summer House’ sign hanging on my fence and my maiden name was Ross.

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 14, 2017

      That my friend is why we are Soul Sisters! love you Joan.Come over anything!

  10. Reply

    Amy

    June 14, 2017

    745 sq ft of absolute perfect! Girl, you get me, every single time! You are the queen of styling, for sure! Love the colors!

  11. Reply

    Kim & Lacey

    June 14, 2017

    How adorable is this place Amie!! It is so stinkin charming! Love how you decorated it all with color! The fireplace is stunning! Love it all!

    XO

    Kim & Lacey

  12. Reply

    Designs By Laila

    June 14, 2017

    Loving all the beautiful fresh, vibrant colors Amie! I’d love to hang out by the lake with you lol! Happy Summer xo

  13. Reply

    Sheila

    June 15, 2017

    In LOVE with the “chairs that started it all” Where can I find that fabric??

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 17, 2017

      Hi Sheila- The chairs are from Raymour and flanigan. They came with that awesome fabric. I will try to search round and find the manufacturer. Keep your fingers crossed. Amie

  14. Reply

    Lisa Matthews

    June 17, 2017

    Amie,
    There is nothing like having a place by the water. I love what you have done with the cottage, it is adorable!
    The navy blue & crisp white makes everything pop!
    I love the backsplash behind the stove; so creative!
    The beautiful headboard needs to be mass-produced
    for those less handy, I am jealous!

    P.S.Cooper wishes he could take a swim off your dock!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 19, 2017

      Aww Thank you so much Lisa! You know me. I like a DIY and a whole lotta color! Give Cooper a great big hug from me.

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 29, 2020

      Hi Lisa! Thank you so much! We just love our little quirky spot on the lake! Sorry for the late response. Just seeing your comment. Hope that you are well and give Cooper a big hug! Amie

  15. Reply

    Janine

    June 18, 2017

    Amie,
    What a beautiful cabin you have! I so would love to stay there for a New England summer! Your colors and all you accents are so spot on and beautiful! Thanks so much for joining us with this fabulous lake house tour!

  16. Reply

    Andy Mooers

    November 12, 2019

    Thank you so much for the inspiration! Living on the water, calling home a place on a lake. There is nothing else that compares!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      June 29, 2020

      You’ve got that right! Enjoy the water!

  17. Reply

    Pam

    June 29, 2020

    Can you tell me where you got the metal and wooden shelves in the kitchen?
    Thx

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Amie Freling

"Life's too short for white walls .." Amie Freling-Brown, a Rochester, NY-based designer and artist who transforms ho-hum spaces into works of art. Her creative designs can be found in many fine homes, restaurants and businesses. Her work has been featured in national magazines, on HGTV and has been sold through retailers nationwide from True Value Hardware to Nordstroms. She proudly offers such professional services as design, staging, color consultations and fine art.

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