Picking the right paint colors for your lakehouse can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. Whether your place is big or small, the right colors can help it feel calm, cozy, and connected to nature.
Lakehouses are all about relaxing and enjoying the view, so it’s smart to choose colors that match the sky, water, trees, and sunlight. In this blog, we’ll go over the best paint colors for both the inside and outside of your lakehouse. You’ll find tips on choosing colors that work well with your home’s style, lighting, and location.
No matter if you like soft blues, earthy greens, or simple white walls, there’s something here for every taste. Keep reading to get inspired and find the perfect colors to turn your lakehouse into the relaxing retreat you’ve always dreamed of.
How Paint Color Impacts Lake Houses
Paint color can totally change the way your lake house looks and feels. The right colors can make it feel warm, peaceful, and connected to the outdoors. Since lake houses are all about relaxing and enjoying nature, your paint colors should match that vibe.
For example, soft blues and greens can remind you of the water and trees. These shades feel calm and fresh. Light colors like white or beige can make small spaces feel bigger and brighter, which is great if your lake house doesn’t get a lot of natural light. On the other hand, darker colors like navy or deep green can make a room feel cozy and snug.
When your paint colors work well with the view outside, everything feels more natural and peaceful. That’s why color really matters in a lake house.
Popular Exterior Paint Colors for Lake Houses
Picking the right paint color can completely change the look and feel of your lakehouse. Whether you’re working on the outside or inside, these popular shades are perfect for creating a calm and welcoming space.
Exterior Paint Colors for Lake Houses
Choosing the right exterior paint color for your lake house can make it look fresh, welcoming, and beautiful all year long. Since your home sits near the water, it’s smart to pick colors that blend well with nature and stand up to the weather.
1. Soft Blues and Grays
These colors are perfect for lake homes because they remind people of water and sky. Shades like misty blue, stormy gray, or even a light slate color can help your home feel calm and peaceful. They also look great next to the water and trees. Soft blues and grays are especially popular because they’re easy on the eyes and never go out of style.
2. Earthy Greens and Browns
If you want your home to blend into the natural setting, earthy colors like forest green, sage, and brown are great picks. These colors work well with wood, stone, and other natural materials. They also help your lake house feel cozy and grounded, especially if trees surround it.
3. Warm Neutrals
Colors like beige, cream, tan, or taupe are classic choices for any home—but they work especially well at the lake. Warm neutrals can brighten up your home without being too bold. They also go with just about any trim color, from white to dark brown. If you like a clean, simple look, this might be the best option for you.
4. Coastal Whites
A crisp white exterior is always a favorite for lake houses. It looks fresh and clean, and it really pops against the blue water and green trees. White also reflects sunlight, which can help keep your home cooler during the summer. If you’re going for a classic coastal style, white is a great way to get that breezy, beachy feel.
5. Soft Yellows and Light Taupes
These gentle shades add a little color without being too bright. A soft yellow can give your home a sunny, cheerful look, while a light taupe adds warmth and charm. Both colors look great with a darker trim and natural wood.
6. Natural Wood Stains
If you have wood siding or details, you might want to skip paint and go for a wood stain instead. Natural stains let the wood grain show through and give your lake house a rustic, cabin-like feel. They also help protect the wood from weather damage.
With the right color, your lake house will feel like a peaceful getaway every time you pull into the driveway. Pick something that fits your style and blends with nature—you really can’t go wrong!
Popular Interior Paint Colors for Lake Houses
Picking the right paint colors for the inside of your lake house can help you create a cozy, relaxing space that feels just right. The goal is to choose colors that match the calm vibe of the lake, bring in natural light, and make your home feel warm and welcoming. Whether you want a soft and peaceful look or something a little more fun, there’s a paint color out there for you.
7. Nautical Blues
Blue is a favorite for lake houses, and for good reason—it reminds people of water and sky. From light baby blue to deep navy, there are so many shades to choose from. Lighter blues make rooms feel fresh and open, while darker blues like navy can create a cozy, classic look. Try using blue in living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens for a peaceful, lake-inspired style.
8. Soft Whites and Creams
If you want your lake house to feel light and airy, soft whites and creams are a great choice. These colors reflect natural light and make rooms feel bigger and brighter. They also go well with wood beams, shiplap walls, or stone fireplaces. White is clean and simple, and it lets the view outside be the star of the show.
9. Light Grays
Light gray is a great neutral that works with almost any style. It has a soft, calming feel and pairs well with both cool and warm colors. Gray is especially nice in bedrooms and bathrooms because it helps create a quiet, spa-like vibe. Look for grays with blue or green undertones for that extra lakehouse feel.
10. Warm Beiges and Tans
These colors bring warmth to your space and work great with natural wood and rustic décor. If your lake house has lots of wood furniture or trim, beige or tan walls will help tie everything together. These shades are perfect for family rooms or dining areas where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable.
11. Sage Green and Other Earthy Tones
Sage green, olive, and other soft green tones are perfect for lake houses surrounded by trees and plants. These colors bring the outside in and create a natural, peaceful mood. Greens work really well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, especially if you like a more earthy, cottage-like look.
12. Soft Pastels
If you want just a hint of color, soft pastels like pale pink, soft peach, or light lavender can add charm without feeling too bold. These shades are great for guest rooms or kids’ rooms. They’re light, fun, and still keep the calm lakehouse feel.
13. Wood Tones and Natural Finishes
Instead of paint, some people leave wood walls or ceilings natural. A clear wood stain or whitewash lets the grain show through and gives your home that rustic, cabin-like charm. This works especially well in rooms with vaulted ceilings or lots of windows.
With the right interior paint colors, your lake house will feel like the relaxing getaway you’ve always wanted. Keep it simple, cozy, and connected to nature—and you’ll love spending time there even more.
How to Choose the Perfect Paint Colors
Choosing the right paint colors for your lake house might seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little thought and planning, you can find colors that make your space feel calm, cozy, and perfect for lakeside living.
1. Think About the View: Pick colors that match or blend with the nature around your home—like the water, trees, rocks, and sky.
2. Consider the Light: Rooms with lots of sunlight can handle darker colors. If your space is a bit dark, go with lighter shades to brighten it up.
3. Match Your Home’s Style: Is your lake house rustic, modern, or coastal? Choose paint colors that fit the overall style.
4. Test Samples First: Always try a few paint samples on the wall. Look at them in the morning, afternoon, and evening to see how they change.
5. Pick a Main Color, Then Add Accents: Start with one main color for your walls. Then, add pops of color with furniture, trim, or décor.
6. Use Neutrals as a Base
Whites, grays, and soft beiges work well in any room and give you lots of flexibility.
7. Don’t Forget the Ceiling and Trim: White ceilings and clean trim can help frame your wall colors and make everything look fresh.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to choose paint colors that look great and feel just right. Take your time, look around at nature for inspiration, and go with colors that make you feel happy and at home.
Tips for Selecting the Right Shade
Picking a paint color is one thing, but finding the right shade of that color can be the real challenge! A color might look great in the store, but once it’s on your wall, it can look totally different.
1. Try Paint Samples: Always test a few samples before making a decision. Paint small sections of your wall and look at them during the day and at night. Light can change how a color looks.
2. Think About the Mood: Light shades feel calm and airy. Dark shades feel cozy and bold. Think about how you want the room to feel before you pick a shade.
3. Use the Same Color in Different Shades: You can use the same color in light and dark shades throughout the house. It keeps things looking nice and pulled together.
4. Match With Furniture and Decor: Pick a shade that works well with your furniture, floors, and decorations. Bring samples home and hold them up next to what you already have.
5. Look at Undertones: Some shades have cool tones (blue or gray) and others have warm tones (yellow or red). Make sure the undertone matches the feeling you want and the other colors in the room.
6. Go Lighter Than You Think: Colors often look darker once they’re on all four walls. If you’re unsure, pick the lighter shade—you can always add color with décor.
The right shade can make all the difference in your space. Take your time, try samples, and trust your gut. If it makes you feel good when you walk in, you’ve picked the right one!
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint colors for your lake house can make it feel warm, relaxing, and truly special. From soft blues and greens to cozy neutrals and crisp whites, there are so many beautiful options to match your style and the natural surroundings.
Whether you’re painting the outside or the inside, it’s all about creating a space that feels calm and welcoming. Take your time, test out samples, and think about how each color makes you feel.
Most importantly, pick colors that you love—because you’re the one who gets to enjoy them every day. With the right colors, your lake house will feel like a peaceful retreat where you can relax and make memories with family and friends.