Decorating Over Renovating: How We Transformed the Lake House
When we first bought the lake house, we started with paint (you can read about that here), and it made a huge difference in brightening the space. But the real personality came through in the next step: decorating.
When we walked through for the first time, the house had great bones—vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and that stunning lake view—but it felt empty and a little tired. After a fresh coat of paint, we turned our attention to furniture, textures, and those small touches that make a space feel lived in.
The Before
Open and airy, yes—but oddly colored walls, minimal furniture, plain bedding and misplaced furniture left the house feeling more like a rental than a retreat.
The After
Here’s what decorating (and a fresh coat of paint) added:
Warm Layers – Throws, rugs, and textured pillows gave depth and comfort.
Personality Through Art – From lakeside prints to subtle color pops, artwork pulled each room together.
Natural & Local Accents – Woven baskets, fresh flowers, and decor pieces with a Finger Lakes vibe.
Lighting & Styling – Lamps, side tables, and curated shelves made the rooms feel intentional, not just functional.
And did you notice how finding ways to creatively conceal the air conditioners made a huge difference?
The result? A cozy, collected space that reflects us—and still celebrates the view that sold us on the house in the first place.
It’s amazing what decorating can do once the foundation is set. We didn’t knock down walls or redo the floors—just thoughtful layering. Now, it feels like home.
Which detail do you think made the biggest impact: the art, the textures, or the cozy touches?
If you liked this post you might also enjoy reading about how we ended up buying this house in the first place.
Thanks for joining us on this journey! Before you leave, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and also check out our Facebook group, Finger Lakes Food and Wine Adventures.
Cheers from the lake!
—Niki and Scott
