Taking her cue from the casual cottage attitude, Missouri homeowner Pamela DiCapo transformed a dark and dowdy fishing shack into a light-filled retreat. "The interior of our lakehouse is characterized by floral and other vintage fabrics; a feminine color palette of pale pastels, whites, creams, and off-whites; flea market furnishings--often with distressed, peeling surfaces; comfortable slipcovered seating; and romantic accessories such as candles, flowers, wrought iron or crystal chandeliers, and pretty oil paintings," she says.

Soothing Interiors
Pamela, husband Jack, and daughters Lauren, 15, and Alexandra, 11, spend most of their time out on Lake Lotawana. But when the sun's heat gets too intense, the family retires to the cool comfort of the whitewashed interiors. Beaded-board walls and ceilings lend a rustic note. Fresh white surfaces provide a serene backdrop for slipcovered furnishings.

In the living room, undressed windows maximize the lake views. A white armoire with shutter doors conceals a TV and entertainment system that would have clashed with the old-fashioned decor.