Written by Blake Miller | Photography by Laura Sumrak
Natural elements such as wood and stone appear throughout the cozy interiors, where perfect perches beckon the owners and their guests. The neutral color palette echoes the surroundings. The reclaimed-wood dining table and cushy chairs add comfort to the communal space that supports leisurely meals. In the kitchen, shapely light fixtures illuminate the island with comfy seating. Reclaimed-wood cabinets lend texture to the warm and welcoming space that embraces nature with distinctive and durable selections.
Berkeley Minkhorst and Kelley Lentini, House of Nomad cofounders, have a particular affinity for repeat clients. "After working so closely with a homeowner, you develop an instinct for what they'll gravitate toward—and what they won't," says Minkhorst. "These clients were ones we immediately clicked with."
This project, however, offered something new. Having already designed their clients' primary residence in full, the duo was invited to reimagine a second home a few hours away—a lakeside property defined by expansive water views and a distinctly different sense of place. Known for their intuitive approach to layering pattern and texture, the House of Nomad team turned to the surrounding landscape for inspiration, allowing the lakeside setting to inform the home's relaxed yet richly detailed design.
"The essence of the project—much like many of our designs—was about bringing the outdoors in," says Lentini. "With such a beautiful setting to work from, we drew heavily from the natural surroundings, balancing that influence with a sense of sophistication to create a home that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable." With four young daughters—and multiple friends who visit often—the family needed this home to be equally functional and beautiful; nothing could be too precious.
Incorporating natural elements throughout brought a sense of ease and connection to the setting. One of the most striking moments is the cathedral ceiling in the great room, which extends seamlessly to the expansive screened porch beyond. The dramatic pitch created an opportunity for lighting that both complements the architecture and enhances the openness of the space.
Throughout the home, a thoughtful repetition of shapes and motifs creates a sense of cohesion. In the dining area, a wallpaper defined by intersecting lines sets the tone, subtly echoed in the custom tilework in the kitchen. The design plays with contrast—crisp, graphic angles balanced by softer, more fluid forms. Curved sofas, rounded coffee tables, and vintage Italian armchairs introduce movement and ease, offsetting the structure of the linear elements. The result is a layered composition where tension and harmony coexist, underscoring the idea that great design lies in balance.
The interiors, while refined and beautifully layered, never compete with the sweeping lake views—an intention that guided the project from the outset. Instead, "the design reads as a natural extension of the landscape, allowing the water to remain the focal point," says Minkhorst. It feels both refined and at ease—where elegance meets effortless comfort, and each space is thoughtfully oriented toward the view.
Polished, Knot Kitschy
Designing a lake house that feels elevated rather than overly thematic comes down to restraint. As designer Berkeley Minkhorst notes, the most important move is knowing when to hold back. "The view is the reason you're there—let it take center stage," she says. "There's no need for overt nods to waterfront living; the setting speaks for itself."
Instead, look to the landscape for guidance. "Soft blues, muted greens, and warm, earthy tones create a palette that feels naturally connected to the surroundings, allowing interiors to flow seamlessly with the outdoors," she adds. Texture plays an equally important role. Layering materials like linen, rattan, pale-tone woods, and stone adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space.
A calm, cohesive, and quietly sophisticated home emerges—one that reflects its surroundings without cliché, allowing the beauty of the lake to remain the true focal point.