Best Custom House Designs for Wisconsin’s Waterfront Properties in 2024

Living by the water—it’s more than just an address; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to serene lake views, spending summer afternoons lounging by the pier, and watching sunsets paint the sky. At Bower Design & Construction, we know that building your dream home on the shores of Milwaukee’s waterfront is about more than walls and roofs; it’s about crafting an oasis that fits your unique lifestyle. Whether you want a cozy retreat or a luxury lake house, we’ve got you covered with the best house designs that suit Wisconsin’s waterfront lifestyle in 2024.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best custom house design options for waterfront properties—ones that bring you closer to nature while incorporating the latest trends in luxury lake house plans. We’ll also touch on why Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of the top destinations for luxurious lakeside living. Let’s dive in!

Building a lake house in Wisconsin offers you endless opportunities to create something truly special. When designing your dream home, it’s important to consider features that make the most out of lake living. Here are some must-have elements for your 2024 luxury lake house plans:

• Expansive Windows: There’s nothing like an unobstructed view of the lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a key feature for any waterfront home. The use of glass not only maximizes natural light but also brings the beauty of the lake indoors, allowing you to enjoy a panoramic view every day of the year.
• Wraparound Decks: No lake house is complete without a wraparound deck. These outdoor areas are ideal for entertaining friends, soaking up the sun, or enjoying a quiet morning coffee.
• Open Living Spaces: Waterfront homes call for open floor plans that make entertaining a breeze. Open kitchens that flow seamlessly into dining and living spaces allow for gatherings without missing those lake views.
• Outdoor Living Areas: In 2024, we’re seeing a trend in outdoor spaces that feel just as comfortable as indoor living rooms. Think built-in fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and lounges that allow you to make the most out of Wisconsin’s beautiful summers.
• Private Dock and Water Access: Whether it’s kayaking, boating, or simply dipping your toes in the water, a private dock adds a practical yet luxurious element to your property. It’s a must-have for waterfront homes in Milwaukee.

The beauty of Milwaukee’s lakefront is that it offers the chance to build a home that’s both luxurious and intimately connected to nature. As you plan the best house design for your waterfront property, here are some trends that are making waves in 2024:

1. Scandinavian-Inspired Minimalism Meets Lakefront Luxury

Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, warmth, and functionality—perfect for lakeside living. In 2024, this style is making a major comeback, especially for waterfront homes. Picture a modern exterior with clean lines, paired with cozy, minimalist interiors featuring lots of natural wood and light-colored textiles. It’s about keeping things simple while bringing the lake’s natural beauty to the forefront.

2. Sustainable Building Materials for Eco-Friendly Lake Houses

At Bower Design & Construction, sustainability is an important part of our work. Using reclaimed wood, energy-efficient windows, and solar power panels are becoming popular choices for lake houses. Milwaukee homeowners are embracing these green practices to protect the environment they love while keeping energy costs down.

3. Luxury Lake House Plans With Smart Technology

Waterfront living is all about relaxation—and what’s more relaxing than a home that practically takes care of itself? In 2024, smart technology is being incorporated into lake house designs to offer a more convenient lifestyle. Imagine adjusting your home’s lighting, security, or even the temperature of your lake-view spa, all from your phone. Integrating smart home features into luxury lake house plans allows you to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with just the tap of a finger.

Wisconsin’s seasons are a big part of what makes waterfront living special, but designing your lake house means you need to prepare for both sunshine and snow. Here’s how our best house designs ensure comfort all year round:

1. Cozy Features for Winter Months

Winters by the lake can be magical—especially with the right design choices. Radiant floor heating is perfect for keeping those cold tiles warm underfoot, while a fireplace in the living room offers that quintessential cabin-like feel that makes winter in Wisconsin so special. Imagine watching snow fall over the frozen lake, snuggled up by a crackling fire. Now that’s winter perfection.

2. Breezy Designs for Summer Bliss

Summers in Milwaukee are all about lakefront fun. Large sliding doors that open up to the deck, screened-in porches for bug-free evening relaxation, and plenty of ceiling fans to keep things breezy are just some of the elements that help you make the most out of waterfront living in the warmer months.

With over 40 years of experience building custom homes throughout Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, we know what it takes to create the best house design for waterfront properties. We take the time to understand what’s important to you—whether that’s designing a luxury space for entertaining, creating a cozy family home, or incorporating the latest trends to make your house a standout on the lake. Plus, we work closely with Rainbow International, our sister company, to ensure your property is protected from any unforeseen damage through top-notch restoration services.

Our approach combines high-quality craftsmanship with a passion for creating spaces that feel like home. We know that building a lake house isn’t just about the technical details—it’s about creating a place where your family can make lifelong memories. That’s why we put our heart into every project, making sure each home is tailored to your needs and vision.

Whether you’re dreaming of luxury lake house plans or need advice on the best layout for your Milwaukee lakefront property, Bower Design & Construction is here to make it happen.