Bring the serene, relaxed vibe of the lake to your Twin Cities home. Discover how to create a lakehouse style kitchen with our design guide for Minneapolis homeowners.
Creating a 'Lakehouse Style' Kitchen in Your Minneapolis Home
Imagine the feeling of a peaceful morning at the cabin: the calm water, the gentle light, the warmth of natural wood. That serene, relaxed atmosphere is exactly what the lakehouse style brings to interior design. And you don't need a waterfront property to enjoy it.
For Minneapolis homeowners, this style is a natural fit, echoing the beauty of our 10,000 lakes. It’s a perfect way to create a kitchen that feels like a permanent retreat. At Laghmich, we've helped many Twin Cities families bring this cozy, inviting aesthetic into their homes. Here’s how you can achieve the look.
What is Lakehouse Style? (It's Not What You Think)
Forget dark, heavy log cabins. Modern lakehouse style is light, airy, and textured. It’s about creating a connection to the outdoors through a neutral and organic color palette, natural materials, and an uncluttered, comfortable feel. It’s rustic, but refined.
The Key Elements of a Lakehouse Kitchen
1. A Light & Airy Color Palette
The goal is to mimic the Minnesota lakeside sky and sand.
Whites & Creams: For cabinets and walls to keep the space bright.
Soft Grays: Evoke the color of water on a cloudy day.
Hints of Blue: Subtle shades of lake-blue, slate, or navy for accents in a backsplash or on an island.
Minneapolis Tip: This palette is especially effective for making smaller Minneapolis bungalow kitchens feel larger and more open.
2. Natural Textures & Materials
This is the heart of the style, bringing the outdoors in.
Wood: The star of the show. Use it for open shelving, a ceiling beam, a live-edge countertop on an island, or wide-plank flooring. White oak with a clear or light stain is a current favorite.
Stone: Choose countertops with movement and a natural feel. Soapstone, honed granite, or quartz that mimics marble or concrete works perfectly.
Woven Elements: Rattan barstools, a wicker light fixture, or a jute rug add crucial texture and warmth.
3. A Mix of Cabinet Styles
Avoid a monolithic look.
Painted Shaker Cabinets: In white or light gray for the perimeter cabinets.
Wooden Island: A contrasting island in a natural wood tone creates a beautiful, organic focal point.
Open Shelving: Replace a few upper cabinets with wooden open shelves to display simple white dishware, woven baskets, and greenery. This makes the space feel less heavy.
4. Classic, Unfussy Fixtures & Hardware
The details should feel timeless and sturdy, not ornate.
Faucets: Go for a bridge or farmhouse faucet in a brushed nickel, matte black, or unlacquered brass finish.
Hardware: Simple bin pulls, cup handles, or knob designs in black, iron, or oil-rubbed bronze.
5. The Right Lighting
Lighting should feel like a beautiful feature, not just a source of light.
Pendant Lights: Over the island, choose woven rattan, galvanized metal, or a simple industrial-style pendant.
Sconces: For over the sink or on a wall, black or bronze sconces with clear or seeded glass shades are ideal.
Bringing the Lakehouse Vibe to Your Twin Cities Home
You can incorporate this style regardless of your home's architecture.
For a Modern Minneapolis Rambler: A lakehouse kitchen softens the lines and adds warmth.
For a Classic Minneapolis Bungalow: The style complements the home's inherent coziness and craftsmanship.
For a Suburban Edina Home: It creates a welcoming, family-friendly heart of the home that feels both elegant and relaxed.
Ready to Create Your Lakeside Retreat?
The lakehouse style is all about creating a feeling—a calm, welcoming space where your family and friends naturally gather. It’s a timeless look that celebrates the natural beauty we cherish here in Minnesota.
At Laghmich, we specialize in designing kitchens that are not only beautiful but also perfectly functional for your Minneapolis lifestyle. We can help you select the right materials, from durable quartz countertops to the perfect shade of white for your cabinets, to bring your Lakehouse vision to life.
Contact us today for a free design consultation. Let's build a kitchen that makes every day feel like a getaway.