No Regrets DIY: Our Lake House Living Room Transformation
We didn’t plan to fully renovate this space… but once we started, we knew we wanted to do it right.
We partnered with Lovesac on this post, but every thought, opinion, and design decision is 100% our own.
This living room at our lake house is being built for how we plan to use it. Kids, weekends, hosting, late nights, all of it. Even though we haven’t had a ton of time to enjoy it yet, every decision we made was centered around creating a space that will hold up to real life and be ready for years of use ahead.
From the start, we focused on choosing materials that would last. We knocked down walls to open everything up and completely change how the space flows, and from there each part of the renovation started to take shape.
Demo + Fireplace Rebuild
One of the biggest transformations in this space was the fireplace. We completely rebuilt it to create a more custom, built-in look with an over-grouted stone finish that adds texture and character to the room.
We also made the decision to switch from a wood-burning fireplace to propane. It was a simple change that makes a huge difference in how we’ll actually use the space. Being able to turn it on and off easily just fits better with how we want this home to function long-term.
Custom Concrete Mantle
Instead of going with a standard wood beam, we built a custom concrete mantle to give the fireplace more weight and a timeless feel. It’s one of those details that subtly elevates the entire room, while still being durable enough to handle everyday life.
New Floors
We installed a durable luxury vinyl floor throughout the space that can handle wet feet coming in from the lake, heavy traffic, and everything that comes with a busy home. It gives us the look we wanted, without the stress of constantly worrying about damage or wear.
A lot of thought went into every layer of this space. We didn’t want anything that felt temporary. When you put this much work into a room, the goal is to enjoy it for years, not feel like you need to redo it in a few seasons.
One thing we didn’t want to overlook was the furniture. It’s easy to invest in all the finishes and then treat the couch like an afterthought, but we knew that wouldn’t make sense here. If everything else in the room was built with longevity in mind, the furniture had to follow that same approach.
Why We Chose the Lovesac Sactional!
When it came to finding the right fit, we wanted something that worked for how we plan to use this space, not just how it looks in a photo. That’s what led us to Lovesac.
Their modular Sactional sofa design made a lot of sense for a space like this where things will constantly be changing over time. We can rearrange it or add to it as our needs change over the years, or just need more room to spread out. The recliners are great for a movie night or an afternoon nap!
The washable covers were another big one for us. With kids, guests, and lake days, things are going to get messy. Being able to easily clean everything or even switch up the covers takes a lot of pressure off and makes it feel like a truly durable family couch.
It also checked the box of being something built to last. This isn’t a temporary piece that we’ll replace in a few years. It’s an investment in comfort and longevity, and something that can grow and adapt with us over time.
No regrets on this one!
Shop the Space
If you’re looking for a modular sectional sofa that’s built for real life and designed to adapt with you over time, you can check out Lovesac and explore all the different configuration options!
