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Lakefront Luxury: Designing Our Backyard Oasis

I'm Erika Ward

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation.  My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

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When it comes to creating a dream home, there’s something truly special about the allure of a tranquil lakeside retreat. In my journey as an interior designer, I had the incredible opportunity to design my family’s dream home on the lake, and today, I’m excited to take you on a virtual tour of our outdoor oasis. From the outdoor deck to the patio and pool area, we transformed our waterfront property into a haven of relaxation and beauty with the help of Universal Furniture’s Coastal Living Outdoor Collection. I hope our experience inspires you to bring a touch of lakeside luxury to your own outdoor spaces.


Designing the Outdoor Deck


Open any of the doors to the rear of the house and walk out onto an open-air deck with multiple seating options. Undoubtedly the outdoor deck is a space that serves as the heart of our lakeside haven. The first step was to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, essentially blurring the lines between the two. Our deck has become the perfect spot for al fresco lunches and dinners while enjoying the beautiful lake breeze. The combination of high-quality materials and timeless design makes Universal Furniture a go-to choice for outdoor furnishings that stand the test of time.

Comfortability is key and each item has been meticulously crafted to prioritize your comfort. Sumptuous cushions, thoughtfully ergonomic designs, and spacious seating arrangements, it beckons you to unwind and embrace relaxation. This exceptional level of comfort not only alleviates stress but also fosters a serene ambiance motivating you to savor the great outdoors and embrace the invigorating fresh air.


Crafting the Perfect Patio


Moving from the deck to the patio, we aimed to create an inviting space that calls us outdoors year-round. A natural extension of our home, the patio is yet a place to gather with family and friends while enjoying the serene lake views.

To achieve this we create two zones, one for dining and the other for lounging. The dining area features the South Beach Bar Table and coordinating Bar Chairs. Not only is this setting great for sharing a meal, it’s also perfect for use as a game table! A sofa and two well appointed arm chairs comprise the lounging zone. We added some decorative touches like outdoor rugs and throw pillows to complete the look. It’s amazing how a thoughtfully designed patio can transform your everyday life.


Creating the Poolside Paradise


A highlight of our lakeside retreat is definitely the pool area. To complement the water’s edge, we opted for the resort-style Seneca Chaise Loungers and the Geneva End Tables with their wave profile. These pieces not only added elegance but also ultimate relaxation as we soak up the sun.


The Design Process: Takeaways for Your Dream Home


Our journey to design our dream lakeside home taught us several invaluable lessons:

  1. Consider Your Surroundings: Embrace the natural beauty of your location when designing outdoor spaces. Let the environment guide your color palette and design choices.
  2. Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality outdoor furnishings that are built to withstand the elements. Universal Furniture’s offerings combine durability with style.
  3. Create Zones: Define different areas in your outdoor space for lounging, dining, and relaxation. Each should have its unique character while remaining harmonious with the overall design.
  4. Personalize with Accessories: Don’t forget to add personality to your outdoor spaces with decorative elements like outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and lighting.
  5. Timeless Design: Choose furnishings and decor with timeless design elements. This ensures your outdoor space remains stylish for years to come.

In designing our dream home by the lake, we discovered the joy of creating an outdoor oasis that not only meets our family’s needs but also enhances our connection with the natural world. I hope our experience serves as an inspiration for your own outdoor design journey. Whether you have a lakeside property or a cozy backyard, the right design choices can transform any space into a dreamy outdoor retreat. Happy designing!

Photography by Robert Peterson

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DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation. My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

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