A Lakefront Basement Retreat with Soul

Designing this basement was such a rewarding experience- made even sweeter because it was for a repeat client whose family I adore. Their home sits on the edge of a beautiful, New England lake. The views are serene, and my client’s hope was to lean into that. She absolutely loves soft blues and the relaxed, coastal aesthetic of Serena and Lily, but our goal here was never to push too hard into a “beach house” look.

Instead, we wanted to capture the essence of lakeside living- calm, welcoming, and timeless, while at the same time keeping the palette and textures warm enough to feel like home year round.

A Swanky Yet Cozy Escape

From the start, my client envisioned this basement as more than just a hangout space. With plans to podcast here in the future, the room needed to be swanky and refined, but still grounded in comfort for busy family life. We layered in rich textures, soft wallpaper, and statement art to give the space a sense of presence, while layers of soft upholstery and thoughtful lighting invite you to curl up and stay awhile.

Textures, Layers, and Just the Right Amount of Drama

One of my favorite details is the wallpaper- it wraps the space in an organic flow of soft blues, greens, and neutrals, bringing the outside in without feeling overly “themey.” Paired with plush seating, tailored pillows, and a gallery wall of art, the room strikes a balance between cozy retreat and sophisticated hideaway. The furnishings were chosen with both beauty and practicality in mind- family friendly finishes and upholstery that still look elevated.

A Place for Both Family and Creativity

What I love most about this project is that it reflects my client’s life in all its layers: a space for family movie nights, quiet mornings overlooking the lake, and, soon, a place to record her creative work. It’s a space that can flex between lively gatherings and restorative solitude, which is exactly what a lakefront basement should do.

Rooted in beauty. Designed for living. This space is proof that even a basement can feel soulful, stylish, and still be filled with pockets of tranquility and escape.