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Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
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lake cottage cozy living area decorates with creams and blues
  • Design Ideas

Style Watch: Michigan Lake Cottages

  • May 22, 2019
  • Written by Molly Snelson
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Michigan boasts more freshwater coastline than any other state in the US and with that kind of expansive shore, there’s a lake cottage in the cards for everyone. The Detroit News recently published a piece about the current trends in Michigan lake cottages and second home renovations. Memorial Day is fast approaching and with it comes the official kick-off of cottage season! 

Cottage on lake front property
Designed by Wayne Visbeen of Grand Rapids-based Visbeen Architects, this classic cottage design is on an inland lake and a very narrow lot. Ashley Avila Photography.

Also Read: Vintage Decor in a Charming Historic Lake Cottage


Getaway to the Lake

While Michigan boasts all that shoreline it also has more cottages and second homes than any other state. Second homes, no matter the square footage or style all have one thing in common, they serve as a place to get away, to decompress, unwind and breath deep.

A successful cottage is one where friends and family can gather and enjoy each other’s company. 

Modern lake front cottage with tons of large windows
This simple Northern Michigan beach house by Ken Richmond of Traverse City’s Richmond Architects is designed around outdoor living. Todd Zawistowski Photography

Traverse City-based architect Ken Richmond shares that families looking to build fresh are searching out the same thing: a space that transitions easily into nature and welcomes sandy toes and pets. “People want a place that is grounded in tradition, with local elements, and one that is centered around the outdoors even if it’s an in-town cottage” he also shares that even new builds are seeking out contemporary conveniences like air-conditioning and energy efficiency. The younger generation seeks primarily to reconnect with nature so a lot of their ideal aesthetic is more stripped down than the lacy window treatments of previous generations. 

Modern deck with a lake side view
Grand Rapids-based architect Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects designed this contemporary cottage in Rockford. Photo credit: Mike Buck, M-Buck Studios/Visbeen Architects

Lissa Edwards, the managing editor of Traverse magazine, discusses how lake cottages have moved toward accessibility in the last few decades. Away from the fussy and frilly toward reconnection and family time even if it includes the messiness of normal life. 

Cozy and light colored living room with a stone fireplace
This new build from the Cottage Company in Harbor Springs references classic Northern Michigan designs of the past. Cottage Company/Beth Singer

Kelly Konoske, president of Harbor Springs-based Cottage Company Interiors says, “A successful cottage is one where friends and family can gather and enjoy each other’s company. “

Modern cottage kitchen with brass range hood and orb pendant lights.
This Western Michigan cottage style, known as the Gables, was designed to maximize the view. Credit: Wayne Visbeen Architects/Ashley Avila Photography Wayne Visbeen Architects/Ashley Avila Photography

Cottage State of Mind

“Comfortable, accommodating and involving minimal effort, it evokes feeling and connection to nature, to family and a desire to not just live life, but to find joy in a life well-lived,” Konoske says. “Cottage style is more than just a design, it’s a state of mind.” Click over to the full article to see all the inspirational lake cottages! 

Cottage style is more than just a design, it’s a state of mind

Cottage back patio with blue Adirondack chairs
This small cottage with a dark shingled exterior and an oversized covered porch right on the water was designed by Ken Richmond of Richmond Architects. Todd Zawistowski

Want more simply beautiful ideas? Check out this post on another Lakeside Cottage in Michigan packed with charm. 

Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!

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  • antiques
  • coastal
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  • Michigan
  • outdoor
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  • rustic
  • summer
Molly Snelson

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