See How One Design Team Transformed a Family’s Cottage Into Their Legacy Lake House

Vacation homes often hold cherished memories — from late-night bonfires to sunny days on the water, and meals shared with friends and family. But as time goes on, family dynamics evolve. A home that once suited a family with young children may no longer meet their needs when those children grow up. Bedrooms may become cramped, bathrooms may fall into disrepair, and the space that once felt perfect now seems out of place.

This was the situation for a Chicago family who had owned a lakefront vacation home near Lake Michigan for over two decades. With two grown children and a desire to create a space that could be passed down through the generations, they were ready to transform their summer cottage into what designer Rachel Alcorn, owner and principal designer of Two Hands Interiors, calls “the legacy lake house”—a home that would last for years to come, welcoming children, grandchildren, and friends.

The challenge was to expand this beloved family retreat into a modern living space that could comfortably accommodate large gatherings and stand the test of time. With the goal of creating a home that felt both contemporary and connected to the coastal surroundings, Two Hands Interiors and builder DeGroot Construction began a renovation that would preserve the property’s charm while ensuring it could meet the needs of future generations. A nautical theme became central to the design, evoking the lakefront location with its blue hues, coastal decor, and natural wood accents.

Enter the Coastal-Inspired Great Room

The heart of this family’s home is its great room, a space designed with one purpose in mind: entertaining. The homeowners love hosting large gatherings, and it was essential that the kitchen, dining, and living areas could accommodate their many guests comfortably. Alcorn knew the key was to create a space that was both practical and inviting, with durability at its core.

“This family is all about entertaining friends and family. We want the kitchen to be super hard-working for big groups of people — lots of space at the island, plenty of chairs at the table for playing games and eating meals,” says Alcorn. “We didn’t want anything too precious, just a space where they could relax and enjoy their time without worrying about things getting damaged.”

The open-plan design ensures that no matter where you are in the space, you’re always connected to the action, whether it’s preparing meals in the kitchen or enjoying a drink in the adjacent living area. The coastal theme is evident throughout, with natural textures, shades of blue, and nautical touches that reinforce the serene lakefront setting.

Take a Seat at the Island or Unwind in the Sunroom

If the seats at the kitchen island are all taken, there’s no need to worry. Just a few steps away lies a stunning sunroom, offering additional seating and a perfect spot to unwind. This private nook offers views of the surrounding dune and lake, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection or family gatherings. With no need for window treatments, the family can enjoy the changing seasons in complete privacy.

“The family could sit in there and not need window treatments. They get a view of the changing seasons,” says Alcorn. “It’s one of the most peaceful spots in the house.”

The sunroom extends the coastal feel with its bright, airy design, providing a perfect space for both relaxation and socializing.

Embrace the Nautical Life at the Home Bar

Incorporating meaningful artwork into the design was a key goal for the family. For example, the husband’s family had a special connection to fishing, with his parents having been sport fishermen in Florida. One standout piece, a marlin caught by his mother in the 1970s, became a focal point above the home bar.

“We were like, ‘Let’s lean into it. How cool is that?’” says Alcorn. The marlin, which had hung in the husband’s parents’ home for years, now takes center stage in this part of the home, adding a personal and nostalgic touch to the coastal-inspired design.

Head Outside from Either Entrance

Lakefront homes often face the challenge of keeping spaces clean, given the sand, water, and outdoor gear that come with the territory. To tackle this, the entryway and mudroom were carefully designed with both function and style in mind.

On one side of the house is the front entryway, adorned with Orissa Panel Schumacher wallpaper. This area is designed to be welcoming, with ample storage for coats, shoes, and other everyday items. On the other side is the mudroom — a dedicated space for cleaning off after a day on the lake. With a laundry room and plenty of storage, it’s the perfect spot for drying beach towels, storing wet shoes, and organizing outdoor gear.

“This is meant to be an uber-functional mudroom,” says Alcorn. “It’s where they’ll wash all the beach towels and store everything they bring in from the lake.”

Bunk with Friends in This Outdoorsy Bedroom

When designing a bedroom for the family’s college-aged boys, Alcorn was tasked with fitting as many beds as possible into the space. With three beds and two sleeper sofas, the room can comfortably sleep up to 10 people. The design embraces a woodsy, camp-inspired theme, with flannel wallpaper and plenty of rustic touches.

“This room faces the woods more than the beach, so we leaned into a green, boy-scout kitschy palette,” says Alcorn. The result is a cozy, adventurous atmosphere that fits the family’s active, outdoor lifestyle.

Head Upstairs and Relax in the Reading Nook

The upstairs area of the home also embraces the coastal theme with elegant nautical touches. The staircase features yacht cabling, and a striking rope light fixture hangs from the ceiling, adding a sense of drama and charm. At the top of the stairs, a reading nook provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to relax and enjoy the view.

“It’s such a big staircase, and it’s such a feature in the home,” says Alcorn. “It looks fabulous.” From this vantage point, the homeowners can enjoy the stunning design details while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

Doze Off to Cool Blues

The bedrooms upstairs feature soothing shades of blue, continuing the nautical theme and incorporating family history into the design. One bedroom includes framed family heirloom flags that once flew on the wife’s father’s sailboat. These sentimental pieces connect the home to the family’s legacy, reinforcing the idea that this is a place for generations to come.

In the second bedroom, Alcorn used a deeper shade of blue, paired with shiplap to create a cozy atmosphere. “Sometimes when a space is smaller, we want to lean into making it cozy,” says Alcorn. The result is a tranquil space perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.

By thoughtfully blending a love for the lake with personal touches and modern design, this family’s legacy lake house has been transformed into a timeless space that will serve future generations for years to come. From the coastal-inspired great room to the practical mudroom and thoughtful bedrooms, the renovation has created a home where memories will continue to be made — and cherished — for decades to come.