Ten years after Fixer Upper first aired, Chip and Joanna Gaines decided to fix up the lake house – a Lake Waco, Texas home that was stuck in the '60s, but packed with potential. With stunning outdoor views and outdated finishes, the project was certainly a challenge. But after six episodes of Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, the final product is revealed – with Spanish revival influences and '70s-inspired styling, it's a gorgeous, serene escape.
The lake house is timeless, and certainly made to last, but Joanna still managed to master seven of 2024's most elevated interior design trends throughout the space. From the home's mid-century modern furniture to its subtle marble accents, each detail was thoughtfully selected – and we can't get enough of its referential charm. These are seven of our favorite lake house-inspired design trends, and how to get each one down at home.
7 design lessons from the lake house
Interior design trends are cyclical in nature, and the lake house brings back some time-honored styles with ease. From mid-century modern and '70s-inspired to Spanish revival, there's a bit of history in each and every room of this space. These are our favorite looks from the lake house, and why they're coming back in style today.
1. Mid-century modern furniture
A clear mid-century modern influence makes itself known in every room of the lake house. Complete with natural wood accents, a rich color palette, and organic forms, the space feels like it's been plucked straight out of the '60s and '70s – yet it still fits with present-day aesthetics. In fact, the space's styling represents one of 2024's biggest design trends yet: mid-century modern decor and furniture.
Furniture of this era is function-forward and sleek, often fashioned in natural materials like wood, metal, and simple upholstery. In the lake house living room, pictured above, a streamlined green couch is coupled with a pair of armchairs and a sculptural marble coffee table. The home's library features four matching leather armchairs in the era's style, and the kitchen's barstools call back the mid-century modern classic combination of rattan and leather.
These pieces bring a high-end, elevated look to any space, pairing with a mid-century modern color palette, metallic accents, and modern architecture with characterful details. A wooden console table with fluting details, or a sculptural, curved couch can easily bring a modern living room a bit of extra historic charm.
2. Tiny tiles
When considering 2024's most exciting design trends, tile probably doesn't come to mind. But this year has seen a number of unique tile layouts, whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere. From striped patterns to classic checkers, designers and homeowners are making major impact with tile across the whole home. And the lake house's powder room demonstrates one of this year's biggest bathroom trends: tiny tiles.
This bathroom maintains the lake house's mid-century modern color palette, combining deep green walls and a natural wood doorframe with small-scale yellow and white tile backsplash down to the floor. The room's paint color and expansive mirror provide a grounding base, while the tiny tile pattern adds visual interest and depth. Thoughtfully paired with a hand towel in a similar pattern, the tile is the spotlight of this small space.
Small bathroom tile is the perfect addition to a bland space – the bathroom doesn't have to be boring, and a bit of colorful tile proves it. No matter your powder room's color scheme, tiny tile could very well be the finishing detail it needs.
3. Spanish revival architecture
Spanish revival style is romantic and grounded in history, featuring transitional decor and plenty of architectural interest. The style brings back the best bits of traditional Spanish style while blending in with modern-day design schemes. Pops of pattern and color, textural materials, and a tasteful mix of old and new are all hallmarks of the Spanish revival trend, which is on the rise in 2024.
In the lake house, architectural details make the look sing. In the living room, an elegant arched fireplace with a combination of plaster and exposed brick finishes defines the space, pairing perfectly with a slightly curved archway that leads to the kitchen.
Raftered ceilings painted in the same warm neutral hue as the fireplace draw the eye upwards and divide this largely open-plan area of the home. In the kitchen, a curved island and statement range hood add to the lovely Spanish-inspired aesthetic.
4. Marble as a soft accent
Marble is a high-end design detail fit for any home, but the lake house uses the material in a unique way: as a soft, unassuming accent. The home's library features a small marble side table in white to center a lounge seating area, and a sculptural, textured coffee table adds subtle impact to the living room.
Though natural stone can sometimes feel imposing and harsh, this use of the material is easy on the eyes and feels oh-so-natural. We're seeing more and more marble appear in luxurious homes, and this take is one to copy. Instead of defining your space with marble, bring in small touches through furniture, light fixtures, or accessories. Your nature-inspired scheme will look better, and more high-end, than ever.
5. Pared-back '70s style
1970s-inspired style is having a notable resurgence in 2024, and Joanna's lake house masters all the best parts of the look. With a warm, welcoming color palette; casual, comfort-forward design choices; and sleek, streamlined furniture, the lake house shows '70s style in full force. Leaving behind the over-the-top, dated design details of the era like clashing patterns and borderline-neon palettes, it's a smart rendition of the style, fit for present-day sensibilities.
The lake house home library is an elegant take on '70s style, featuring a floor-to-ceiling display bookcase, a color palette dominated by natural wood finishes, and a sculptural gold light fixture. The look carries throughout the whole home, and proves that the decade's trends are circling back once more. This version of '70s style is timeless and enduring, giving any space a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
6. Nature-inspired color palettes
Bringing the outdoors in is one of 2024's standout design trends, and for good reason – taking inspiration from nature is a no-fail interior design strategy. Natural materials are making their way into more design schemes this year, and forest green is having a moment.
In this home remodel too, the power of the great outdoors wasn't lost on Joanna for a moment. In fact, she shared with H&G ahead of the grand reveal that nature is one of her go-to sources of interior design inspiration. The lake house project also inspired a seven-shade, nature-inspired color palette, featuring hues like 'Tranquil Waters,' 'Juniper Tree,' and 'Remote Trail.'
With a neutral base of a warm white shade, accents of deep wood and metal, and a moody yet fresh green thread throughout, this earthy color palette is one to copy. Characterful, patterned area rugs pull the whole look together, adding warmth and natural texture to boot.
7. Bold countertops and backsplash
Bold veining is having a moment in 2024, with busy, all-natural patterns gracing more and more kitchens – including that of designer Nate Berkus and Queer Eye star Jeremiah Brent. Using marble in the kitchen is a classic, timeless approach, but the statement finish featured in the lake house represents a daring new approach to countertops and backsplash. Instead of blending in, or providing a neutral base for the rest of the space, this marble stands out and defines the entire space's atmosphere.
The lake house kitchen is exciting and energizing, playing beautifully off of the gorgeous views right outside. Picking up on the great outdoors while staying sleek and elevated, it's a trending look that's sure to last through 2024 and far beyond.
The lake house is a treasure trove of interior design trends, and we're hoping to see much more of these gorgeous takes on '70s and Spanish style. Elegant, elevated, and built to last, these design features prove that Joanna's Fixer Upper touch hasn't faded 10 years on.
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