Home isn’t always before and afters, but even progress feels oh so good! Today I’m so excited to share before and “afters” of our little lake cottage which includes some really easy and budget friendly ideas.
A few years ago we purchased a small home we have dubbed the lake cottage, nestled on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri. (Click through to find a comprehensive post about Branson with kids!)
We enjoy spending our weekends and summers boating, hiking, relaxing and visiting nearby attractions. In fact, I’ve written about all the things to do at Table Rock Lake, as well as enjoying Christmas at Silver Dollar City.
It was built in the 90’s by a (now) friend of ours. It was filled to the brim with potential. He included charming features and decorated each home he built as if he would live there himself. It was just the right size for our family without feeling too overwhelming to maintain.
Thoughtful design has allowed us to maximize space and light so we can comfortably entertain family and friends. In fact, I even host blogger retreats at the cottage.
Before we get started, keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and I’m sharing to show you how we’ve personalized the home to make it reflect ous. I’m so grateful to the previous owners who allowed us the opportunity to live the lake dream! You can read the story behind the purchase of the lake cottage here.
While this post shows a lot of before and afters, it doesn’t show some of the struggles we’ve been through along the way. A good reminder that it’s not all before and afters, glam and glory!
You can follow along on Instagram with #calmwatercottage. I share a lot of behind the scenes progress on stories and a little of our lake life!
As I mentioned, nothing is perfect! Despite inspections, heavy rain offered the toughest inspection of all. We had leaks through the chimney, in the girls’ room, guest bedroom, lower living room and more. We even had a septic backup.
Far less stressful, we also struggled with stale smell of smoke, presumably from 20 years ago. Every time we returned home our bags and clothing permeated with it. You can learn how to get rid of smoke smell here, in fact, this trick works with musty smells and pet odors as well. Though not visible, it has been one of the biggest transformations in our home!
Table of Contents
Lake Cottage Exterior
I was never a fan of the orange roof, so when we had leaks in the kitchen and around the chimney, I was more than happy to replace with. To embrace the cottage feel, I really wanted to incorporate a metal roof, but as we began researching, we feared leaks and fading.
Time was of the essence so we ultimately decided to replace it with greige colored roof (weathered roof), which toned down the yellow siding – a lot! Wood shingles would have been charming, but they’re no longer insurable with most agencies in Missouri and don’t stand up as well to the extreme weather we sometimes receive.
The new roof instantly transformed the exterior!
Given that the home is on a slope, we also had water during heavy storms entering the home, so we removed all of the overgrown bushes, added a drain that went around it and another where water gathered near the porch in addition to a retaining wall to the left of the home to keep water away from the lower level and added new landscaping. We have kind neighbors to thank for helping with this project!
We removed the tree and incorporated river stone. We added hydrangea topiaries to give it some height and prevent deer from eating the blooms. A layer of boxwood adds some green throughout the year and then we softened it with lavender to line the edges.
A fresh coat of paint brought the pergola back to life, but we are looking to replace it this year.
We replaced the door with a dutch door and Brass Door Knobs to add character along with fresh brass hardware. We had it custom made with an aluminum exterior and wood interior.
Finally, we power washed everything and what a difference that makes! We were fortunate to have beautiful exterior lighting already in place.
The Exterior Plan
- I would absolutely love to get new siding – some is wood, some is vinyl and I have a couple ideas that I think would really transform this little cottage.
- Shutters! They add so much charm.
Lake Cottage Interior
Entryway
Pardon our realtor (who we love) as we were in a hurry to leave. It’s the only before photo I snapped of this area. Lake house hunting is time consuming in our area as many are more than 30 minutes apart and while we had a feeling this was the one, we had a number still to see that day.
To update this space, we painted the tile floor, removed the wallpaper below the chair rail, painted it a soft cream, and added new sconces.
While it looked so much better, we decided to remove the tile altogether in late August when we with patterned carpet. We did the tear out ourselves and I’m excited to share that the paint didn’t chip or scratch when being hit with a hammer and removed with a crowbar if you decide to paint tile in your home!
The tile previously broke up the hall, entryway, stairwell and living room. Now it feels like one continuous room, giving the illusion of more space. We use an indoor outdoor area rug that can be hosed down to protect the area.
Just beyond the front door is the smaller guest room. It was yellow with a border and fitted with two twin beds.
We thought about who / how we typically entertain and opted for a single queen bed to maximize the space and allow for another couple to stay or a couple with a small child who could sleep in a portable crib or sleeping bag.
We removed the border, painted the walls Farrow and Ball White Tie to brighten the space and make it appear larger. We added new bamboo blinds for a little texture and an inexpensive pendant light using a drum shade and light kit.
You can read more about this small bedroom used for guests here and learn how to make the most of a small space.
I framed an iPhone photo I took off our dock at the lake cottage for inexpensive art that personalizes the space.
When we replaced the carpet, we were able to eliminate the area rug, making it easier to maintain, which is always the goal at the lake cottage!
To blend function and design, I added stools that double as a luggage rack for out of town guests. They’re an indoor outdoor fabric which makes them easy to wipe clean with water. The bedside table (only $80) hosts a carafe for water, local reading materials and towels for guest convenience.
Hall Bath
The hall bath is seen from the entryway as well as the living room and kitchen, so it was especially rewarding to update this little space.
The hall bath was dark and honestly a little lackluster, style-wise. We added a grasscloth wallpaper with a little sheen to reflect light, new mirror, toilet, pedestal sink, light, modern faucet and fixtures, art and tassel shower curtain to make it feel fresh.
Unfortunately the wallpaper install was a CHOP JOB. A reminder that nothing is easy – or perfect, so don’t let pretty photos make you or your home feel less than what they are!
I decided I may as well try a little something different, so I had a patterned wallpaper installed and paired it with a navy sconce to make a dramatic statement.
You can read more about this modern bathroom here, including all the reasons we love this Serena and Lily Wallpaper.
A Modern Master
When we purchased the lake cottage, I was drawn to the vaulted ceilings and incredible lake view from the master bedroom.
I decided to embrace the wallpaper by updating the surroundings. A rattan headboard and inexpensive pendant light makes it feel fresh. We repositioned the bed to embrace the view. At first, we retained the chest of drawers the previous owners kindly left us…
but later replaced it with an inexpensive white chest of drawers. I plan to update the hardware on it to give it a little facelift.
You can see the difference fresh carpet made in here as well.
My favorite feature of the lake cottage master has to be our new blackout shades! They don’t obstruct the view and can be controlled by remote or phone.
It took me nearly 4 years to find the right product because the window is 107″ and we wanted a single shade.
The Living Room
We were drawn to the open living space so we could maintain a smaller home without it feeling small. If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I take a less is more approach!
We started by removing the curtains, blinds, the wine storage fixture, etc. Eliminating the excess made the home feel brighter and larger.
We painted the entire room (including the chimney) a soft cream, and replaced the carpet as well.
However, given we use the home to entertain, we needed to have plenty of seating. In order to make it feel intimate, we created a seating area in the center of the room.
We’re waiting on one more chair, but in all, we will have an Ikea Ektorp sofa, four chairs, and two folding stools positioned around an oversized coffee table. This allows us to accommodate nine people at once!
We’ve added a chandelier in lieu of the ceiling fan to provide additional light and make the space feel more intimate.
The Kitchen
I had initially thought the cabinetry was original to the home, but recently learned it was actually white! Previous owners replaced with oak cabinetry.
The kitchen is the perfect example that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a significant difference.
Removing blinds, curtains, wallpaper, and accessories allowed the light to pour into this room! You can read more about this kitchen before and after here, but the iPhone photo below says it all.
We have since painted the full overlay cabinets in Farrow & Ball White Tie (the same color as the walls), in a higher sheen. Doing so allows the eye to continue across the room from the entryway giving the illusion of more space.
We updated with bright brass hardware and added a quartz counter. Soon it will receive a new backsplash and appliances!
We removed the tile and had white oak floors installed which made the kitchen feel so much larger and warmer.
Here’s a sneak peek of progress…
The new brass faucet of course is my favorite feature.
Eat In Kitchen
The eat in kitchen is small, but functional. We can seat up to eight.
We removed the wallpaper and replaced the original light with a small gilded chandelier. I paired the teak table with inexpensive white windsor chairs. We can seat up to eight at the table and remaining guests outdoors.
Hidden behind the doors is our utility closet with a stacking washer and dryer.
I’m still looking for a before photo…but our laundry room in progress is so much more cheerful! More details to come!
Stairwell
Stepping downstairs we replaced a classic banister with a beautiful oar in the same tone.
The Guest Suite
The second, larger guest bedroom is another great example that you don’t have to make big changes to make a significant difference. This space was simply updated by embracing the lake view, faking a headboard with pillows, adding art and beautiful classic bedding to tie in the wallpaper.
Now it’s light and bright…
Detailed Shams | Matelasse Shams | Vintage Blanket similar
This room is all about cheerful pattern and texture! A rattan pendant and stools that double as luggage racks warm the space. This room received remote shades to embrace the lake view as well!
After faking a headboard for over years, we finally added one. The slipcovered headboard really finished the room.
Hall
The hall between the guest room and the girls’ room didn’t need much…
A little brass light sure brightens the space and adds nautical charm. It’s been recovered (rewired and cleaned) from a sunken ship. Sadly the before photo doesn’t share the original light, but still offers a little perspective.
Bunk Bed Room
Onto the girls’ bunk bed room! It’s my absolutel favorite, I love hearing the giggles that come from this room each morning and nightfall.
We removed the border and painted it a soft pink girly hue. It plays well with the natural bunk beds (from IKEA). A blue chest of drawers doubles as a side table. I try to keep furnishings to a minimum to maximize space and prevent clutter from building up at the lake cottage.
I had an artist create a beautiful map of a portion of Table Rock Lake and framed it to coordinate with the bunk beds.
You can read about it here and find sources here.
Nautical Bathroom
Nestled between the two bedrooms is what now we refer to as the Nautical Bathroom. What was once plaid…
Is now bright white and blue!
After removing the wallpaper, we painted the space a crisp white and the builder’s grade vanity blue. We added new hardware, a mirror, faucet and light fixture to transform the space.
Crazy enough, this light fixture was a temporary fix because the custom fixture I ordered was delayed. We have since replaced it, but gosh, I love the original, too.
To add to the lake cottage vibe, I had a bath mat embroidered with “No Diving”. PS it was SO inexpensive!
The floor received a Tile Grout Refresh making it bright white and modern, without having to replace the floor!
The tassel shower curtain hangs from a bright brass shower curtain rod to break up the white. Of course no lake cottage would be complete without boat cleats!
Did you know you can Shop our home?
Lower Living Room
On the other side of the stairwell is a second, lower living room.
Originally, there was a single step beneath the stairs. We found that it was a collector of “stuff”.
We redefined the Open Staircase as a Kids Reading Nook. This not only gives the girls a fun place to hang out, but sleeps an additional guest when we have a full house. Believe it or not – it’s actually the same length as a twin bed, yet wider. Perfect for a kiddo to rest after a long day of boating.
I had a custom mattress and cover made and filled with it pillows (available in my shop) so the girls could kick back, relax and read. If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m addicted to stools! They’re just so versatile and provide extra seating in a pinch. The waves print is a fun nod to the lake that lies just outside.
The lower living room was dark, so we implemented 7 Ways to Add Light to a Room.
We added budget friendly seating including these rattan chairs, cozy blue chairs and an Ektorp Sofa along with options that easily fold to stow away or roll out of the way to accommodate an air mattress or two in a pinch.
You can get all my details on how to get the Look for Less here!
This budget friendly modern living room easily seats 12 – not including the nook!
With flexible furniture (the blue chairs are on rollers and the woven fold and stow away) It’s a great place to play games on a rainy day!
Deck
Last, but not least, the deck. It was rotting out and we’ve been strategically placing rocks where boards have given way. It was also causing water damage to the lower living room and guest suite.
The deck was removed and replaced with vinyl decking which is virtually maintenance free and a Glass Deck Railing! The white decking reflects light indoors and helps mitigate the yellow siding.
Glass panels offer better views both from the deck, kitchen and living room. We spend a lot of time on the deck enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner when we’re not on the water, but I love stargazing with Chris on Friday nights on the chaise lounges the most!
At the bottom of these stairs we added a little bistro set to take in the lake view and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Overhead string lights add ambience!
We also added under decking to create another outdoor living space beneath the deck, while preventing water from entering the home.
I have exciting design plans for the concrete pad where the current sectional sofa is. I can’t wait to share the finished space with you!
Thanks for following along on our journey. Soon I’ll be sharing so much more on YouTube. Subscribe for room by room video tours and so much more!
Of course my favorite place at the lake is on the water!
We are so grateful for our friend and builder, the previous owners who made the dream of lake life come true, all of our lake neighbors and the friends and family we get to share our home with!
Do you have a lake cottage or love lake life? I’d love to hear!
PS, you can shop most of our lake cottage here.
The task of completing a full Reno is hard enough, but you also documented the whole process…Kudos to you. I definitely appreciate all the time that went into sharing this info and will definitely use the links throughout the post when we get our Reno underway. We close on our lake home in 45 days, just got it under contract! 3,000 sq. ft. of 90s finishes and decor galore. The home comes furnished with some dated but solid wood furniture so I am going to definitely try paint and hardware updates. We have a tight budget so it’s going to be a labor of love! I need to recruit friends and family to come spend some time visiting, and put them to work on wallpaper removal and power washing! I never would have considered some of these tips, thanks for sharing.
Congratulations! We worked with a lot of the existing wallpaper, though I know it’s not always an option. I love wood furniture. If it feels out of date you could consider stripping it. Whatever you do, take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. It’s not always before and afters, but the process can be so rewarding! The longer you live in your home the more you will design it with intent! Wishing you the best on your new adventure! Let me know if you need anything along the way!
Nice job!! The lake house looks beautiful! I love how you kept the old fashioned flowered wallpaper and made it look fresh with updating accessories!
Thank you, Cathy! All too often we feel like we need to start completely over, but I love working with what I have when I can! It’s more challenging, creates less impact on the environment and of course, inexpensive!
It all is so beautiful! I especially love the views from the bedrooms. Well done!
I want to visit. 🙂
Thank you, Suzanne! You are too kind!
I love your style!! I’m wondering where you bought the beautiful porch swing on your underdeck? I LOVE it!
Thank you, Emily! Our girls have so much fun on that swing! You can purchase it here. Enjoy!
Wow!!! A lot of white. How do you keep it all white with kids and the like. It’s pretty but wonder how it will survive real life. Guess this is my practical dog and cat lover side. It looks nice and it is on a beautiful piece of property.
Hi Patti! I just love it feeling soft and bright. We do incredibly well. The girls eat in the kitchen, take off their shoes and I love slipcovered sofa and stainmaster carpet – truly simple upkeep! We typically wash the slipcovers once a year. Have you used Folex? It’s my secret for getting anything out without effort! Best $7 you can spend!
Omg, what en elegant transformation. I don’t think there is anything you did here that I don’t simply adore. Thank you so much fir sharing your lake home transformation with us.
Thank you, Ivory! I truly enjoy the process. I can’t wait to share so much more with you this spring!
So beautiful! Can I come visit?! Haha
Thank you!
Very impressive & beautiful, Julie! You’ve done an amazing remodeling job on your lake house. KUDOS!
Thank you, Jan!
Simply, utterly beautiful! That lake view is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!!
Thank you, you are too kind! What a compliment to kick off the day!
Everything looks great. I actually liked the kitchen when you repainted the walls, but left the wood cabinets – it seemed to continue the theme with the wicker color and lighter wood look throughout the house.
I completely understand – I liked that too for many reasons, but ultimately decided to make it feel like one larger, continuous space and reaaaaally want to do do wood floors in the kitchen which would compete. Stay tuned…I hope you like the end result!
Wow, Julie you’ve done so much! It looks great!
Thank you, Jennifer!
Julie your lake house is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do with the deck! We have the same layout at the Fish Camp and need to replace ours. I’m looking forward to all your recommendations.
I had NO idea how many options were involved beyond the decking itself – so many different nailing systems, nail systems, underdecking, etc! If I can reduce the stress for just 1 person, it will all be worth it 😂.
Gosh, I just love it! Can I come visit?.. 🤣🤣
You are too kind Tracy, thank you! It’s been so fun making it ours.
Love your style! I think that the things you have kept, replaced or updated strike the perfect balance. I SO agree with your comments about making a big impact with small changes and not a huge amount of investment.
The only change I would make would be a banister on the staircase because where I live it would not meet code.
Thank you, Ruth! We looked into it – sadly it’s a $5,000 project. We decided not to approach it since our children are very aware of it and use the railing, but if I had smaller children I would absolutely add one. Oddly enough it meets code where we live, but I was surprised, too!
WOW WOW WOW WOW absolutely beautiful and classy, you are very talented. I love everything about your cottage. It incredible how you were able to make every room looked so bright, warm, elegant, and yet inviting.
I am in the process of renovating my lake front cottage and it challenging, most of the rooms are east facing rooms so selecting a paint color has been frustrating and posses quiet a challenge for me. Did you use the same paint colours for all the rooms?
Thank you for sharing your before and after pictures with us. This actually gave me hope for my cottage. I just stumbled upon your blog and it is very well done; it so detailed and you are so generous with the information you share. I have to say one of the best.
Hi there!
Thanks so much for your kind words. Much of the paint throughout this home is the same color, you can see more in the paint category here: https://julieblanner.com/farrow-ball-white-tie/ Enjoy!
Julie
What a stunning transformation. I’m in love with your beautiful lake cottage.
Thank you, Julie!
I LOVE Before & Afters! This is so inspiring Julie – I’m raring to go on my projects now. Thanks! 🙂
Thank you, Barbara! Hoping for more afters soon! Hope you had a great weekend!
Julie, it looks wonderful! I’m green with envy. 😉 For that large window, have you looked at outdoor shades with a remote? Just a thought. I know you will enjoy that beautiful view! 😀
OH MY GOSH! That is brilliant. NO, but I am now, thank you!!!!
Amazing transformation, Julie. LOVE how you’ve made your lake house airy and bright. Great inspiration.
You are always too kind friend, thank you!
The cottage looks gorgeous! So fresh and relexing. You have done a marvelous job decorating
Thank you, Emmie! I appreciate your kindness. I hope you have a beautiful week!
Wow! It is astonishing what paint and light furnishings can do! You would not even know it was the same place! What a transformation! I adore that carpeting, and yes,definitely leave the wallpaper. It is absolutely charming. Beautiful place for family memories!
Thank you, Susan! I appreciate your kindness!
Your lake cottage is beautiful. Just have to ask, how do you keep that carpet clean? You are a brave person!
Thank you, Susan! It’s Stainmaster – I couldn’t do it otherwise. I’m known for disasters (aka spills) so easy cleanup is essential. We don’t wear shoes in our homes which also helps.
Your lake cottage is lovely! Love the updates. I would not keep the floral wallpaper as I love a neutral background. I enjoy reading your blog:)
Thank you, Kathleen! You’re too kind. It looks like that will be a fun fall project!
I love everything about your cottage. It looks so peaceful and relaxing! Thank you so much for sharing it.
Thank you, Nicole! I appreciate you following along!
Everything looks so clean, neat and inviting.
The bedrooms with wallpaper seem as if the paper was something you might have put up and not paper that was already there when you purchased the cottage; looks very pretty with your bedding choices.
In the guest bedroom (I think right after you come in the cottage) is a bedside table and I’m wondering if you have a place of purchase for that?
Thank you, Sue! I love that table and it’s only $80! https://rstyle.me/+X6AqCXVojLf5LER3y42OHQ
IT is all beautiful. You have done a fantastic job.
Thank you, Robin!
Julie, I just love your style and your eye for updating without crazy renovations. Would you please share the paint color and brand that you used in the entry of your lake house? Thank you
Thank you, Kelly! Absolutely! It’s Farrow and Ball White Tie. Enjoy!
Wow. It’s all beautiful! I love all the white!
Great job!
Thank you, Laurie!
Painting the tile in the foyer! Wait – What?! That is genius, what did you use. It looks like you also painted the grout. How does that work?
Works like a charm. You can get all the details on how to paint tile here.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!!! Are the couches from IKEA also? Love everything you do!!!
Thank you! These are! They’re perfect for the space (and budget)!
Please keep the wallpaper in both bedrooms. It’s perfect for a lake cottage. I love the look. You have decorated to match the wallpaper well. Good job. I like the kitchen redo and impressed with how good it looks without painting the cabinets. It’s all very bright and airy. Looks like it will be easy to clean.
Thank you, Donna! That’s the goal – effortless. I especially love the lower level wallpaper, it feels so charming and cottage-y. I hope you have a beautiful week!
I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog…i was skimming through the photos of your cottage…you have a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing your before and after pics… stay true to your vision…and keep inspiring simple folks like myself!
Thank you, Marie! I appreciate your kind words! Thanks for following along!
wow, wow and wow again, it all looks amazing! hugs
Thank you!
Wow Juile, what a huge transformation! You did an amazing job, so clean, simple and elegant. Love.
Thank you, Denise!
Were did you get the grasscloth in the hall bath
Hi Jennifer, it’s from Wayfair, you can find it here. Enjoy!
Would you share the source for the table and chairs on your deck? Thank you!
Ballard Designs – quite possibly my favorite find!
Where did you get the slipcovers for your sof and chairs
Ikea!
I love the charming house, but for me wallpaper makes my eyes go crazy, it does not bring calm and bedroom needs calm, I think you can live with it but at the same time the room will be brighter and feel larger without and use the outside to catch your eyes and some art on the walls. Love the large window, I struggle with treatments I have had to wait as budget does not allow all windows at once, so I have drop cloth fabric on rods for now until plantation shutters! Enjoy making great memories with your family!!
That’s a great idea, Elizabeth! Why do blinds have to be so hard (and so expensive!)
I ageee, I love a calm, relaxing bedroom!
OMG this looks so amazing!
I love the master wallpaper! It is so charming and really embraces the lake cottage vibe!
Thank you, Julie! Great to hear from you!
It looks like the perfect place to relax! We love the mountains and last year were able to purchase a condo in Park City. It’s two mins to the reservoir and two mins to the ski slope. I’ve been doing little by little, not wanting to rush anything. I think I see it with fresh eyes each time we go and it is all coming together. A second home is a little more challenging, because you don’t want to spend too much, but you want it to be comfortable for your family and guests. I love what you’ve done at the lake! It proves stylish doesn’t have to be expensive, and that you know what you like. It is a similar feel to your first home! Hope you guys are enjoying your summer at the lake!
So true! Gosh, Park City – what a dream! It’s one of my favorite places! I can only imagine the memories you make there with your family!
I would keep the master wallpaper. If you keep everything else white and simple, I think it adds charming character that is perfect for a lake house. Everything looks beautiful!!