How do you make the most of a lake view in an apartment in Montreux or Vevey?

On the Vaud Riviera, many apartments look out over the lake towards the mountains on the French shore, with the Lavaux vineyards close by. This view is often the very reason for buying. Yet the layout sometimes turns its back on it: a sofa against the window, tall furniture in front of the glazing, heavy curtains kept closed because of the glare.

Organise the space around the view

• Turn the living and dining areas towards the lake, and keep furniture low in front of the windows.
• Keep window frames clear so the landscape becomes the main picture in the room.
• Create a reading corner or a desk facing the view, rather than keeping it for the living room alone.

In La Tour-de-Peilz, the 135 m² Chailly apartment was designed with custom furniture that structures the space without blocking the views.

Control light and reflections

Sunlight reflects strongly off the water, especially late in the day. Light sheers, well-chosen blinds and matt finishes reduce glare without cutting off the view. In the evening, indirect, warm and dimmable lighting avoids the mirror effect on the glass and keeps a connection with the landscape at night.

A palette drawn from the landscape

The blues and greys of the lake, the green of the vineyards, stone and light wood form a natural base that carries the view indoors. The mid-century inspired Les Fontaines villa in Corsier-sur-Vevey shows how a strong atmosphere can respond to its surroundings. In Chardonne, the Rouge project (dressing room and laundry) is a reminder that service spaces deserve real design too.

Key takeaways

• Furniture is arranged towards the view, kept low in front of the windows.
• Sheers, matt finishes and evening lighting control reflections.
• The colours of the lake and vineyards carry the landscape indoors.