Say farewell to cabin fever — summer is here! The long weekends on the lake. Family cookouts by sunset. We know you are itching to get out onto the incredible lake and enjoy all this season has to offer!

Whether you are celebrating the 4th of July or any other summer day with family and friends, we bet you will be craving some much-needed refreshments. That’s where we come in with the best cocktails or mocktails to get the party started…

This month’s featured cocktails are from Camp Craft Cocktails (you may remember the winter cocktails we featured here). What makes these cocktails unique is that this company is all about building community. They want you to share these cocktails with your friends and family, tell stories, and make memories.

Each cocktail has the same simple 4-step prep. Here’s how it works:

1. Add 12 oz. of alcohol or another mixer of choice

2. Refrigerate for 3 days.

3. Shake before serving.

4. Share this delicious and oh-so-easy-to-make cocktail with your family and friends.

Let’s get the ball rolling with the 3 Camp Craft Cocktail recipes you need this summer.

Sweet, Spicy and Floral: Hibiscus Ginger Lemon

Perfect for…

This beverage is perfect for a playful afternoon on the lake! The Hibiscus Ginger Lemon is a fresh, fruity, and fun beverage. The best part about these cocktails is that these drinks can also be made with boiling water and chilled to mix into iced tea or lemonade for an alcohol-free refresher.

Includes…

This cocktail mix includes hibiscus calyx, ginger root, lemon, and hibiscus tea-infused non-GMO vegan sugar. (Alcohol not included.) And yes, the cozy mason jar is included!

 To Make…

1. Infuse your Hibiscus Ginger Lemon Camp Craft Cocktail kit with 12 oz of vodka (hot water for zero-proof).

2. After 3 days, strain 3 oz of the infused vodka on the rocks.

3. Splash in 1 oz of lemon juice.

4. Add 1 oz of soda.

5. Clink your mason jars in cheers.

Indulgently Sweet and Fruity: Sangria Summer Camp

Perfect for…

This drink is perfect for sharing after an adventurous day hiking with friends or sipping while enjoying a summer read in the sun … all we know is that this tasty, summer spin on red wine is the perfect pairing for your next potluck in the sun.

Includes…

These mason jars come filled with orange, lemon, cherry, and citrus-infused non-GMO vegan cane sugar. Alcohol is not included, but a good time sure is!

To Make…

1. Infuse your Camp Craft Cocktail Sangria kit with 12 oz of rum (hot water for zero-proof).

2. After 3 days, strain 3 oz of the infused rum on the rocks.

3. Combine 1 oz of dry red wine or unsweetened red grape juice.

4. Add a dash of orange juice.

5. Sip and enjoy the lake’s summer sounds.

Summer Tropical and Tart: Flo’rita

Perfect for…

Maybe it’s Taco Tuesday, or perhaps you’re just craving a spread of tapas… The Flo’rita is a twist on the classic margarita.

Includes…

This specialty cocktail comes in a mason jar packed with flavors including lime, pineapple, orange, hibiscus calyx, citrus-infused non-GMO vegan sugar. Alcohol isn’t included and is optional.

To Make…

1. Infuse your Camp Craft Cocktail Sangria kit with 12 oz of tequila (hot water for zero-proof).

2. After 3 days, strain 3 oz of the infused rum on the rocks.

3. Add a splash of fresh orange, lime, or pineapple juice

4. Enjoy the fresh cocktail in the warm sun!

What are you waiting for? Head down to our showroom and pick up these craft cocktail kits before you hit the road to the lake this weekend. Of course, only mix them up after you arrive. We’re all about summer fun done responsibly. 😉

If you’re looking to freshen up your cabin’s summer decor,  you can also pick up some of these beauties that arrived at our showroom in time for summer!

Until Next Month,

The Lakeside Living Team

Imagine watching the summer sunset on the lake. As a cool breeze picks up, you contemplate heading inside for the chilly evening. But wouldn’t it be a shame to end the night while it’s still young? Instead, extend your outdoor living time and keep the party going with a fire table!

Summer evenings around a fire builds memories… lasting, homey, cozy memories where family stories are swapped and family game night competitions heat up. Believe it or not, the best memories are yet to be made, and they can happen around a warm fire table on the lake after a day of cornhole and fishing. Now that’s lakeside living.

Sounds picture perfect, right? Here are more great reasons to get a fire table, plus some tips for picking the right one for you and your family…

4 Great Ways to Enjoy a Fire Table

1. Fire tables create warmth on a chilly day or night

After the sun goes down and the warmth of the day fades, you may be tempted to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie. But you are living your lakeside dreams, so why not stick around for stargazing? Better yet, tell the grandkids embarrassing stories of their parents growing up in the glow of a hearty fire. (Those kinds of stories stick with them!)

Selection Tip: Speaking of grandkids, if you know they will occasionally or frequently be around the fire table, be sure to select one with a glass surround for safety. You wouldn’t want those chubby and cute little fingers to get caught near the flames.

2. Fire tables set an unforgettable ambiance

Adding a fire table to a screened porch or enclosed four-season porch with ventilation is a perfect way to transform your space right before your eyes. The shadows dancing on the walls and the cozy atmosphere creates the ideal memory-making conditions.

Selection Tip: Fire tables are versatile in shape size and height. They can be round, square or rectangular. Their heights may vary from chat height (coffee table height), or dining and bar height. BUT — don’t just select the first one you see!

If you know how you want your fire table to be used, and where, you can select the height that best creates a cozy ambiance and invites family, friends, and guests to linger longer. For style, choose a fire table that fits well with the style of your home. This could be wood, stone, tile or metal.

3. No need to buy, store, tote or burn wood

Do you hear the words “fire table” and already smell the smoke stuck in your clothes and hair? Or what about the daunting task of hauling up a cord of firewood for the weekend? The best part about a fire table is that you don’t have to worry about those things!

Fire tables use a propane tank or natural gas to fuel the flames. Simply turn the fire on or off whenever you choose, for as long as you choose, without the firewood hassle or the smoke smell. What a relief!

Selection Tip: Propane is a better option if you would like the ability to move your fire table from place to place. If you choose a gas fire table, it will need to remain at the source.

4. Fire tables can become a gathering feature

A fire table doesn’t have to stand on its own. The best ones are a focal point that invite people to gather. To do so, we suggest decorating the area around it! Add comfortable outdoor furniture and stylish pillows for people to enjoy. Here are 5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Outdoor Patio Space. A great outdoor living space is the epitome of lake house luxury and relaxation, and a fire table is just one beautiful piece of that.

Selection Tip: One of the joys of gathering grandchildren around the fire is… s’more-making! However, fire tables are decorative gas appliances, not meant for cooking, so you’ll want to do your marshmallow toasting elsewhere.

How to select the right fire table for you

1. Decide on the function first. This will help you determine the height and shape your fire table needs to be. Look at your outdoor space and decide where it will be going and the size of the space you have to work with. Other considerations include safety (will there be children around?) and how you will use it (dining around the fire or relaxing nearby?).

2. Select a style that you love and that matches your home. What is the current style of your space? Fire tables are usually made from wood, stone, tile or metal. What styles do you like? Decide if you want it to blend into the space or stand out as a feature.

3. Do you prefer to use propane or natural gas? This question may be a simple yes or no based on the availability of natural gas. Propane is an inexpensive option that does require you to run and get a refill. The more you use the fire table the more you have to refill the tank. If natural gas is available, it alleviates having to run and get a new tank like propane would, and the cost isn’t bad either.

Once you have these questions answered, you can find the perfect fit for you, your family, and your home. Let the memories commence!

Whether you are planning a family game night tradition or quiet evenings reading a book by firelight, a fire table will add that extra cozy ambiance to your outdoor living space and an unforgettable summer (and spring and fall) by the lake. It doesn’t get much better than that.

We can’t wait to help you get your outdoor space ready to host your first cookout! Visit our store to pick up all the outdoor essentials you need or get advice on how to create an outdoor space you will love.

Until next month,

The Lakeside Living Team

 

We’ve all seen the HGTV shows that depict the glamorous world of home renovations and interior design.

Unimaginably dated homes are transformed into luxury living spaces before our eyes, and we get to watch it all play out 30-60 minutes at a time, believing that the process is as simple as they make it seem.

But if you’re tv-watching skeptics like we are, you probably have questions. Is all of that real? What happens behind the scenes? How much did that really cost the clients? And what is it truly like to work with an interior design team?

Well, you’re in luck…because today we are diving into that very topic: what to expect during your design project. Let’s get started…

What Does HGTV Get Right and What Do They Get Wrong?

Wrong: Decorators Don’t Cost a Cent

While we are made to believe that the design budget is spent completely on the renovation aspect of things, and therefore the decorating component must be free, that is far from the truth.

Decorators charge for their design services, as they should. Meaning that your overall project budget needs to account for the decorating/design fees that you’ll be charged.

Wrong: Designer Furniture is Out of Reach

Certain shows depict homeowners having to make concessions on furniture quality in order to get everything they want in their finished space.

However, the truth is that designers have access to a whole world of affordable, quality furniture that stands the test of time and adds beauty to the home, all without breaking the bank.

Wrong: You Need to be a Design Expert

We tend to see homeowners who know their stuff on reality home television. They understand exactly what their personal aesthetic is. They have ideas about what will and will not work in their current space or the home they are in the market for. And they appear to have done copious amounts of research ahead of time.

The truth is that working with a design professional is liberating, and you don’t need to have any design knowledge before contacting us. In fact, it is our job to do the research for you, which means that the decisions you are asked to make are informed, and don’t require much time or effort on your part at all. Sounds great, right?

Right: The Process is Fun

We will give credit where credit is due…HGTV does a phenomenal job of depicting the fun and excitement of each and every home renovation or interior design project. After all, we wouldn’t watch if it was boring, would we?

When hiring an interior designer, you can expect that same level of camaraderie, fun, and elation at the reveal. The process is fun and your final result is even better!

What Does the Lakeside Living Design Process Look Like?

Great question! Here is a brief overview of the process we follow when working with each of our interior design clients…

Step 1: Our Complimentary Design Consultation

If you’re looking for professional interior design, or even just some inspiration, one of our experienced designers will sit down with you one-on-one and get a feel for your unique style. Once a contract is in place, we will move forward…

Step 2: A Plan Tailored to Your Home and Lifestyle

As your interior design guides, we’ll lead the way. We want to help make your space feel just like home, which means not only getting to know your space, but getting to know you: where you’re from, your likes and dislikes, the hopes and dreams you have for your home.

With a complete understanding of your needs, vision, and so much more, we will discuss the scope of the work, solidify your budget, organize and prioritize all aspects of your project, and then cultivate a custom design plan that brings it all to life…

Step 3: Presentations and Re-Design, if Necessary

Our team will spend time pulling together everything we have learned from you and creating a design that ties together your lifestyle needs, design wants, personal aesthetic, and project budget into a beautiful package all wrapped up with a bow (figuratively, of course).

We then present our plan and ideas to you, listen to your honest feedback, re-design components if necessary, and start specifying products for the space. Once we have all agreed on the final plan…

Step 4: Purchases, Installation, and the Reveal

Then we make it happen! Our team will purchase, receive, and inspect every component for your new space. We address shipping issues, deliver the items to your home, and install them for you, without requiring you to lift a finger.

Once everything is in place, we reveal the completed design and celebrate alongside you as you experience your dream home in real life for the very first time.

Who is the Design Team Behind this Whole Process?

At Lakeside Living, our core design team is a trio of phenomenal women, and equally incredible designers (and supported by a team of other invaluable women that we’ll introduce you to another time)…

Meet Veronica, Lakeside Living Owner and Design Consultant Extraordinaire…

At the age of 4, Veronica learned to sew on her grandmother’s lap, and that was the very first step toward the conception of her design business. She went on to Custom Home Furnishing Academy for certification in custom upholstery, window treatments, and bedding. Just a few years later in 1995, Veronica established Lakeside Living Design.

She has an eye for creating one-of-a-kind spaces that bring her clients’ visions to life, and a warm and welcoming demeanor that keeps customers returning year after year.

Meet Barbara, Design Consultant and Outdoor Furniture Expert…

Barb has worked in retail as a business owner and buyer for over 30 years. For the past 15, she has focused specifically on outdoor furniture, becoming our resident expert in all things deck, dock, and patio. Many homes in the Northwoods have benefited from her ability to create interesting, comfortable, and peaceful outdoor spaces.

And when she isn’t on the showroom floor or in her office working that furniture magic of hers, she can likely be found sipping a frozen margarita with dear friends.

Meet Tracy, Design Consultant and Color Connoisseur…

Tracy has 15 years of retail experience, having spent the last 8 focusing on outdoor furniture and helping customers create beautiful outdoor living spaces. With her knack for mixing colors and textures that are pleasing to the eye, she is our go-to gal for not only outdoor furniture, but all of the beautiful accessories that accompany it…throw pillows, rugs, and so much more.

She adores working with customers from concept to completion, delights at seeing any project brought to life, and has a lifelong passion for animals…especially hippos (you’ll have to ask her why).

When Should Clients Reach Out for an Interior Designer’s Help?

As soon as possible, no matter the project!

If you are building from the ground up, the sooner an interior designer is involved, the sooner space planning is addressed. By enlisting a designer’s help from day 1, that designer will be able to work hand-in-hand with your contractor to create a perfectly personalized home for you and your family.

If you are remodeling it is also a good idea to have a decorator or designer involved early in the process for the same reasons. Once a contractor has gotten so far into the project, there is only so much a designer can do to work within the parameters of the renovation that is already under way.

If you are reinventing/refreshing any room in your house, a decorator can pull all the details together for you from their rich selection of product lines. This streamlines your product search and planning process, freeing you up to do what you enjoy.

So, if Lakeside Living sounds like the perfect match for your project, whether that is a whole home remodel, a new build, or a quick room update, don’t wait. Give us a call right away and let’s get to know each other.

Other Common Lakeside Living FAQs, Answered…

How much does it cost to hire an interior designer?

We charge $75/hour for a designer’s time once your project is under contract all the way through to the completion of the space. Keep in mind that our initial consultation is always complementary, so feel free to explore the possibilities before you are locked into a commitment with our team.

What services does Lakeside Living provide?

We do interior space planning (inclusive of floor plans), furniture selection, fabric options, accessory specification, window treatment design, wall color/treatment specification, flooring options, and more.

Does Lakeside Living handle remodeling jobs?

We are not architects, so we do not remodel spaces, but we do work with your architect or design-build team during the planning process so that the final furniture layout is considered and space planning is addressed well before the final house plans are in place.

Does Lakeside Living design kitchens and bathrooms?

We do not design kitchens and baths, but again, we do work with kitchen and bath designers to optimize space and room efficiency early on in the renovation process. We also help with cabinet and hardware specification, countertop selection, flooring options, and wall covering or paint color specifications for those particular rooms of the home.

What is the biggest benefit to hiring a designer?

Designers and decorators often make suggestions and offer solutions to problems that the client does not even foresee. By having this critical role filled by a trustworthy professional, you can rest assured that your building, remodeling, or design team is complete…and will think of absolutely everything along the way.

If you’re ready to talk about the home project you’ve been dreaming up, please stop by or give us a call to make a safe, private appointment to visit our showroom.

We would be honored to get to know you, talk about your space, and get the ball rolling for a remodel or refresh this year that helps you fall in love with your Northwoods home all over again.

Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team

In our line of work, we strive to find a balance between the old and the new. The just-manufactured and the well-loved. The newest technology and the techniques that stand the test of time. 

Sure, it is always exciting when we get shipments of accessories and artwork that can be added to our showroom floor. We love staying on top of the latest trends in cabin life furniture and decor. And it is our pleasure to share those items with you season after season. 

But there is nothing that feels quite as good to our team as when a customer brings a piece into our furniture upholstery workroom, one that has true, lasting, sentimental value. They come to us in the hopes that we can restore it to its former glory. It is those inquiries that bring us joy, give us purpose, and make us fall in love with this industry all over again. 

So today, we are going to share some of those stories with you…tales of cast-off upholstery that was given a new life…family heirlooms that were lovingly revived:

• A Rocker Restoration
• An Oak Chair Overhaul
• New Life for Needlepoint
• A Saved Settee

Come hear their stories…

A Rocker Restoration

One of our clients brought in this rocker that had seen better days…

It once belonged to his great-grandmother, whom he affectionately called Granny, a petite southern woman who loved her family well, worked hard every day of her life, and is remembered as a wonderful cook. 

While our client never had the chance to spend much time of his own with her, he was quick to recognize the role that Granny played in his father’s life, influencing his upbringing and helping him become the great man and loving father that he is. 

At some point along the line, this rocker surfaced, and while our client didn’t see any need to keep it, his wife instantly saw its beauty and potential. Her affection for the piece was all the motivation our client needed.

They brought the piece to us and our team reupholstered it to more than its original beauty…

Our client and his wife were so grateful that this family heirloom was saved and preserved that their sentiments extended far beyond that of the rocker. 

He said, “In this throw-away world in which we live nowadays, I can say that I am truly grateful that my wife saw [the rocker’s] value, and because of her love for it, I chose to see its value also…I would encourage people to find the beauty in the old things of their life, whether it’s people and relationships or just some old piece of worn out furniture that needs some love and care and time spent on it!!”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Reupholstering a piece of well-worn furniture can preserve the past, inspire others, and change lives for the better. (Have we mentioned that we love what we do?!)

An Oak Chair Overhaul

It wasn’t long ago that another client brought in a pair of Viking oak chairs…

They were hand-carved, no longer manufactured, and most significantly, once made by a company owned by our client’s family. But they needed some time and attention. 

So our team carefully replaced the worn-out, dated upholstery, and gave these chairs a second life…

We like to think they look as good, if not better, than the day they were made. Our client agreed and was proud to bring them home to display and enjoy for years to come. 

A New Life for Needlepoint

When a client brought in a piece of needlepoint art with an 80+ year history, we had no choice but to do our part in rescuing it. Four generations of women had worked tirelessly to complete the stunning needlepoint canvas that you see here…

In an effort to preserve the painstaking handiwork, we carefully upholstered the canvas onto this stool, not only displaying the beauty and history in a new way, but also giving purpose to this piece that so many women had spent years perfecting. 

The result is a gorgeous stool that we know will be cherished by the family for at least four generations more.

A Saved Settee

Yet another client brought in this unique settee…

It had been in the family for decades and saw many makeovers during that time. But it needed another facelift, and our team was happy to oblige. 

With brand new upholstery, a restored seat cushion in a complementary pattern, and our team’s extreme attention to detail, we created a piece that preserves the piece’s history while elevating and modernizing the aesthetic.

It is the perfect vintage accessory for this client’s Northwoods home, don’t you think? You betcha!

How Do We Do It?

Great question! The answer? Two words… or names, rather: Jay and Ann.

Jay Fawley and Ann Koester

This phenomenal upholstery duo specializes in window treatments, bedding, cushions, and pillows for your home. 

They inspect any piece that walks through our doors, outsource any finish and frame repairs that need to be completed first, add new padding, remove old cotton and fillers that have an odor, create brand new cushions, and update the fabric. 

Sound like a lot of work? Not for them. They are the best of the best and can take any sentimental piece and restore it to its original beauty without sacrificing the history or value in any way. Jay and Ann are amazing!

Now it’s Your Turn…

If you have an older piece that needs to be revived, give us a call! We would be delighted to inspect and measure your piece, assist you in choosing the perfect fabric, discuss options for new seat and back cushions, and provide you with a quote for the scope of work. 

If you choose to move forward, we require a 50% deposit along with the signed contract. (Disclaimer: Sometimes problems remain hidden until the fabric is removed, so there are occasionally extra charges when unanticipated repairs arise, but we promise to keep in communication with you so that you aren’t hit with unexpected charges on your final bill.)

After that, you drop off your piece, we work our magic, and a transformed piece of furniture is delivered to your door. Simple as that!

The best news for you, though? 

During the month of February, we are running a 20% off special for all fabric with a signed workroom contract on a new piece or reupholstery.

This applies to window treatments, cushions, bedding, pillows, and more. Just ask us for the full list when we chat. 

It is our distinct pleasure to do what we do. It is a great honor to be trusted with a family heirloom. And it is an absolute joy to be a part of the restoration process that rescues well-worn pieces, breathes new life into them, and blesses the owners in the process. 

If you like what you see in the pictures, you’ll love it even more when the transformation is on a piece of your own! Our showroom is open (with safety precautions in place), and we would be thrilled to welcome you and your sentimental furniture in for a quote. 

Let’s take that worn-out piece that you wouldn’t dream of parting with and give it a new lease on life…preserving it so that you and your family can enjoy it for generations to come.

Yours,

The Lakeside Living Team