If you love cozy lakeside homes, layered interiors, and designer spaces that still feel livable, you’re going to love this tour. Today I’m taking you inside the HGTV® Dream Home 2026 on Lake Wylie in North Carolina; sharing highlights from a special creator event, a full room-by-room home tour, and shoppable decor so you can recreate this look in your own home.

There are homes you admire… and then there are homes you feel. The HGTV® Dream Home 2026 on Lake Wylie in North Carolina is absolutely the second kind.

I had the opportunity to attend a special creator event at the home, and I’m sharing a few favorite moments from that day at the beginning of this post before diving into a full room-by-room tour.

From the very first glance, the home embraces cozy lakeside living; beautiful, welcoming, and made for real life. The front exterior sets the tone with timeless architecture and relaxed lake charm, drawing you into spaces that feel both elevated and easy to live in.

A First Look at the HGTV® Dream Home 2026

The HGTV® Dream Home 2026 tour began with a special creator event hosted right at the home. It was such a fun and welcoming way to experience the space for the first time.

There was delicious food, thoughtful activities, and time to mingle with other creators throughout the day. Everything felt relaxed, intentional, and perfectly suited for a lakeside setting.

We spent time walking through the home, taking in each room, the colors, and the beautiful layers up close. Seeing it in person made it even more impressive and set the stage for a full room-by-room tour.

During the event, I spoke with the talented designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, and spent the day experiencing the home with friends.

Let’s tour!

To shop each space, simply click the images in the lookbooks located after each room’s photos and descriptions.

Entryway & Dining Room

The entryway immediately makes a statement with layered textures, lake-inspired artwork, and a bright, welcoming color palette.

It sets the stage for what you’ll see throughout the home: thoughtful contrast, beautiful layers, and intentional design.

From there, the entryway flows effortlessly into the dining room and living room, creating an ideal layout for gathering.

Living Room

A large fireplace anchors the living room, bold contrast, and large-scale artwork that gives the space presence while still feeling cozy and inviting.

This is the kind of view you could stare at all day, especially when paired with such a cozy fireplace.

Check out my video tour HERE!

Kitchen & Breakfast Nook

Just steps away, the kitchen and breakfast nook are so serene. Natural light fills the space, highlighting beautiful lake views from nearly every angle.

The kitchen nook features comfortable seating anchored by a round table and a cozy sofa, creating an inviting spot to gather, linger, and enjoy everyday moments.

Flowing naturally into the kitchen with neutral colors, mixed materials, and smart storage make these spaces feel joyful yet practical; perfect for slow mornings or entertaining friends and family after a day on the lake.

Primary Bedroom & Bathroom

The same thoughtful details carry into the the primary suite. It feels like a private retreat. Soft layers, calming tones, and functional details create a space designed for rest and restoration.

If you love this cozy lakeside style, you can also see how I designed a lake home of my own in this post here.

Upstairs Spaces

Upstairs you’ll find a multi-purpose space, wet bar, and two beautiful bedrooms.

Get My Free Fluffy Bedding Guide

Want that cozy, layered bed look you see here? Grab my free fluffy bedding guide for simple layering tips, favorite fabrics, and styling tricks to create a bed you’ll never want to leave. Just go HERE!

Bedroom 2 and Bedroom 3 continue the cozy lakeside story with layered bedding, playful color, and thoughtful contrast.

The sitting nook in this bedroom is perfectly styled.

What makes this HGTV® Dream Home so special is how it balances bright color, oversized statement pieces, and cozy layers; all while remaining incredibly functional for everyday lakeside living.

Back Exterior & Lakeside Living

Just steps away from the kitchen, you come upon this back yard and dock area.

The back exterior is designed for slow lake days, complete with a huge dock and plenty of space to gather.

With comfortable outdoor furniture and incredible views, it’s the kind of spot made for lingering, relaxing, and enjoying life by the water.

Get the Look: HGTV® Dream Home 2026 Color Inspiration

The HGTV® Dream Home 2026 paint color palette feels warm, layered, and inviting. To get the look, I’d start with warm neutrals like Universal Khaki and Neutral Ground create a calming foundation, while brighter accents and contrast add personality throughout the home.

The overall effect feels cozy, timeless, and perfectly suited for lakeside living.

How to Enter for a Chance to Win the HGTV® Dream Home 2026

This breathtaking lakeside retreat could be yours. You can enter for a chance to win the HGTV® Dream Home 2026, which includes the fully furnished home on Lake Wylie and a cash prize.

• No purchase necessary
• You can enter daily during the sweepstakes period
• Enter online at the official HGTV Dream Home HERE

Be sure to review all official rules and details before entering. I’ve linked everything you need below so you can easily submit your entry.

This home is made possible by incredible sponsors, including Sherwin-Williams, Husqvarna, SimpliSafe, Snuggle, Spectrum, Stanley Steemer, Trex, VELUX, and Wayfair.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you’ll come back soon for more cozy inspiration!

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