I would recommend the following books

The Barefoot Home, Marc Vassallo
The Simple Home, Sarah Nettleton

The model you showed is decorated for the suburbs, obviously. If I were you I would basically under decorate. Leave a lot of space and light, as many unobstructed windows as possible. Light and air..simple lines, simple forms, avoid clutter. Open, casual. Whatever this means to you. Enjoy it, lucky you

OP- Looks like a very nice house and you can do a lot with it.
I wouldn't go with any type of "theme" for your home. It's on a lake and you can give a nod to that here and there, but for the most part, do a decor that will last and that you like.

I think you need a "starting point" to get things going. I would pick something that is a bit bold for your dining room walls- either a darkish color or wallpaper- and then a nice neutral-(even a white) for your main spaces. Then continue variances of your dining room color into the various rooms throughout your first floor by using different fabrics on pillows, throw rugs, etc. If you want to post a couple of colors that you like and or a wallpaper- I can make suggestions from there.

For your family room furnishings- I think a slip covered comfy sectional or 2 sofas in a neutral fabric would be good for a lake house "casual" feeling.
You might want to consider very simple drapery panels for the windows (that don't actually cover any glass) to give the space interest and a large area rug in the family room.

Try your best to keep the first floor somewhat cohesive looking.

Homey. Doesn't have to be kitschy.

I really liked the lamps you initially posted. I really disliked the links to all the white décor. For a lake house, I would want easy-to-clean surfaces, cozy couches, light but comfortable throws. Peace, nature. If you have a nice view, decorate minimally to let the view shine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the house and your lifestyle OP. Without pictures or at least a description of the house style- the floor plan, the lighting, etc. I can't chime in. Can you post a floor plan and pictures? If so, I'd love to make suggestions.
If you don't want to post on this forum, put the info on Houzz and then post a link here.
Good for you on your purchase of a lake house

Here is the same build home
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6701-Lake-Dr-Warrenton-VA-20187/82357625_zpid/

Well there's a good example of how not to decorate. You definitely want a more relaxed vibe for a weekend house. Hopefully your house has hardwood rather than all the carpet.

All hardwood. It will be our f/t home, not weekend place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the house and your lifestyle OP. Without pictures or at least a description of the house style- the floor plan, the lighting, etc. I can't chime in. Can you post a floor plan and pictures? If so, I'd love to make suggestions.
If you don't want to post on this forum, put the info on Houzz and then post a link here.
Good for you on your purchase of a lake house

Here is the same build home
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6701-Lake-Dr-Warrenton-VA-20187/82357625_zpid/

Well there's a good example of how not to decorate. You definitely want a more relaxed vibe for a weekend house. Hopefully your house has hardwood rather than all the carpet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Also I live in Florida and one of my running decor pet peeves is when people put up big signs that say BEACH on the wall as if they might not otherwise know where they are.

I agree, but the bigger issue for me is when people have these signs and aren't actually on the beach. They just like "beach" decor.

All wall words are equally horrible.

Anonymous wrote:It all depends on the house and your lifestyle OP. Without pictures or at least a description of the house style- the floor plan, the lighting, etc. I can't chime in. Can you post a floor plan and pictures? If so, I'd love to make suggestions.
If you don't want to post on this forum, put the info on Houzz and then post a link here.
Good for you on your purchase of a lake house

Here is the same build home
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6701-Lake-Dr-Warrenton-VA-20187/82357625_zpid/

It all depends on the house and your lifestyle OP. Without pictures or at least a description of the house style- the floor plan, the lighting, etc. I can't chime in. Can you post a floor plan and pictures? If so, I'd love to make suggestions.
If you don't want to post on this forum, put the info on Houzz and then post a link here.
Good for you on your purchase of a lake house

Depending on where your lake house is, you could also check out Airbnb or VRBO listings nearby or near a comparable lake. Some are horrible, no doubt, but when I look at some I think "that's how I would decorate a lake house if I had one."

Anonymous wrote: Also I live in Florida and one of my running decor pet peeves is when people put up big signs that say BEACH on the wall as if they might not otherwise know where they are.

I agree, but the bigger issue for me is when people have these signs and aren't actually on the beach. They just like "beach" decor.

do you plan to rent it out? that would impact my fabric and flooring choices

You guys are amazing. Thank you so much!

Etsy has a lot of inexpensive art and such that might fit well. (We have a vacation home near Yellowstone and found some great photos printed on metal that are beautiful, relevant to the area, and were very inexpensive).

Anonymous wrote:
Good question. i would say my style would be similar to this (within middle class budget): https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/athena-calderone-amagansett-ny-renovation#intcid=recommendations_default-similar2_8d948d40-d8a1-49f1-9cfb-ac9bb321d703_cral-top2-2_text2VecSimilarity

What an relaxing home. I think you could find a lot of options in your price range and I think natural materials plus a neutral palette could be so nice in a vacation home.

Here's another home by the designer, Athena Calderone. Her instagram might also give you some inspiration, too!

Here's her website: https://www.athenacalderone.com/
And I guess this is her blog? https://eye-swoon.com/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a weekend house or your primary home? If it's a weekend house you can be a little more relaxed, even kitschy. No signs that say "Lake House" though.

I'm going to have to disagree here. OP, are you into vintage or antiques or local area history of your lake house? I enjoy authenticity and use this in my decor. For instance, old wooden canoe paddles. How cool would these be hung up as wall decor or leaning on a front porch? Or, custom pillows with the lake name. Not kitschy. Can still be integrated into a modern decor but adds warmth. Or framed postcards of your lake area. Magnificent.

I have specific tastes, though. I just framed the plat and architectural rendering of my childhood home to put into a gallery display alongside a framed hardware and keys from my grandparents' home.

Ehhh - I think that stuff is cool if you happen to find it, or if you actually are a canoer/have a personal connection to the stuff. But if, like, a decorator puts oars up on the wall and you never actually go out in a canoe it just looks kinda dumb.

Also I live in Florida and one of my running decor pet peeves is when people put up big signs that say BEACH on the wall as if they might not otherwise know where they are.