Flathead Hygge Lakehouse

On the shores of Flathead Lake rests a revived family lakehome. The goal was a modern, organic, and serene getaway that is “place” inspired and timeless. Beautifully designed… but not too precious. Per Wikipedia, the Danish concept of hygge is defined as, “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” This was the essence of the design, whether sleeping two people or fourteen.
The original home’s heavily 1978 look was shifted to a modern, minimal, and organic aesthetic. From the exterior the goal was for a very subtle home, sitting back from the road and nestled among mature pines. Clad in nickel gap lightly stained 1x6 cedar, the stain pulls from the lighter color of the Ponderosa pine trees. The use of vertical boards was to give the home a posture that it lacked with previous horizontal siding. The roof over the original 24’ x 24’ cabin had been modified into two sheds with a clerestory in the 1978 addition. The roof was rebuilt into a gable with the ridge rotated 90 degrees. This allowed the glassy, gable end wall to open out to the islands. A 20’ lift and slide door unites the interior and exterior social spaces. All eaves were cut off the roof to modernize and simplify the exterior.

At its peak in summer usage, 14 people can be comfortably accommodated in the various sleeping options. Large social areas provide space for fun gatherings; smaller, cooler, darker bedrooms and a bunk room provide zones for respite from socializing and the sun. Spill-out areas to the deck and gently sloping lawn expand occupiable areas for socializing. Corn hole, lawn darts, and croquet fill the lawn until midday when attention turns to water sports. Although used heavily in the summer, the home also provides a serene refuge in the winter months with the white interior flowing seamlessly to the snow-covered lawn and frozen lake.

Inside, the white oak wood floors, cabinetry, pine ceilings, trusses, doors, and trim were all whitewashed/stained to create a similar finish for a holistic, minimal feel within the home. The same flooring, cabinetry, doors, and countertop tops were used throughout the home. One floats through the home without any jarring changes. The goal was to use indestructible materials that still have an elegance and modernity about them. Outside, landscaping was chosen for a rotational flowering of white blooms. Plantings are limey, silver or dark green and ultimately will be mostly untamed as they fill in over time.

With the beauty of the natural setting, the goal of the home and landscaping was to be a subtle, but contributory, backdrop. The house is filled with family antiques, new items, and “natural art” that has been harvested by the family or found along the shores or in the forests. The inherent patina of these items fit in well with the overall natural feel of the home and tie it to history and place.