Main Home Verses Lakeside Design With O’Hara Interiors

by Feroza Mehta | Apr 2026

Designer Bhavana Bhimavarapu says that the owners have a deep love of water and they asked that the color blue be incorporated into the lake home’s kitchen. “We picked a color that works harmoniously with the lake outside,” Bhimavarapu says. She prioritized cleanable, durable and low-maintenance materials throughout the lake home. “The counter stools are finished in high-quality faux leather for added resilience … For the flooring, we chose matte engineered hardwood throughout the main living areas for reliable, long-term performance,” she says. Photos: Spacecrafting

Take a deep dive into the décor differences between lake homes and primary residences.

When it comes to designing a second home, whether it’s a cabin, lake house or a blend of both, it can be a unique challenge. One couple from the Interlachen Park neighborhood chose a timeless approach for their second house on Sugar Lake. Their designer, Bhavana Bhimavarapu of O’Hara Interiors, gave it a fresh, elevated lake style twist. We had the opportunity to see the couple’s main home and lake house, offering a fascinating look at how a designer approaches two very different spaces. Bhimavarapu shares her insight into preparing a lake house that reflects both function and a family’s love of water.

In contrast, the primary residence’s kitchen is white with gold accents.

How did working on the primary residence help in your design of the lake home?

I love to get to know the clients, down to all the tiny details before designing a home for them. For me, it is very important to know how they live, what they like and what is important. All of those pieces are incorporated into the design. I also look to see if there are any specific colors they keep returning to or if I can push their boundaries to see how they react before putting the design all together. While these clients gave me free reign on design decisions for both the homes, their primary home is more grounded in terms of color or the overall feel. In comparison, the lake home’s main design intent was to have fun.

How do homeowners’ day-to-day patterns differ in a second home compared to their primary residence, and how does that influence your work?

Clients always express a slightly different version of themselves in a lake home. I love the bold touches in both the accessories and the larger statement pieces, and how the design takes risks with so many of the materials while still prioritizing a sense of calm and comfort. When designing their primary homes, most of the design intent is long-term function that caters to practical needs. However, in designing secondary homes, I see that clients are more comfortable with us and our process and often are ready to trust us to go in a riskier, more creative direction. They’re living the lake life where the design feels casual and connected, yet it stands the test of time.

The lake home’s living areas were designed with materials and finishes that hold up to high-traffic, sandy-feet environments. “All indoor upholstery features Crypton-grade fabrics,” Bhavana Bhimavarapu says. “Many of the outdoor pieces are rated for all-weather use to ensure they stand the test of time. For the flooring, we selected textured tile to improve durability and provide traction after coming in from the lake.” The lake home design details cater to easy, flowing, multiuse spaces. “I incorporated extra comfortable and cozy elements,” she says. “I also might find places for fun textures with unexpected, rich colors.”

What spaces become more important in a lake home that might be secondary in a primary residence?

In a lake home, shared spaces take precedence. That might be flexible and multiuse guestrooms, bunkrooms, bathrooms with easy access to the lake and outdoor or screened porches.

The primary residence’s living areas.

How do hosting and gathering needs differ between a main home and a lake home?

I think this can be achieved by creating different zones in the home. For example, in this lake home, we have multiple entertainment zones. There is that big kitchen and sizable pantry, but there is also a bar area with additional storage and beverage refrigeration to accommodate larger groups. Easy connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces also helps a good flow around the home. Additional fun spaces, like bunk rooms, smaller nooks or lounging areas, can accommodate large, multigenerational groups or overlapping family and friends all at once.

The primary residence’s living areas.

Are there layout differences you always consider for lake homes, such as mudrooms or outdoor-living-friendly entries?

There are definitely modifications that are more appropriate for a lake house than a city home. I prioritize direct access to the lake, ventilated cubbies, maximizing storage wherever we can (like bench seating with hidden storage), durable nonslip flooring materials, hooks for towels, etc. I also often plan to include accessible outdoor storage for lake recreation equipment or toys.

: The lake home’s entryway was designed with durability and space in mind. Large foyers make an excellent drop zone for unloading luggage and groceries.

: “When designing a lake house, I consider everyday organization and seasonal living needs,” Bhavana Bhimavarapu says.

How does storage planning differ between a home used year-round and one used seasonally?

When designing a lake house, I consider everyday organization and seasonal living needs. In a bunkroom, drawers and closets can hold extra linens for hosting. Built-in cubbies or benches with washable baskets and durable flooring keep high-traffic areas organized. And creating a designated drop zone makes it easy to unload groceries and supplies when preparing for larger gatherings.

In the primary residence, a smaller dining table supports quieter, everyday moments while the lake home embraces its role as a retreat with a larger table meant for entertaining and shared meals.

What design choices help simplify the seasonal opening and closing of a second home?

A well-designed laundry space with double washer–dryers and ample hanging storage turns the home into an entertainer’s paradise, making it easy to reset between visits or after large gatherings. Automated systems, including motorized window treatments and app-based access, allow you to manage the home at the push of a button while keeping security top of mind. I also simplify mechanical rooms, so plumbing shutoffs and key systems are easy to reach. And throughout the home, weather-resistant, low-maintenance materials hold up year-round.