BOOKMARKED: This Lakeside Home is a Nostalgic Summer Camp Haven

Mar 5

Nestled on a crystal blue lake in northern Wisconsin, is a home echoing memories of childhood summers past. Spending every summer growing up here, one couple couldn’t resist the opportunity to recreate the magical summer experience for their own children by purchasing their former neighbor’s untouched, low-slung 1960’s cabin. For the design they sought out Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio—a designer known for her effortless yet considered spaces filled with light, pattern, and play. In a truly time-honored design, this happy lakeside retreat is everything good about the good old days.

“We wanted a happy vibe that really reflected all the joy that we feel when we’re there.”

Victoria Sass, a Midwest transplant by way of California, began considering the family’s vision though inspiration from the British clothing brand Boden. “It’s these kids and they’re fresh out of the water. Their hair is just like tousled, and there’s sunlight beating down, and they’re in these bright, bright swimsuits,” Sass recalls. For this fun-loving family home, she thought, “I need this vibe in physical form.”

“I wanted it to feel energetic, happy, joyful, and child-friendly.”

The finished space is the sophisticated version of summer camp heaven. Modern checkered patterns, refined wood paneling, expansive views of the surrounding lake and mid century pops of color. According to Sass, “I wanted it to feel energetic, happy, joyful, and child-friendly, so the biggest challenge was making sure there was enough color but not too much, so that it still felt earthy and grounded.”

With the perfect blend of modern finishes and classic nostalgic nods, this family lake house feels intentional, warm and storied. Where countless days under the blazing sun are followed by slow nights steeped in laughter, cards games by the fire and the lived moments that in time become treasured memories of summers spent at the lake.