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A Multifamily Interior Refresh with a Lakeside Vibe

The Dock at Surprise Lake

Revitalizing an apartment community with fresh amenity spaces inspired by the feel of a lakeside retreat.

The Dock at Surprise Lake, nestled in Milton, WA, embodies Pacific Northwest living. This multifamily refresh project aimed to rejuvenate the garden-style apartment community's clubhouse and model unit to better reflect the vibrancy of the Puget Sound region’s natural beauty.

Drawing inspiration from the serene, lakeside lifestyle, the design focuses on seamlessly integrating modern amenity spaces with the beautiful natural surroundings. Through the strategic use of soothing colors and textures – including crisp whites, medium wood tones, and calming blues – the updated spaces evoke the tranquility of a lakeside retreat.

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Focuses on a conversation space furnished with wide, upholstered sofas, a thick rug, and a tiled fireplace.
Cozy Conversation Spot

Deep sofas with rounded edges encourage residents to get comfortable and enjoy the black statement fireplace. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Cozy Conversation Spot

Deep sofas with rounded edges encourage residents to get comfortable and enjoy the black statement fireplace. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Focuses on a seating banquette and several bistro tables with wood and dining chairs that are positioned with a view of a lake outside large windows.
A Table with a View

Leather banquette seating, woven cane dining chairs, and nautical rope pendant lights add tons of texture in this multifunctional seating area. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
A Table with a View

Leather banquette seating, woven cane dining chairs, and nautical rope pendant lights add tons of texture in this multifunctional seating area. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Presents a wide view of the room to show how it has been furnished into several zones with different purposes such as conversation, working, dining, and relaxing.
Shared Spaces

The open concept clubhouse uses color, texture, and creative screening to provide intimate spaces that meet a variety of residents needs, all without restricting the view. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Shared Spaces

The open concept clubhouse uses color, texture, and creative screening to provide intimate spaces that meet a variety of residents needs, all without restricting the view. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Focuses on a contemporary fireplace flanked by wooden bookshelves.
Subtle Statements

Neutral black and clean lines ensure the floor to ceiling fireplace makes a statement without overpowering the space. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Subtle Statements

Neutral black and clean lines ensure the floor to ceiling fireplace makes a statement without overpowering the space. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Focuses on a conversation space with upholstered seating, a statement fireplace, and wooden bookshelves.
Sustainable Selections

For the clubhouse, our design team shopped second-hand for vintage books and objects to style shelves with color, texture, and create visual interest. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Sustainable Selections

For the clubhouse, our design team shopped second-hand for vintage books and objects to style shelves with color, texture, and create visual interest. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Presents a wide view of the room to show how it has been furnished into several zones with different purposes such as conversation, working, dining, and relaxing.
On the Water

Positioned right beside the lake, the clubhouse offers a calming view year-round. A vintage canoe becomes art that matches the scale of the grand fireplace. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
On the Water

Positioned right beside the lake, the clubhouse offers a calming view year-round. A vintage canoe becomes art that matches the scale of the grand fireplace. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse with vaulted ceilings framed with wide wooden beams. Presents a wide view of the room to show how it has been furnished into several zones with different purposes such as conversation, working, dining, and relaxing.
Boathouse Contemporary

A color palette of blues and greens, striped patterns, and wooden textures evoke images of life aboard ship. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Boathouse Contemporary

A color palette of blues and greens, striped patterns, and wooden textures evoke images of life aboard ship. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse. Focuses on a play room for children, furnished with blue carpeting, a bookshelf, a table, and toys like wooden boats.
A Corner for Kids

Set apart from spaces for work and relaxation, kids have their own corner in this clubhouse with large windows for supervised play. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
A Corner for Kids

Set apart from spaces for work and relaxation, kids have their own corner in this clubhouse with large windows for supervised play. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

We aimed to transform these amenity spaces into extensions of the breathtaking landscape that surrounds them. Within their walls, a carefully curated collection of vintage and second-hand accessories harken back to the community’s lakeside location and add to the cozy feel of the clubhouse.

Each design choice was made with careful consideration, fostering a sense of community and relaxation among residents. Ample seating in two lounge areas, a quiet room for kids, a community kitchen, and an updated fitness room provide space to relax and connect with neighbors.

The project represents a commitment to creating living spaces that enrich the lives of residents who call The Dock at Surprise Lake home. By embracing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the community now reflects a contemporary yet timeless feel that honors its location.

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential leasing space. Focuses on two minimal black and wood desks with black metal and leather chairs. Includes two private leasing offices seen through glass doors.
Leasing Office

Desks in the main space make it easy to connect with tenants, while small offices provide privacy. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Leasing Office

Desks in the main space make it easy to connect with tenants, while small offices provide privacy. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity kitchen. Focuses on a large six seat kitchen island with a sink and six black and woven cane barstools. Includes wooden shade pendant lights, wood tone kitchen cabinets, gray tile flooring, and emerald green square tile backsplash.
Community Kitchen

Rich green and warm wood refer to the wooded landscape outside while crisp white countertops keep the space feeling bright. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Community Kitchen

Rich green and warm wood refer to the wooded landscape outside while crisp white countertops keep the space feeling bright. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity kitchen. Focuses on a large six seat kitchen island with a sink and six black and woven cane barstools. Includes wooden shade pendant lights, wood tone kitchen cabinets, gray tile flooring, and emerald green square tile backsplash. Also includes upholstered banquette seating, bistro tables, and brown leather dining chairs.
Creating Sharable Spaces

Providing a variety of seating options allows residents to host larger gatherings or enjoy the space separately. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Creating Sharable Spaces

Providing a variety of seating options allows residents to host larger gatherings or enjoy the space separately. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity lounge. Focuses on a large upholstered modular sofa seating and large windows with a view of a lake. Includes a large abstract blue rug, a round wooden coffee table, house plants, and built-in shelving.
Modular Seating

A spacious modular sofa provides abundant, multipurpose seating. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Modular Seating

A spacious modular sofa provides abundant, multipurpose seating. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of a multifamily residential amenity lounge. Focuses on a large upholstered modular sofa seating and large windows with a view of a lake. Includes a large abstract blue rug, a round wooden coffee table, house plants, and a dining set.
Room to Relax

Breathtaking views, calming blues, and spacious seating bring lakeside relaxation indoors. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Room to Relax

Breathtaking views, calming blues, and spacious seating bring lakeside relaxation indoors. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of an apartment living room. Focuses on a seating area furnished with a round wooden coffee table, a modern brown leather sofa, and a large green rug.
Defining with Details

A bold, jewel tone rug structures the living space in this model unit. Green accents unify the look. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Defining with Details

A bold, jewel tone rug structures the living space in this model unit. Green accents unify the look. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of an apartment living room. Focuses on a seating area furnished with a round wooden coffee table, two plaid accent chairs, and a wooden bookshelf.
Unit with a View

A palette of green, gold, and woodgrains connect the design of this model living room to the lush foliage outside. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Unit with a View

A palette of green, gold, and woodgrains connect the design of this model living room to the lush foliage outside. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the interior of an apartment dining room. Focuses on a round wood dining table and four white spindle dining chairs. Includes a houseplant and blue abstract art on the walls.
Dining Nook

The design of this model dining room uses cool blues and crisp whites for a calm space that also relates to the nearby lake. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Dining Nook

The design of this model dining room uses cool blues and crisp whites for a calm space that also relates to the nearby lake. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

An interior photo of an apartment bedroom. Focuses on a wooden queen sized bed dressed in black check bedding and textured pillows. Includes a large, high pile blue rug, a house plant, abstract art on the walls, and white mid-century nightstands.
Tying it Together

The colors and patterns used in the rest of this model unit come together in the bedroom in a cohesive design. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Tying it Together

The colors and patterns used in the rest of this model unit come together in the bedroom in a cohesive design. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of the exterior of a multifamily residential amenity clubhouse. Includes outdoor landscaping and a view of the adjacent lake.
First Impressions

The clubhouse exterior received new windows to bring in natural light. New minimalist railings make the space safe and more accessible for all. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
First Impressions

The clubhouse exterior received new windows to bring in natural light. New minimalist railings make the space safe and more accessible for all. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of a floating dock over the surface of a lake. Includes red deck chairs and a ladder for swimmers.
Serene Scenes

Bright red deck chairs draw attention to the floating dock and invite residents to soak up the sun. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
Serene Scenes

Bright red deck chairs draw attention to the floating dock and invite residents to soak up the sun. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

A photo of a wooden dock stretching out over landscaping and foliage at the edge of a lake. Includes a floating dock with deck chairs and a ladder for swimmers.
The Great Outdoors

Residents can enjoy a closer look at the lake from their exclusive floating dock. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland
The Great Outdoors

Residents can enjoy a closer look at the lake from their exclusive floating dock. The Dock at Surprise Lake | Photo by Cory Holland

Notes & Credits
Interior Design by Board & Vellum.
Photography by Cory Holland.

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Services at Seattle architecture firm Board & Vellum – Board & Vellum's portfolio includes architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture projects.

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