Water Colors: How to Get the Lake Look

Empty-nesters Patti and Craig Mutch had a not-so-secret motive for building their summer dream home on Lake Michigan's coastline: to lure their three adult children from Chicago home to Michigan for vacations. "You wonder, if you build it, will they come?" Patti says. "This past summer, they came and brought all of their friends!"

The three-bedroom home maximizes guest potential by creatively carving out space for 14 overnighters in trundle beds, sleeper sofas, daybeds and even a reading nook in the master bedroom that doubles as a cozy sleeping spot. The home also uses durable materials and water-inspired colors for easy care and guest appeal.

Click ahead to explore this home's lake look. A buying guide is on slide 16.