When you’re designing a vacation home, especially one that’s steps from the water, it has to do more than look good, it has to function effortlessly for both quiet weekends and full-on family reunions. At Scott’s Vacation House Rules Season 5 project, Lakeside Landing, we gave the main floor a serious upgrade with a kitchen and wet bar that blend modern style with smart functionality.

The Kitchen: Heart of the Home, Designed for Relaxed Gatherings

Let’s face it: the kitchen isn’t just for cooking, it’s where everyone naturally gathers. So, we built this space to be open, inviting, and totally functional. A clean-lined cabinet design keeps the look fresh and modern, while deep drawers and full-height storage provide space for everything a vacation crew might need, from pancake mix to charcuterie boards.

What really pulls the space together is Wood Crest Cabinetry’s Salem door style in Maple with a Cortado stain finish and matte black hardware. It brings a warm, medium-toned wood finish with a touch of grey undertone that balances between classic and contemporary, making it feel connected to the natural surroundings, yet totally current.

Design Tip: Choose a wood-inspired finish in a cool tone to create a timeless yet contemporary look that complements both natural light and open-plan living.

The Wet Bar: Compact but Packed with Style

On to the basement, we carved out space for one of my favourite features in this home: a wet bar. It’s small, but it makes a big impression, perfect for entertaining or just grabbing a cold drink after a swim.

We used the same Cortado stain finish, but this time on the Summit door style in White Oak, also from Wood Crest Cabinetry. The same matte black hardware from the kitchen was used to give the space a cohesive feel. Open shelving offers display space for glassware or local finds, while a wine fridge keeps drinks close at hand. It’s the kind of detail that turns a good vacation property into a great one.

Design Tip: Wet bars don’t need a lot of space to make an impact. Repeating finishes from the kitchen helps tie the whole space together, and open shelves keep things airy.

Seamless Flow for Easy Living

With a two-story, open-concept layout like we had at Lakeside Landing, it was essential that the kitchen and wet bar felt like part of the same story. By using consistent cabinetry and finishes, we created a smooth visual transition that makes the entire home feel connected and intentional.

This isn’t just about looks, it’s about making the space feel easy to live in. Whether you’re prepping dinner while the kids play games at the table or mixing drinks while friends chat and snack in the living room, this layout keeps everyone connected.

Lakeside Landing is proof that good design isn’t just about looks, it’s about creating a space that makes vacation life simpler, more enjoyable, and just a little more stylish. For more inspiration, styles, and finishes, visit woodcrestcabinets.ca.