Check Out Instagram Founder Kevin Systrom’s Lake Tahoe Retreat

Lake Tahoe has long been attracting vacationers for all of its serene beauty and rugged outdoor adventures it offers, for at least the last 150 years or more. From artists to the most adventurous folks, there is something about the breathtaking landscape of the Sierras, and the beautiful alpine lake that captures you and gets you hooked. The lifestyle that Lake Tahoe had to offer certainly attracted Kevin Systroms, co-founder of Instagram, and his then girlfriend, Nicole. Kevin Systroms and Nicole found a home that has been referred to as having characteristics of an old-fashioned lodge. Inside, the home was filled with magnificent features, like the hand-scraped floors and 30-foot ceilings. But the most impressive feature of all, was the lake view, and so Kevin and Nicole purchased the home and immediately began making it the dream home they envisioned. Here’s a peek inside Kevin Systroms’ spectacular Lake Tahoe home, and you’ll be amazed.

Jeffrey Pines are all round the home, including down by the water. What a gorgeous way to wake-up every day. The pines add to the spectacular, and unobstructed views from the home’s many windows, some of them floor-to-ceiling.

Kitchen

The kitchen is full of natural elements like wood, stone flooring, leather topped stools and brass-based, butcher block island that is lit by a billiard style pendant light. The kitchen is loaded with top-of-the-line appliances and large, farmhouse sink to give it a real lodge-type feeling. Open shelves and glass front cabinets give the kitchen a more open look and feel.

Breakfast nook

The built-in bench seating wraps around a banquette table that also seats a couple more in the vintage mid-century styled chairs that face the spectacular views. The vintage chairs pair well with the retro looking brass pendant light that hangs above the table. All the neutral tones give the feeling of bringing the natural elements just outside, in.

Living room

The living room is full of beautiful elements, from the stone fireplace, to all the woodwork surrounding you. The windows that span the entire wall let in all the natural light you can imagine and give you awesome lake views. The room is set up for both the great views, and it’s an optimum set-up for visiting with friends with two over-sized, boldly patterned sofas placed facing each other. For the best views, take a seat in one of the two green modern rockers just feet away from the windows and enjoy a full view of the sunrise or sunset.

For this house to tell its tale and be truly transportive, we shopped far and wide for vintage pieces that spanned periods and places. From Bavarian antiques to retro midcentury lighting, we curated a collection that would add flavor and character. Meanwhile we custom-designed many of the principal furnishings to be handcrafted by our favorite California artisans. In the great room, which is flanked by two enormous fireplaces, we made a pair of oversize sofas upholstered in fabric reminiscent of a Native American blanket. We surrounded them with bookcases constructed of crocodile-embossed bronze. The heroic dining table, which seats up to 18, was inspired by a Jacobean antique; but rather than choosing polished wood, we had this one expertly carved by chain saw. We designed two substantial gothic lanterns to fill the vast space over the table with a soft glow.

Guest bedroom

Known as the Ian Fleming room, the colors are rustic with black, gray, brown and red filling the room. A bold, vintage piece of wall art hangs on the wall above two black chests with gold decorative details. The artwork compliments the colors of the chests and throughout the room.

Sunroom

You can’t help but relax in this gorgeous sunroom with the quaint wooden framed sofa that resembles a porch swing, suspended by hearty ropes and metal brackets. The zebra-patterned rug ties in with the black-framed artwork on the wall behind, while playful hues of sunny golds and yellow are used in the pillows on the sofa.

Study

The study has a lot of natural elements starting with the beautiful wood flooring and ceiling. Take a look at the vintage barrel-shaped chairs made from Rattan and outfitted with soft, white seat coverings and backs. They sit around an equally charming game table that overlooks the lake view outside. The colorful curtains are designed from Pendleton blankets and add some bursts of color to natural looking elements that fill the room.

Master bath

The master bath is uniquely laid out with the sink and vanity set right up to the large picture window. A picture mirror hangs over the vanity,  complimented by wall sconces with black shades. Browns and blacks are the primary colors, bringing a more natural, or “nature-feel” to the room. With all the natural light you could want in this bathroom, you probably only need the lights at night.