Oct 18, 2024

Tidal Tastemaker: Jennifer Lake

I’m thrilled to introduce our friend, Jennifer Lake, founder of Style Charade! When Jenn told us about the lake house she was renovating, I knew it was going to be something special. Her eye for design and her ability to mix coastal-inspired elements with her signature vibrant style is truly one of a kind. Seeing the finished space has been such a joy, and I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of how she brought it all together, including the Cailíní Coastal pieces that perfectly complement her serene and waterfront home.

xx Meg

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: We’re such fans of your content and so thrilled to have this project up on the blog! For those who are just discovering you, can you share a bit about yourself and your journey with Style Charade?

JL: Oh gosh, thank you! Since 2008, Style Charade has been my creative outlet for all things curated and colorful. To this day, I balance a full-time career in integrated communications and marketing (20+ years and counting!). In many respects, the blog became a corner of the internet where I’m able to showcase my lens of personal style, interiors, travel, and lifestyle while still balancing a corporate job that focuses on other companies.

Over the years, Style Charade has evolved into something very meaningful. From collaborating with amazing brands to meeting incredible readers, I love finding collective joy in life’s small yet vibrant details.

While I’m still deeply ingrained in my full-time career, the blog and my Instagram account (@JenniferLake) remain my favorite aspect of this journey - connecting with the most incredible online community.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: We’re excited to share some of the incredible images from your new home! Can you tell us a bit about how you landed on the location and what drew you to a lake house?

JL: That’s so kind of you to say! It’s a joy to share a glimpse into our vacation home and to work with a brand that aligns so well with our interior design aesthetic. Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve always had an affinity for water, whether it was weekends on the lake or vacations along the coast. When the opportunity came to renovate a lake home, we wanted to find the perfect balance of peaceful retreat and everyday living.

There’s just something so magical about being near water. It brings an immediate sense of calm and connection to nature. Best of all, the location we chose blends the best of both worlds.

To create a space that feels both welcoming and effortlessly stylish, coastal-inspired pieces were a must. We’ve always gravitated toward textures and colors that mirror nature.

Cailíní Coastal was a natural selection to bring that serene, chic aesthetic to life. Every single item we chose from Cailíní Coastal feels like it was custom designed for its respective space. Best of all - they further enhance a home where we truly unwind and recharge.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: The renovation has been a year-long process—can you share how you've approached the design? Did you work with a designer, or was it more of a DIY journey?

JL: Oh my goodness, this renovation has truly been a labor of love! We worked with the incredibly talented Amelia Canham Eaton, who helped design our primary home as well. Amelia has been a dear friend of ours for nearly 20 years. Working with her on this project felt like the most natural fit, and her vision is always a wonderful reflection of who we are and how we live.

While the gut renovation and design spanned more than a year, it allowed us to be thoughtful in every decision. In the end, it’s a space we absolutely love. Every corner tells a story, and the home is the perfect escape for us.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: Where did you gather most of your inspiration for the design? Are there any specific places, people, or moments that sparked your vision?

JL: Our inspiration came from a mix of cherished childhood memories and favorite coastal destinations. My husband and I both grew up on Lake Michigan (him in Wisconsin and me in Illinois), so the serene, relaxed vibe of our upbringings really influenced the design. We wanted to capture that same sense of peace and simplicity.

At the same time, our love for places like Nantucket, Rhode Island, and other destinations played a huge role. There’s something about the timeless charm of those spots that we wanted to bring into our home. In many respects, it’s the perfect blend of our past and present and results in a space that feels deeply personal and welcoming.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: How would you describe the aesthetic of this home? How does it differ from your Chicago home in terms of style and vibe?

JL: Our lake house embraces a serene coastal vibe with soft, neutral tones, natural textures, and an open, airy layout. Everything about the design revolves around comfort and calm, and the peaceful lake surroundings.

On the other hand, our primary home leans more toward a sleek, urban aesthetic—bold lines, rich colors, and a highly functional feel. It embraces the energy and sophistication of the city, while the lake house offers a soothing escape, blending style with function in a way that feels effortless.

We’re grateful to experience the best of both worlds - vibrant city living and tranquil lake life.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: We're absolutely in love with the pieces you've chosen for your home! Can you share what drew you to the selections from Cailíní Coastal and why they stood out to you?

JL: Cailíní Coastal’s pieces have truly brought our vision for the lake house to life. Each one adds something unique to each space, and makes our house feel like a home.

First up, the Poipu Bamboo Side Tables in our guest room were an immediate favorite. They add such beautiful depth and texture, giving the bedroom a natural, organic feel and connecting the beauty of nature indoors. Additionally, the Oceanic Table Lamps really tie the room together. The soft, flowing design mirrors the wave pattern of our wallpaper, creating an organic, soothing flow throughout the space making it feel cohesive and calm.

In our second guest room, the Antiqued Chest was the perfect choice. The space was specifically designed with our extended family in mind. The chest is classic, allowing the room to feel fresh and timeless. It’s one of my favorite spaces in the home. Best of all, it fits perfectly between the custom twin trundle beds.

In addition, we always look for versatile pieces. Cailini Coastal’s Forever Rose Garden Stool and Painted Floral Garden Stool hit all the right notes. Some days, they serve as side tables, others serve as quick extra seating, or simply as accent pieces. They’re the perfect blend of practicality and style.

(Credit: Jennifer Lake)

CC: What has been the most unexpected challenge or surprise during the renovation process, and is there anything you wish you had known beforehand? For someone tackling a large-scale renovation for the first time, what advice would you offer to help make the process smoother?

JL: People warn you about the emotional rollercoaster of decision-making. To be transparent, we didn’t understand the time and energy required for every little detail. Plus, construction and installation timelines have a mind of their own! There were plenty of moments where things took longer than expected or didn’t go as planned.

If we could go back, we’d remind ourselves to embrace the journey, imperfections and all. My advice for anyone tackling a renovation is to trust the process, lean into the moments that don’t go perfectly, and remember that it’s all part of creating a space that reflects you and your family.

Sure, it will likely take longer than you imagined, but when you walk into the finished spaces and see all of your decisions come together—it’s worth every delay and hiccup along the way.

In the end, it’s not just a house; it’s the home where memories will be made for generations to come.

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