9 Michigan Lake Houses With Decor That Matches The View
Michigan’s lakes offer some of the most breathtaking views in the Midwest. Homeowners lucky enough to build along these shores often design their spaces to complement the natural beauty outside their windows.
From rustic cottages on Lake Superior to modern retreats on Lake Michigan, these lakefront homes showcase how interior design can enhance the connection to water, woods, and sky.
1. Mackinac Island Victorian Revival
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac sits a restored Victorian cottage that balances historic charm with lakeside living. Original gingerbread trim and wraparound porches frame postcard-perfect views of passing freighters.
Inside, the owners maintained period details while incorporating a color scheme drawn from the waters below – deep blues, soft greens, and the pink-orange of sunset. Vintage maps of the Great Lakes and antique fishing equipment serve as both decoration and conversation pieces.
2. Glen Lake Scandinavian Retreat
Simplicity reigns in this Glen Lake hideaway inspired by Scandinavian design principles. White-washed wood panels and clean lines allow the striking blue waters visible through wall-spanning windows to become the star attraction.
Sheepskin throws and chunky knit blankets offer cozy contrast to the sleek architecture. The homeowners commissioned local artists to create abstract paintings that capture the shifting light patterns on the lake throughout seasons, hanging them strategically to complement rather than compete with nature’s canvas outside.
3. Lake Superior Timber Lodge
Raw power meets rustic comfort in this Upper Peninsula retreat facing Lake Superior’s mighty waters. Reclaimed timber beams salvaged from historic Michigan barns frame dramatic views of the lake’s sometimes-violent beauty.
Stone fireplaces anchor both ends of the great room, providing warmth during fierce winter storms. The owners sourced furniture crafted by U.P. artisans using local hardwoods, creating a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Copper accents throughout nod to the region’s mining heritage.
4. Walloon Lake Mid-Century Masterpiece
Hemingway’s childhood playground provides the backdrop for this renovated 1960s gem. The owners preserved the home’s architectural integrity while updating it for modern lake living.
Walnut paneling and terrazzo floors complement furnishings in sunset oranges and watery blues. A sunken conversation pit faces floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Walloon’s crystal-clear waters. Vintage photographs of the lake from the Hemingway era create a sense of continuity between past and present.
5. Grand Traverse Bay Farmhouse Fusion
Cherry orchards meet shoreline in this reinvented farmhouse overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Shiplap walls painted in soft whites provide a gallery-like backdrop for the azure waters visible from nearly every room.
The kitchen features a massive island topped with Michigan-quarried stone, positioned to allow cooks to enjoy bay views while preparing meals. Sliding barn doors, orchard ladders repurposed as bookshelves, and cherry wood accents honor the property’s agricultural roots while embracing its waterfront setting.
6. Higgins Lake Woodland Sanctuary
Nestled among towering pines, this Higgins Lake retreat celebrates the forest as much as the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both lakeside and woodland sides create a transparent living experience that changes with the seasons.
The owners worked with sustainable designers to incorporate living elements – moss walls, indoor trees, and stone features that echo the lakeside environment. A custom dining table made from a single massive tree that once stood on the property serves as the home’s centerpiece, connecting past and present.
7. Saugatuck Dunes Contemporary
Sand and sky inspire every element of this striking Lake Michigan home nestled among the Saugatuck dunes. Curved walls mimic the windswept landscape, while a neutral palette of taupes, whites, and pale blues reflects the beach environment.
Local artists created custom light fixtures from driftwood and beach glass collected along the shoreline. Furniture sits low to the ground, preserving sight lines to the water through strategically placed windows. Textural elements – grasscloth wallcoverings, woven pendants, and textured ceramics – echo the tactile quality of sand.
8. Houghton Lake Vintage Cabin Revival
Generations of memories fill this lovingly restored 1930s cabin on Michigan’s largest inland lake. The owners preserved the original knotty pine paneling, now glowing with a gentle patina that comes only with time.
Vintage fishing gear, family photos, and original cabin furnishings create an authentic northwoods experience. Modern conveniences hide discreetly behind custom cabinetry. A screened porch with classic rattan furniture offers the quintessential Michigan lake experience – sunset viewing with protection from the infamous mosquitoes.
9. Elk Lake Boathouse Conversion
Creative vision transformed a former working boathouse into one of Elk Lake’s most distinctive dwellings. The owners preserved the building’s industrial character – exposed beams, concrete floors, and massive doors that once admitted boats – while creating a sophisticated living space.
Water literally surrounds the structure, with portions built on pilings over the lake itself. Furnishings in navy, cream, and warm woods complement rather than compete with the omnipresent water views. Cleverly designed murphy beds and built-ins maximize the compact footprint without sacrificing style.
