Top Design Features Every Custom Lake Home Should Have
When building a custom lake home in the Iowa Great Lakes region, your design choices should reflect both the beauty of the landscape and the lifestyle that comes with it. Whether you're planning a peaceful retreat on East Lake Okoboji, a family getaway near Spirit Lake, or a luxury build on the shores of West Lake Okoboji, incorporating thoughtful, lake-friendly design features will elevate your experience and add lasting value to your home.
Here are the top design features every custom lake home should include.
1. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows for Unmatched Lake Views
One of the biggest perks of lakefront living is the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, letting natural light flood your space while offering breathtaking panoramic scenery. In homes along West Lake Okoboji or Big Spirit Lake, expansive windows often become the focal point of great rooms, dining areas, and primary bedrooms.
These windows not only enhance the look of your home, but they also improve your connection to nature. Whether you’re watching a summer storm roll in or catching a sunrise over the water, the view is always part of your everyday living experience.
2. A Screened Porch for Bug-Free Outdoor Living
Summer nights on the lake are magical—but not when mosquitoes crash the party. A screened-in porch provides a comfortable, shaded, and insect-free space where you can relax, dine, or entertain guests. It's especially useful during late spring and early fall when temperatures are ideal but bugs are more active.
This space also serves as a cozy transition between the indoors and outdoors. Furnish it with comfortable seating, ceiling fans, and even an outdoor fireplace to make it one of your most-used areas.
3. An Open-Concept Layout for Entertaining
Lake homes are made for gathering, and an open-concept floor plan makes entertaining easy and inviting. By blending the kitchen, dining area, and living room into one large, flexible space, you create a social atmosphere where everyone stays connected.
This layout is especially beneficial for families or guests who visit seasonally. It allows for better traffic flow, more seating options, and unobstructed views of the lake—perfect for holiday meals, game nights, or casual get-togethers on summer weekends.
4. A Large Mudroom or Drop Zone
Living near water means dealing with wet swimsuits, sandy feet, and plenty of outdoor gear. A spacious mudroom gives you a dedicated space for keeping things organized and clean. Include hooks for towels and life jackets, cubbies or lockers for shoes and sunscreen, and durable flooring that’s easy to clean.
This feature is particularly helpful in lake homes near public beaches or active boating areas like Emerson Bay or Arnolds Park, where your family is constantly coming and going from the water.
5. Bunk Rooms for Family and Guests
If you’ve spent any time in Okoboji or Spirit Lake, you know lake homes tend to attract visitors. A bunk room is a smart and stylish solution for accommodating large groups, especially kids and grandkids. Bunk rooms are functional, fun, and help you maximize sleeping space without sacrificing square footage.
You can design them with built-in bunks, reading lights, and clever storage solutions to make them feel like their own retreat within the home.
6. Smart Storage for Seasonal Gear
Lake life comes with a lot of gear—fishing rods, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, and more. Custom storage solutions such as garage wall systems, boat house storage, or built-in lake toy lockers help keep your property tidy and functional year-round.
When designing your custom home, think about seasonal needs and include accessible, protected storage options that make transitions between seasons easier.
Build a Home That Reflects the Lake Lifestyle
From open layouts to thoughtful outdoor spaces, every detail in your custom lake home should reflect how you live, relax, and entertain on the water. Incorporating these top design features ensures your home isn’t just beautiful—it’s built for life on the lake.
At Ten Bears, LC, Randy Walters specializes in creating custom homes across the Iowa Great Lakes, including Spirit Lake, Okoboji, West Lake Okoboji, and East Lake Okoboji. If you're ready to design a home that blends style, function, and lakefront charm, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to begin your journey to the perfect lake home.