The glories of summer are approaching and you are eagerly looking forward to enjoying every precious minute. The sun, sand and water beckon you outdoors during these wonderful months. But the truth is, you have a few indoor things that call to you too. Your lake place begs for a dose of TLC, but you don't want to spend a lot of time, effort or money - you just want to spruce up your haven for the season.

Good news! There are many easy and exciting things you can do to help make your lake place more enjoyable for you and your guests-without breaking your back or the bank.

Guidelines for Updating

1. REDUCE stow away, give away, throw away
2. RECYCLE use what you have in a new way
3. RE-DO paint

The first step is not necessarily the most fun, and it does take time and energy, but it's very important: get rid of clutter. Ruthlessly decide what you want to keep and remove the rest. Actually, once you get things in order you may decide that this is all you need to do!

But if you are ready for more fun, then it's time to think out of the box. Take a second look at what you have and determine how you can use things in a different way. As you inventory your furnishings ask yourself, "Is this serving me best where it is? Could it be used in a different place or for a different function?" Maybe the TV trays that are usually folded up and stored in a closet could be used as bedside tables. Would the mirror that's hanging in the hallway work better in your living room-or maybe even outside on the front porch, reflecting the lovely lake scenes? The old bench that's in your entry might be just what you need in the kitchen or the living room. The lamp at your bedside might work great in the hall or even on your bathroom counter.

Even when making new purchases look for ways to use something differently. Bathroom fixtures need replacing? Remember that outside lights can look great inside too. Be innovative and willing to try something in a new way.

Don't be afraid to paint anything if it's dated, worn or just doesn't work for you in its present condition. Don't necessarily get rid of Grandma's '60's lamp just because it's orange and lime green. If it's the right size and shape, and you need it, paint can do the trick. Lamps and light fixtures can easily be transformed with paint and new shades.

You may desire even more change. Paneling or cabinets can look new and sparkling clean with a coat of primer and paint. Countertops, floors, brick, even ceramic tile and wallpaper can be transformed with paint!

FURNITURE

Map Table

This is a great conversation piece and a way to document lake lore. And it cleans up like a dream! I used an old Formica kitchen dinette table, but any table would work.

1. Clean and then prime your table.
2. Paint the table a neutral color. (I used a sandy beige). Let dry.
3. Trace an outline of your lake onto the table, filling up most of the space. (I used an aerial photo map of our lake that was a perfect fit.)
4. Paint the lake a light blue. Let dry.
5. Paint a green, brown or black shoreline an inch or two wide around the edge of the lake.
6. Stencil the name of your lake in the center in black letters.
7. Stencil compass points, NSEW, if desired. Let dry.
8. Use a permanent black marker pen to star and list points of interest on the lake: the deepest spot, best fishing hole, islands, points, sand bars, historical places, relative's or friend's residences, camps, resorts. Let dry.
9. Brush with several coats of water based polyurethane, drying well between each coat. (Do not roll or sponge on; it will bubble.)

Dining Redo

Recently I painted an oak dining room set that was in perfectly good shape but "fought" with too many other woods in the room; paneling, trim, other furniture. After priming I brushed on a brown/black satin latex paint for the hutch exterior, the table base and chairs, and a khaki/beige for the hutch interior and tabletop. The set is now a stand out that looks like it belongs on the pages of the latest Pottery Barn catalogue.

CABINETS AND VANITIES

Simple changes can make a big impact:

• Remove a couple of upper cabinet doors to display glassware, plates and special accessories.
  
• Replace dated hardware.
• Remember, too, that doing away with the upper cabinets that hang over a peninsula can be an "instant" makeover. It will open up your room and make it feel brighter and bigger.
• Paint!

FLOORS AND COUNTERTOPS

Do you have a "vintage" linoleum floor that's worn and dingy, but you're not ready to replace? Kitchen and bathroom countertops that are outdated? Paint them for pennies!

Here's how:

1. Strip floor or thoroughly clean countertop.
2. Roll on two coats of tinted primer, drying between coats.
3. Apply two coats of semi-gloss latex paint, again drying between coats. At this point you can add a stencil or other design if you wish. (See Map Table for idea.) You may want to paint the edge of the countertop a different color.
4. Brush (do not use roller or sponge) with at least two coats of water based semi-gloss polyurethane, drying thoroughly in between.

WALLS

Picture This

Simple inexpensive frames will look great if kept to the same size and style.

• Use maps as picture matting.
• Paint nautical flags on square artist canvas.
• Frame magazine pictures.
• Print and frame your favorite quotes.

Paint Paneling

• Fill any nail holes.
• Lightly sand.
• Prime.
• Roll on paint (I like satin latex).

Paint Wallpaper
(Some wallpaper can be painted-it's always best to test a small section first!)

• Spackle seams and nail holes to smooth.
• Prime.
• Roll on paint.

Quotes to Frame

"To lie awake in the marvelous air... one is always refreshed by the night up there." -Mable Dodge Luhan, Trek to Blue Lake
"Nature has been for me, for as long as I can remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight." -Lorraine Anderson, Sisters of the Earth
"For a moment, as they stood at the porch edge, all life seemed frozen in a picture." -Thomas Wolfe, Look Homeward, Angel

As you can see, when it comes to updating, almost anything is possible. Just remember- keep it simple and have fun. Happy summering!

By Kathleen Laing