Inside a Multigenerational Lake House with Classic Americana Vibes
Family was at the heart of its design.
Matthew Millman
If you were to picture a quintessential Americana lake house, this Pacific Northwest home might come close to what you’re imagining. That timeless feeling hooks you from the moment you step through the front door with its blue-and-white striped awnings, American flag, and architecture that is the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.
Matthew Millman
For this new build—a collaboration between Philpotts Interiors and Basak Cakici and the rest of the team at David Shutt Architecture—the site was chosen for its breathtaking views and proximity to a popular lake. Nature abounds with the whole site shaded by stately old fir trees.
Matthew Millman
“We worked closely with the homeowners to create the perfect all-year-round house and to develop a vision of what this ‘life’ in this new residence would be,” says Anne Tanaka, senior designer at Philpotts Interiors. “Given the homeowner’s large family, they desired a place ideal for their multigenerational family, where different ages and generations could come together seamlessly to make memories.”
Matthew Millman
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With five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms, the property is set up to accommodate many guests at a time, so the interior design needed to reflect that.
Matthew Millman
“Throughout the design process, it became clear that this home is centered on celebrating life—embracing the present moment, fostering connection, and prioritizing time with family,” Anne explains. “It reflects a commitment to wellbeing, with a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to aging in place. At the same time, it serves as a place of respite for the owners and their grandchildren—a space to unplug, set aside devices, and simply enjoy being together.”
Matthew Millman
And while family was at the heart of the design process, fashion was also a big inspiration. Anne says that the client was drawn to the aesthetic of Brunello Cucinelli—its understated elegance, refined textures, and calm, tonal palette. Of course, the home’s stunning surroundings also informed the design. The lake’s seasonal transitions and weather inspired the finishes, textures, textiles, and palette.
Matthew Millman
Given the vision was a home where the owner’s large family could gather, it’s no surprise that the heart of the lake house is the living room, which can adapt to fit both large and more intimate gatherings.
Matthew Millman
The kitchen builds upon the overall aesthetic, Anne says. “Wood flooring extends from the living area into the kitchen. The plain sawn raised grain of the wood on the upper cabinets echo the cathedrals in the grain of the ash wall panels throughout the home yet is juxtaposition by its soft white finish, brightening the room. Warm wood base cabinets anchor the space and easily transition to the floor,” she adds.
Matthew Millman
Since the homeowner is an avid home cook, function, durability, and beauty were a kitchen design priority. Resilient and elegant quartzite countertop, polished Kallista faucets, bronze cabinet hardware, a French Blue Lacanche range, and appliances integrated into the cabinetry were chosen with those goals in mind. There are also designated areas for kitchenware, tools, and cooking equipment, plus a tack board and organization station in the butler’s pantry.
The centerpiece of the kitchen may just be the island, which was designed to look like a refined piece of furniture, features clever storage, and is a gathering spot.
Matthew Millman
Matthew Millman
While the first floor is all about sophistication, Anne says that the upper floors were given a touch of fun and whimsy—the bunk room, rec room, a “hair salon” bathroom, and guest rooms are all a bit playful.
Matthew Millman
“The design strikes a balance of ease blending craftsmanship with materials that echo the calm beauty of the lake,” the homeowners say. “It’s like waking up on vacation every morning.”
Matthew Millman
A retreat that feels like a permanent vacation? You know the design team did something right here.
Landscape Design: Northwest Floriculture
General Contractor: Mike Bradley