October 15, 2025
Six Designer Tips That Elevate a Luxury Home (Especially Lakeshore Properties)
At SRG, we help clients find—and present—exceptional homes. Part of that is ensuring the interiors complement the setting. Here are six designer tips (inspired by leading professionals) that we believe are particularly powerful in upscale and waterfront homes.
1. Use a Large, Luxurious Rug to Anchor the Space
A rug that’s too small feels like an afterthought. In a grand living room or lakeside great room, a generously sized, high-quality wool or textured rug grounds furniture and softens acoustics (especially in open-concept layouts).
SRG tip: In rooms with hardwood or stone floors, a substantial rug also offers comfort underfoot, something we like to emphasize when showing homes to buyers who may walk in socks or bare feet after coming off the lake.
2. Design Beyond What You See
Good design considers touch, sound, and ritual, not just aesthetics. Quality finishes (on plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, hardware) provide subtle sensory cues of luxury.
SRG tip: For lakeside homes, pay attention to materials that can handle seasonal moisture and temperature swings. When selling, we like to bring buyers’ focus to premium touches (e.g. soft-close drawers, spa-level faucets) as evidence of thoughtful design.
3. Mix Styles, Materials & Eras Wisely
Rigid “match everything” schemes can feel flat. Thoughtfully blending modern pieces with antiques, or sleek metals with warm woods, gives depth and personality.
SRG tip: In high-end homes, buyers appreciate character. If a home has historical bones or architectural detail, don’t shy away, mix it with clean, contemporary accents so the space remains fresh but grounded.
4. Let the Home (and Owner) Bring Joy
Design isn’t about following trends, it’s about creating emotional resonance. Choose elements that delight.
SRG tip: When styling a home for the market, we suggest including artful touches (e.g. curated vignettes, meaningful artwork) that evoke a warm feeling, while still keeping the palette neutral enough for many tastes. That emotional connection can help a buyer say, “I can see myself here.”
5. Don’t Skip the Final Layer (Art, Accessories, Textiles)
Those finishing touches differentiate a house from a home. The “final layer”—art, framed pieces, decorative objects, accent pillows, books—brings visual cohesion and personality.
SRG tip: For luxury listings, we suggest investing in staging art, lighting, and accessories that subtly highlight scale and proportion. In rooms with lake views, make sure nothing in the décor fights the focal point, let the view remain the star of the show.
6. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
Interior design is complex. If you’re unsure, bring in a pro. The cost of correcting mistakes often exceeds the investment in good advice.
SRG tip: We regularly partner with trusted stagers and interior designers. For sellers, consulting a pro early can streamline upgrades and help maximize return. For buyers moving into a new home, we’re happy to recommend design collaborators to help personalize their space.
Final Thoughts
In luxury and lakeside homes, the setting already offers a strong narrative (water, light, scale). These design tips are meant to enhance that narrative, not overwhelm it. When interior elements are proportionate, sensory-aware, and emotionally grounded, the home resonates.
If you’re preparing to list your home or want ideas to elevate your space before a sale, or simply curious about design in high-end settings, reach out to us. At SRG, we’re always glad to share trusted partners and insights to help your home shine.
