Everything Coastal Style

How to Accessorize for a Beach-Chic Look

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

The beach is all about laid back sunny days and making memories with family and friends—and your beach style should reflect that! Whether you’re going on an exotic beach vacation or day-tripping to your local beach of choice, you want to look effortlessly beach-chic. By choosing the right accessories to complement your swimsuit and cover-up, you can instantly transform your look.

If you’re a two-piece swimsuit lover, then there’s nothing more classic or effortless than a little black bikini. Like the little black dress, a LBB comes in assorted styles and silhouettes to complement different personalities and body types. When accessorizing a classic black swimsuit, look for any details or embellishments that really pop out. For example, the Positano Mixswimsuit from ViX Swimwear features beautiful jade details. Look for accessories with complementary pops of green, like the gorgeous Green Sea Glass Bracelet. If the swimsuit doesn’t have any hardware or embellishments, then get creative! Choose an accessory that you love and will bring out the best in your beach look.

For those who gravitate more toward one-piece swimsuit styles, accessorizing your look can instantly make you feel sexier and more confident. First look for figure-flattering swim styles like the Goddess Lapis swimsuit by Seafolly. This one-piece has slimming ruched detail along the torso and the gorgeous blue hue looks great with any skin tone. To accessorize your swimsuit, look for a necklace or bracelet featuring bright hues of orange or yellow, or neutrals like gold, silver and pearl. The OrangeCoral and Orange Scallop Shell Necklace provides the perfect pop of contrasting color!

Finally, you can’t forget about the swimsuit cover-ups! Whether you’re walking to and from the beach or taking a quick lunch break in town, you’ll need a stylish cover-up to complete your laidback beach look. Short jumpers like the Callisto Teal Jumper from L Space are not only back in style for 2012, but they’re versatile and so easy to wear! Pair it with the beaded Cocobelle CoconutBelt and the Pearland Orange Turbo Shell Earrings and voila!

As with everyday fashion, you don’t want to overdo it with the accessories. First choose your swimsuit and cover-up of choice and accessorize from there! Happy beach-tripping!

Thanks to our Guest Blogger - Susan Bodack. Susan is a blogger at Beauty and the Beach, a swimsuit and fashion blog at InStyleSwimwear.com

Coletti, Italian Style and Design for Coastal Homes

2012-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to introduce a new line of fabulous linen, goose down-filled sumptuously rich pillows, designed by Coletti. and manufactured by Barclay Butera.
(now with new lower price!)

Coletti, a family owned company in Leucadia, California, and world famous designer, Barclay Butera, have joined forces to debut a new collection of elegant and sophisticated linen pillows. Designed and printed by Coletti, then manufactured by Barclay Butera, these 100% linen and 90-10 goose down pillows are simply the most elegant, and best created coastal home pillows for the ultimate in luxury design.

Every single pillow is made to order, with your choice of linen fabric color for the front and the back - you can create something truly beach chic and special just for your seaside home! All of the amazing pillows are created and manufactured in California, and inspired by the artistic ocean lifestyle of the Coletti's.

Fabulous Hawaiian'a designs - completely new and unique vintage images from a by-gone era in Hawaii. Love, love, love the romance of these luxury pillows!

Gorgeous Seashell Images - we especially like the sepia tones

Their nautical pillow collection has just a few twists,

classic designs with just a touch of the "uncommon"

Front Cover Choices: Oyster, Natural

Back Cover Choices: Oyster, Natural

When the common just won't do...

Coletti offers something so much more!

**Currently, these designs can be found exclusively online at Caron's Beach House!

Classic Coastal Inspired Interiors

2012-02-06T14:07:00.001-08:00

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting started selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products. Visit their website and blog for more information. No matter the season, classic coastal inspired interiors can work year round. Gorgeous seaglass, the beachcomber's treasure, is a fantastic palette for a coastal interior. Blues, greens, whites and browns recall warm days spent at the beach.

via Censational Girl

The most common colors of seaglass are white, green and brown but it is blue seaglass that most of us think of when we imagine seaglass. This living room has a lively mix of seaglass colors.

via Censational Girl

Green seaglass comes in a range of hues from deep bottle green to pale citrus green. Bottle green walls and curtains make the bright blue accents pop in this dining room.

via Coastal Living

The most common seaglass is white in color. It begins its life as clear glass and the color comes from the pummeling of sand over time. Matte white with sparkling blue glass accents give this dining room the look of seaglass.

via Coastal Living

Warm woods look perfect next to seaglass colors and recall the beaches where seaglass is discovered. The warmer tones of the wood are a nice complement to the cooler blue and green tones. Even one of the lovely vintage light fixtures is touched by a seaglass blue.

via HGTV

Seaglass blues and greens give this bedroom beachside charm. The onion pattern of the headboard also reminds us of the organic shape of seaglass.

via Flickr

Pale blue painted furniture with an aged finish is inspired by coveted blue seaglass. Warm toned accents along with deep greens turn this entry into a lovely seaglass inspired space.

via Citified

Pale buttery cream is a lovely neutral to pair with seaglass colors. Blue and greens stand out against the yellow undertones. Crisp white is the perfect accent color.

House Beautiful via

Pale seaglass blue and white form the foundation of this traditional style bedroom with its stylized ceiling light. The matte finish of seaglass is carried over to the wall color. Discover even more perfect sea-inspired light fixture products and design ideas by visiting Arcadian Lighting's website today!

Welcome Home to Summer!

2011-08-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this "surfer chic" beach house entry just scream SUMMER?? Great ideas that might work in your beach cottage - white storage cubbies for beach combing treasures complete with hooks, hung on a sunset orange wall, and the sea-aqua accented painted vintage oar and the captains's helm detail - perfect!

Fun, festive casual bright nautical pillows decorating the white bench with more "mudroom" cubbies make this such a fun "welcome home" spot to sit, shake off the sand, and hang up your wet beach towel.

By the way - did you notice the beach-bright towels? Easy to grab one and head out for a day in the sand and to the surf!

(Image from House Beautiful - to read the whole article - "A Sixties Surfer Chic Beach House")

Get the look!

White Benches and Storage

Pottery Barn Entry Benches

Cute Bench found at SimplyBenches.com!

New Shade of Orange!

Sherwin Williams has a whole host of orange shades to choose from!

Aqua Accents

Distressed Painted Oars and Buoys at Caron's Beach House

Maybe a beach picture frame in aqua-blue? (Can also find at Caron's Beach House)

A stack of summer beach towels - we found some great colors at Bed, Bath and Beyond!

Cabana Style:

Classic Chevron Details

Pretty Tropical Florals

And of course - you will need bright, washable durable pillows to go on your pretty seaside bench....
Caron's - Outdoor Pillows

An interesting light fixture might do the trick...

Found at CSN Stores - Kichler Seaside Pendant

Found at Lamps Plus - Peach Flower Lamp

or maybe this one.... (looks a little like a puffy cloud!) White Cloud Pendant Lamp

To finish it all off you will need a striped entry rug... what do you think of these?

(The internet is full of ideas for area rugs!)

Found at Overstock.com

Or maybe this fun new one from our store? Flip Flop Hooked Rug

Have fun and get creative!

Kevin O'Brien Studio - A Beautiful Mix of Luxury and Fair Trade

2011-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kevin O'Brien Studio is a textile design company based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Taking original artwork designed by their creative director (O'Brien), the studio artisans turn it into amazing, colorful products which are made by hand.

O'Brien began the company in a barn in 1990, painting artwork directly onto silk scarves. Eventually he started hand-painting yardage of silk velvet and sewing it into stunning throw pillows, the product collection KOBS is most well known for.

In sourcing coastal home decor products, we believe it is important to find companies that have a vision for the future that includes fair trade, Kevin O'Brien Studios is one of those companies that we believe in. Creating luxury linen coastal themed pillows from skilled artisans - creating jobs and providing for education and a real future.

One of their first venture overseas included a trip to Nepal, where they have established a partnership with 35 local artisans. In Kevin's words -

"This beautiful country has a lot more to offer than tall mountains. Squeezed between the world’s two most populous and productive countries (China and India), the skills of the Nepalese are often forgotten. Even more valuable is their patience, beautiful attitude towards life, and eagerness for opportunity. We have tried to provide that opportunity to a group of 35 people who work as a collective, doing hand-weaving and hand-embroidery.

This is how our linen and merino wool products are made for our pillows and bedding. When the opportunity came to learn screen printing, it was the sari-clad women who jumped at the chance to learn something new. We have built a small screen printing shop at the compound, and it is now their responsibility to print all of the fabrics which are then embroidered by the men and women."

Just see what they've created! A whole line of unique, nautical themed large luxury linen pillows. Hand screen-printed designs on elegant linen pillows, all with zippers and soft down filled. Can't decide which ones I need....

(A selection of these pillows can be found online at Caron's Beach House)

The Finishing Touch: Beach House Designed Cabinet Hardware

2011-05-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Stainless Steel

You might never think of choosing hardware for your coastal home until the very end of your project, but it's something that we believe should be chosen with great care and consideration long before. Choosing the right hardware can either be the crowning design touch for all of your hard work, or it could totally ruin your entire interior design plan.
(image courtesy of Coastal Living)

The choices for cabinet hardware are simply endless! There are many things to consider, not only beach house design themes, but also durability and ease of function. The closer your home is to salt-laden air and water, durability and finish choices will become paramount in choosing the right pieces for your home.

Stainless steel near the water is such an excellent choice, but the design choices are a little more limited than other materials such as brass, bronze or pewter. (image courtesy of Dekkor, Inc.)

Stainless steel is an fabulous design option for a modern beach house look - just take a look at this Laguna Beach seaside home: From Home and House Design

Why consider stainless steel?

"Stainless steel has a unique quality, It can self-repair! Stainless steel has a naturally occurring layer that forms

on the surface by oxidization. This film is very thin (only a few atoms thick), inert and invisible. If the surface is

accidentally scratched this protective coating automatically repairs itself. This layer is what makes it corrosion free." Ideal for beach homes and boats! If you spend a little extra time looking, marine-grade stainless steel cabinet hardware can be found. (image courtesy of Dekkor, Inc.)

Stainless steel is also extremely easy to take care of; simply wipe with a damp sponge or soft cloth, using water with a very small amount of gentle detergent or vinegar added. Regular cleaning will avoid any stubborn dirt from building up. In fact, unlike other materials, it is impossible to wear out stainless steel by excessive cleaning. (exactly why health care facilities choose stainless steel)

A few words of caution!

Don't use steel or wire wool as they can leave tiny fragments behind which can tarnish the surface.
Don't use bleach, chlorides or acid-based cleaning products which can discolor the surface. (actually you shouldn't use bleach on any hardware)
Baking soda can be used as a cleaning agent, but make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain, and to immediately rinse and dry
Don’t allow food items like lemon juice, vinegar, ketchup, salt, mustard, salad dressing or mayonnaise to remain on the surface for long. They can bleach the surface causing white spots.
Don’t use hard abrasive scouring powders or creams as they may scratch your hardware
Don't wipe across the grain as it may spoil the finish.

Here's some other fun designs, all with stainless steel, but for more than just a modern beach house look!

Love these crystal decorative knobs with sea glass colors and stainless steel bases!

More colors online at Dekkor, Inc. (search their site for local dealers)

or how about a little clear-crystal "bling"? (Also from Dekkor)

Clear crystal knob details, with stainless steel bases

Getting creative, we found these fun handles from Sugatsune that are very nautical looking - trunk handles. Wouldn't these be a fun accessory for a nautical themed kitchen?

For the true sailing or yachting fan, we even found these stainless steel nautical cleats at Jamestown Distributors - think outside the box and use these for cabinet pulls!

Have fun! We would love to see how your have chosen to complete your beach house kitchen design.

A Coastal Statement Piece

2011-03-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes "Coastal" Style is just about that one special piece, not an entire collection. Can't you just imagine this simple, organic sea-shaped white coral displayed all by itself on a fabulous antique credenza, or imagine it as part of a creative shore tablescape, or even dressing up a rustic driftwood-like buffet.....It's almost 15" long and stands upon its' crystal clear base at 9.5". The possibilities are endless for elegant beach style, for bringing in memories of the of the sea, warm sand and wild waves...

The best part? It's not real coral, only finely crafted with tiny attention to detail to make it appear like an incredible beach find - and one more piece of coral can actually stay in the ocean.

The Coastal Collection...

2010-09-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Susan Fairgrieve, our featured artist on Everything Coastal Style!

We love Susan's detailed sepia toned coastal photography; nautical images, and beach-washed sea shells are just a few of the many sea treasures she has captured with her art. We know you will love this collection too, perfect for just about any beach home!

Susan is a life-long resident of the Jersey Shore, practicing her graphic design and photographing talent while residing in the quaint harbor village of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey with her husband Scott. Atlantic Highlands Marina is the largest municipal harbor on the eastern seaboard. The town of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey also has the distinction of having the highest coastal elevation on the eastern seaboard. Susan sent me a map of her town and pictures, beautifully picturesque..I cannot wait until we can go visit one day!

Student of The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Visual Communications, Susan Fairgrieve majored in visual communications. Today,with over nineteen years experience in graphic design, advertising and marketing, learned skills as well as a trained eye come through in her work as a photographer.

Advertising layout and photography are both composed of design elements blended to achieve one goal—a visual creation for the eye to behold.

Possessing a broad spectrum of design sense from a graphic design background, this photographer designs through the lens. With gifts from the sea and nautical elements in her surroundings, her love for texture
and shapes comes through in this “Coastal Collection” series. (Beauty and Braun)

From the shores of Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard to the Bahamian beaches, the collected elements for this series are very unique and beautiful—a guaranteed delight to the visitor of the Jersey Shore or any beach home owner with a love for coastal living. (White Mansions)

Fairgrieve is a collector of moon snails and colorful beach cruisers. At Caron's Beach House, we love her moon snail portraits, here's a few samples of those images that we are very excited to present, these can be ordered in sizes up to 36" x 48". Think of a collection grouped together....

Broken Home (don't you just love the title!)

Round House

Moon Snail II

With coastal Monmouth County being her home, Susan spends her leisure time on or near the water. She embraces her love for the ocean and the beauty of nature in her surrounding environment. Come see how's she's captured that love of the sea.... Caron's Beach House

As featured in Elle Decor... "Sailor's Delight"

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Nautical Chic!

Our favorite item above is the Royal Master Sealight table lamp from Restoration Hardware. Love the nautical details and colors on the trunk too!

This past summer, and now headed into fall, coastal home design has been all about sea faring accents, classic, blue and white, polished chrome and elegant sailing models - a completely modern take on nautical decorating.

(The Blue Nose)

I was so excited to see Elle Decor Magazine (a "must" magazine for interior design!) profile some wonderful home decorating items with a nautical, coastal twist! New, updated, and perfect for an upscale room in your beach house. For the complete article check out the Elle Decor site - http://www.elledecor.com/home-shopping/articles/nautical-chic

Look at the creative way that the style editor used the nautical chart as the background to the above image! Thought that I might be able to achieve a similar result with a Puget Sound nautical chart, as we carry 4 different styles of the HomArt Oceania trays at Caron's. We think they will add just a little sea faring touch to your beach home -

Click on the Compass Tray below for a
more detailed description! Or search our complete Nautical Decorating Category for other great
nautical home accent ideas -

..like our selection of painted, distressed oars and paddles

(Life Boat Distressed Paddle)

Or our Mate's Polished Chrome Lanterns..

Maybe a hand painted buoy or two? Like our Classic Red and White #7!

Fun, fresh ways to add some nautical details to your beach house, without going overboard!

Introducing Tricia Rose - creator "Rough Linen"

2010-09-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Tricia Rose has become part of my widening circle of blogging "beach girl" friends, I have such admiration for her incredible talent, (I can't sew a button!) and her luscious creations - a full line of "Rough Linens"; complete bedding sets, nautical cushions, and curtains. Truly she is "capturing the essential spirit of linen, its luxury and strength."

You will love her creations, and I think you will enjoy her story! (doesn't she have the best place to work??)

PLEASE click on the link at the end of the story to vote for Tricia Rose, as she is currently featured on Apartment Therapy blogs -

Meet my friend Tricia Rose -
"I have always wanted to recreate the linens from my grandmother’s house in Scotland and from vintage textiles I found in France. It took years of searching to discover the traditionally woven coarse linen fabric I use in my range of bedding.

I have always gravitated to natural fabrics: wool, cotton, linen. For years I lived near Ian Mankin’s iconic shop in Primrose Hill in London and loved every fabric he stocked, including a double-width linen sheeting now sadly discontinued. Ian’s natural weaves and stripes are timeless.

Working with beautiful materials has simplified my taste and complicated my life, because I am always looking for the definitive texture, or weave, or color. When I found this linen I recognized its beauty immediately, and as I work with it I appreciate its virtues more and more: easy care, relative stability, strength, straight grain, wonderful texture."

From Tricia Rose's blog: A Cabin on the Water....

My heart belongs to natural linen, it's true. However~

Something in me loves white sheets, and not just any old white sheets, but linen. Not fitted sheets either! Proper, generous flat sheets which can be used top or bottom, tucked neatly into hospital corners.

So, now I have found double-width white linen - not the very thinnest available because I value strength: not the coarsest because a sheet should be smooth, soothing. I received my test piece of ten metres - eleven yards - and had to work out how best to use it.

First I made a sheet for my own bed, and washed it to see how it behaved. Wonderful. Minimal shrinkage, the texture is fine.

Then I did all the math and found I could make five pillow cases across the width - simple Oxford shams for a Queen pillow. Here is the result.

I am keeping two for myself, and sending the others as samples for shops which have asked for them. My thousand metre rolls will arrive in October, or maybe November: one thousand one hundred metres of rough natural linen, and five hundred to one thousand metres of fine white sheeting.

What can I say? I'm in love!

If you love it too, please vote for me here: Rough Linen made the Apartment Therapy Design Showcase shortlist!http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/bedroom/rough-linen-bedding-by-tricia-rose-design-showcase-2010-125838

Oh mi. I am so in love with what she is creating - Have to share a few more pictures with you all!

Driftwood Headboard with her hand crafted linen bedding (I think display only, but what a great idea!)

Custom Striped Linen Curtains

Nautical Linen Cushions

Enjoy Tricia Rose's blog - A Cabin on the Water, and make sure to visit her website, Rough Linen, to see more of her fabulous stuff! Don't forget to vote - http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/bedroom/rough-linen-bedding-by-tricia-rose-design-showcase-2010-125838

Skipjack Nautical Wares - New Guest Feature!

2010-08-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to all of our coastal style fans! Today we are featuring a guest post from my friends at Skipjack Nautical Wares, incredible classic nautical style from Old Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia. I know you will love their coastal style for your boat or your beach home!

For years the name Skipjack Nautical Wares has been synonymous with the phrase "nautical living." Skipjack has created a reputation for offering some of the finest authentic nautical wares, maritime antiques and marine art. But did you know that Skipjack also produces its own line of high quality nautical furniture and hand-made accessories... and that they are hand-made in Skipjack's workshop and/or by artists that live in or near Olde Towne Portsmouth? So here's a sampling of of Skipjack's "Nautical Living" products, perfect for your coastal home, business or yacht! Follow Skipjack's updates,news and articles each week on Skipjack's Nautical Living blog at http://skipjacksnauticalliving.blogspot.com/

Custom tables made from authentic ship's grates including coffee tables, end tables, occasional tables, desks, sofa tables and dining tables

Brass Ship Window Tables - Available in a variety of sizes and are available as coffee tables, end tables, foyer tables and credenzas, desks and dining room tables.

Porthole Tables are available in a variety of sizes and bases. (Caron - I love these!)

To see more options for custom furniture, check out SkipJack's custom furniture link here: http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SNWMG&Category_Code=CF

Skipjack produces a number of nautical lamps, lampshades, nightlights and lamp finials. Their lamps are made from authentic nautical wares such as painted buoys form Nova Scotia, colorful glass jugs, marine lamps and lights, marlinspike knotwork and other custom nautical lighting designs. Skipjack also produces custom nautical chart lampshades (you can order your favorite body of water!) and nightlights as well as new cork lampshades too!

Marlin Spike Table Lamp. For more choices - table lamps link- http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SNWMG&Category_Code=TL

Rum Jug Lamp

Authentic Buoy Lamps

Cork Lamp Shades

Navigational Chart Lamp Shade

Navigational Chart nightlight

Monkey Fist Lamp Finial

lampshades link- http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SNWMG&Category_Code=LS

Skipjack also produces a number of hand-made nautical accessories including pillows made from vintage ships signal flags, monkeys fist knobs for boxes, furniture and cabinetry as well as our new monkeys fist wine stopper.

To see more options for these fabulous pillows - click here! link- http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SNWMG&Category_Code=DEC

Monkey Fist drawer pull

Monkey Fist wine cork - For more of Skipjack's nautical crafts: nautical craftwork link- http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SNWMG&Category_Code=HC

I want to thank SkipJack Wares for sharing their wonderful nautical treasures! Make sure you visit their blogs for more sea faring treasures -
http://skipjacksnauticalliving.blogspot.com/
http://coastaldesign.blogspot.com/

Yay! Almost time for the next Alameda Flea Market

2010-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for Sunday! I need this time to wander the many vintage and antique booths and get inspired.....It has been such a journey for me to move to California and to slowly explore everything that there is to experience here. I haven't really found those favorite shops to haunt like I had in Seattle, but I do LOVE going to the Alameda Flea Market, simply for the ever expanding eye candy of cottage, beach and nautical treasures.

Tom will be gone this weekend, so I will be headed in my Gran Prix GTP (muscle girl car!) over to the Alameda Flea Market very very early before the heat and before the crowds. Don't tell him, but I am really looking forward to the whole weekend by myself. A weekend of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, buckets of coffee - maybe a shower sometime late in the afternoon.

I have a ton of new products to add to the website, Caron's Beach House, and I am not really a whole lot of fun to be around when there's so much BORING computer work to do.

I have a thing for old typewriters and old battered suitcases. I like to imagine romance and thoughts of a grand adventure; shipboard at sea, on the Orient Express, on an African safari.....

Two big treats though this weekend!
1. The San Francisco Gift Fair on Saturday - Really wish I was going to Vegas, just not in the cards right now after going back and forth to Seattle over the past few months. Looking forward to finding something special to offer my coastal/beach customers, and again, looking for inspiration! Promise to shoot photos and post on my Caron's Beach House Facebook page - would love to have you join me there for instant pictures if I find anything cool!

2. The Alameda Flea Market on Sunday - Dressing in layers, bring my trusty camera, a wad of cash, a big cup of cofffee (well, maybe not the coffee, I am not too crazy about the porta potty situation!) and comfy shoes.

Here's a few shots from my last adventure at the Flea Market in May - I never got around to writing the story, but sure had fun taking the pictures!

Vintage Beach Girls on a European Beach Umbrella - these were my favorite things at the market in May!

Blue and White French ticking fabric pillows with children's fabric book pages on the fronts - love the red/white and blue color scheme!

Vintage Fishing Sign..

Old canoe paddles...

All sailing and boating books - would be such a interesting display in a room full of nautical treasures!

Surf's Up!

Oyster shaped baking dishes with bright red lobsters on top

A white urn filled with bumpy starfish

Glass Floats...

Branch coral - sort of a natural, taupe color

Perfect rusty blue anchor- loved this!

All natural oyster shells on lamp base

Life ring!

This was so interesting - all metal and brass model ship

Weathered fisherman with a wonderful red lantern

Always have a great time - wish you could all meet me on Sunday in Alameda!

Outdoor Style Comes Indoors as Inside Style Moves Outside: Featured Post from Outdoor Interiors

2010-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

So excited to feature my friend Marcia Blake of Outdoor Interiors! Marcia's an expert on using your outdoor spaces to extend your overall living space, check out her post using coastal colors, wicker and other natural beach touches!

The landscape of the American single family home is changing rapidly. For many years the classic template consisted of a formal living room followed by a formal dining room as you entered the well appointed home. Most people today live and entertain in a much more informal atmosphere. Guests and hosts gravitate toward the great room, which blends into the kitchen and outdoor living spaces.

Newer homes are attempting to draw people away from the front rooms by designing multiple outdoor areas and larger
informal spaces.

These outdoor living spaces should reflect the informal yet stylish design of the interior great rooms. Express yourself inside and out by bringing the outside in with natural elements from our coastline and by bringing the inside out by reflecting the interior style.

Take a color suggestion from our coastal waters as a great way to infuse the outdoor living space with a sense of well-being.

The blues of the water and the browns of the sand can be used in the fabric on the cushions of luxurious outdoor furniture, as well as in the outdoor area rug, by Colonial Mills and Sunbrella.

Add a touch of spa colors in the fabric ....

How do you bring outdoor style inside?

Two ways to bring the outside in are with bamboo and woven furniture. The use of greens and browns, indoor plants and garden accessories stacked along a sideboard assist in adding outdoor touches. If you truly want to step out of the box and inject outdoor color inside, the easiest way is by utilizing colors that resemble bouquets of flowers. Think soft like nature; soft greens such as celadon paired with creams and pinks of petals will create a European style rather than tropical atmosphere. Warm wood tones and the use of bamboo and woven materials balance out the color yet keep the feeling fresh. Freely utilize outdoor furniture pieces and fabrics indoors for that special outdoor charm and spirit.

How do you bring inside style out?

Create an outdoor retreat that allows you and your guests to spill outside from the interior great room. Don't be afraid to mix chandeliers and old antiques outdoors especially in outdoor dining areas. Utilize a touch of indoor style and unify the space by adding outdoor drapes, pillows and rugs to complete the look. Don't be afraid to select fabric for the patio cushions that reflect the indoor appearance, the use of color, pattern and texture in fabrics is an excellent way to reflect the indoor space.

Accessorize the exterior in many different ways. One way is to create a focal point, use an outdoor fountain, fireplace or fire pit.

Create a great place to entertain by encouraging guests to stay awhile: strategically place comfortable deep seating around the focal point. Add colorful elements by choosing flowering plants to accent containers scattered throughout the outdoor living space. These containers can sit on the dining table, coffee table, next to a club chair, lounge chair or sofa.

Relaxing and communing with nature is as easy as creating a piece of art out of plants and flowers. Take an existing pot or container, add a couple of colorful flowering plants, some green plants, potting soil and voila! You have created a masterpiece.

Purposefully place these pots around your patio furniture, along an existing wall or table, and see the difference you can make. You don't have to be an artist, nor do you have to love gardening, but I can assure you that creating a living piece of art will make you feel good and the people who see the finished product will receive a lot of joy. Next select a unique outdoor rug to lie under the table and chairs; round, rectangular and square rugs in a variety of colors and patterns allow you to design a space of your own.

Another example of bringing the inside out is in the use of multiple coordinating fabrics and trims on the drapes that hang from the pavilion or separate the living and dining spaces. Don?t be afraid to use color and texture outside, choose fabrics that make you feel good and reflect the inside décor. Line the drapes with sheers so they look wonderful from both views. Create custom pillows with the use of trims and coordinating fabrics and sprinkle them around the seating area. Lanterns with candles illuminate these outdoor living spaces along with the chandeliers and fire features. Mix and match materials in these outdoor settings, juxtapose wrought iron with glass, steel with terra cotta, wood against woven components, soft chenille textures and linear lines to get a new twist on an Old World style.

Outdoor living is at its best when nature dazzles the eye and nurtures the soul. Create your perfect casual environment inside and out.

These are my outside views…Marcia Blake

A little bit more about Marcia and her company - Outdoor Interiors! http://www.outdoorinteriors.com

The premiere destination for the ultimate outdoor space…

Outdoor Interior® is a company dedicated to bringing elegance and style to any outdoor spaces. Our aim? Introducing contemporary designs that complement the look and feel of your home.

As President, Creative Director, Marcia Blake creates classic designs influenced by her love of the outdoors. Her collections epitomize effortless comfort and sophistication. Ms. Blake has long held the view that outdoor decor should become an extension of your home decor philosophy.

Their extensive choice of designs, fabrics, trims and accessories will help you create the environment of your dreams.

By introducing innovative products uniquely suited to resist the elements, Outdoor Interiors® will help you transform your outdoor experience into the space you’ve always imagined.

A Passion for Outdoor Living

A 1978 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Blake started her corporate career with several high-profile executive-recruiting and marketing positions, culminating with her role as Vice President of Kole & Company Recruitment Firm.

In 2004, she embarked on a new career path and followed her love of design, becoming the Manager and Buyer for Patio Furniture & Collectible for Roger’s Gardens; “America’s Most Beautiful Home and Garden Center.” Today, Marcia is President and Creative Director of Outdoor Interiors®, a full service design firm specializing in creating spectacular outdoor environments.

Ms. Blake is also a Design Consultant for O.W. Lee, Inc., a leading manufacturer of finely handcrafted casual furniture. Her collection, Outdoor Couture®, has garnered rave reviews and is a favorite of customers who favor dramatic, yet comfortable outdoor accessories. From luxurious throw pillows to customized table runners, Outdoor Couture® by Marcia Blake is sure to please even the most exquisite tastes.

A contributor for such publications as Casual Living Magazine, Coast Magazine, Water Garden News and Southern Home & Outdoor Magazine, Ms. Blake is also a sought after speaker on topics of home decor and outdoor living.

In 2008, Ms Blake will continue to expand her brand by introducing her new website, outdoorinteriors.com to a new audience, bringing her sophisticated point of view to a growing audience.

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out everything that Outdoor Interiors has to offer - Marcia is your outdoor room expert -

Beach House Style with Very Special Sea Glass

2010-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to be in Seattle this past week, just in time to be invited over to Karen and Gregg Gerstenberger's house for a wonderful party on the beach at Sandy Hook in Poulsbo. Incredible summer weather in Puget Sound , don't let anyone lie to you - summer is PERFECT in Seattle! Hot days, cool nights, with pink sunsets over the Cascade Mountains; turning Mount Rainier into a "pink lemonade" snow cone....

Karen and Gregg were so warm and inviting - we didn't know about the party until we drove up to Seattle a few days before, we sort of surprised them! Their waterfront home just outside Poulsbo, is absolutely lovely, with large wood-wrapped windows to capture an ever expanding view of fishing boats from Poulsbo, kayakers, jet skis and leisure boats enjoying a calm day on Puget Sound. A beautiful classic Northwest home, all surrounded by gorgeous natural landscaping. These colorful summer hydrangeas were from their yard. Love them!

Of course, this extra large jar of sea glass greeting us at the front door, immediately caught my attention. Yay- another beach glass hunting friend! Inside of Karen's house, there are jars and bowls full of sea glass and pottery pieces gathered from their own rocky beach and from other beach travels.

Now to see what Karen did with some of those finds from the sea.....

Voila'!

Custom bathroom counter top completely made of found beach glass and shards of beach pottery!

Karen's Words of Wisdom -----

Karen got the idea while on vacation in the south of France about 12 years ago. They were visiting a restored farmhouse and had to use the bathroom. The sink was set in a long, rectangular BOX full of WHITE, ROUND STONES. It was stunning - but impractical! Karen stayed in the bathroom for a little while, trying to figure it out. It would have been a real hassle to clean - imagine wiping down each stone individually - no grout in between them - the dust, etc! But it got her to thinking about using beach glass with grout, and that's how it all began.

"The beach glass counter in our guest bath. When our house was being built, the tile guys showed me how to make this. They put a special board underneath (as for a tile countertop), and I put special adhesive on EACH piece of glass. We let it dry for a day or 3, and then I put the sanded grout in (and wiped it off) - & repeat. It took about a week to complete, and my fingertips were raw, but it was WORTH it!"

"It was great fun, also very therapeutic. I wish I could remember all of the ingredients! The tile guys were wonderful and so supportive."

"P.S.: the kids and I found the glass and pottery together, and that's why this means so much to me"

- Karen Gerstenberger

Look at all of the colors, shapes and sizes!

And now, you need to know a little bit more about my friend Karen, and her passion for making life a little bit better for kids with cancer. She's has an incredible spirit and I am so honored to have her as my wonderful friend.....

Karen writes two blogs, both are inspirational about her journey after the too-soon passing of her beautiful daughter Katie.

http://www.karengberger.blogspot.com/ and http://katiescomfortersguild.blogspot.com/
"WHO ARE KATIE'S COMFORTERS?
We are a group of people who bring comfort to sick children by making handmade blankets for them. Quilts, knit, crocheted and fleece blankets are all welcome, as long as they are NEW.

Nautical Style from Deliciously Determined!

2010-07-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Leave us a comment, become a new follower and you will be automatically entered to win our Sea Globe give-a-way!

Featured Guest Blogger - Leah Margolis

Nautical Wisteria and comfy tunics??

While the most recent Wisteria catalog almost took up permanent residence on the floor next to my bed, I finally found time to make my way through it. I'm thinking I just couldn't get myself to pick it up because I was scared I'd see the same old. But when I finally got to it (had to clear off the Restoration Hardware and Ballard catalogs first), the front cover was a sure sign that I was wrong and Wisteria has definitely broadened their look. I'm sure loving it!

What really struck me about the cover was their ability to take very simple pieces from their collection and turn them into a beach house paradise. I've broken down the cover a bit to give you a better look..
click on images for links
I have to start with my favorite piece of all- the lucite coffee table..Positioned perfectly in the image above, this piece can be used in practically any space. What lucite pieces are best for is their ability to just go away. Mix them with fussy decor or put them in tight spaces- either way they'll be easy on the eye.

I'm loving their new collection of slipcovered upholstery. Wisteria has always offered great quality pieces but in the past many of their pieces were for very specific tastes. By offering more modern, clean designs they're now catering to a whole new clientele! With the white upholstery, it is the perfect backdrop for the nautical theme- but don't be fooled, this piece would be great in almost any room.One of my favorite parts of their nautical "look" is that they didn't really combine the typical inspired furniture. Instead they opted for pieces that can be used in any setting and put them together in a way that still feels very summery and beach inspired. This French Colonial chair may replace the typical wicker that's often used in a sunroom space, but it's much chicer!

But it really is all about the accessories, isn't it? And what is a beach house without a little coral? Here they gave the typical coral accessories a fresh new spin..
And these sail pillows are the ultimate accessory for a beach-inspired space..
While the combination of pieces above created a nautically inspired space, you could easily swap out the accessories and create an entire different feel to the room- perhaps that's why I like it all so much!

And by the way, did you know Wisteria is now carrying these adorable tunics?
Now you have the perfect top to wear in your perfectly decorated space! Love them.

Meet Leah - Everything Coastal Style Guest Blogger for the day!

"LEAH MARGOLIS

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK

An interior designer in Saratoga County, New York who believes that everyone can live well- even on a budget. I'm on the hunt for designer deals and inexpensive fixes that anyone can do."

Visit Leah's Deliciously Determined Blog - http://deliciouslydetermined.blogspot.com

Vicki's Lake House Style

2010-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Vicki is a "Martha Stewart" wanna be, stuck in the mortgage industry simply waiting for the right moment to break out into fame! She's a great gardener, a fabulous cook, a talented remodeling expert, a VERY talented party giver (we always have fun at her house!), is and ALWAYS generous with her wine and with her friends!

Last week, when Tom and I were on our whirlwind tour of Seattle, we got lucky enough to be invited over to hang out with Vicki and Mark. What a great time we had! Come with me as we take a quick tour of Vicki's cute cute remodeled lake house on Lake Serene, just north of Seattle. It's this little paradise of a lake, stocked with lilly pads and trout, just a few miles off of the busy I-5, minutes from Lynnwood and the Alderwood Mall.

Welcome to Vicki's Courtyard! Notice all of the details - the large iron carriage house lanterns, water fountain feature with two levels surrounded by all different kinds and colors of Northwest landscaping, and her welcoming painted deep red door...

Delicate, pretty angel blowing on a seashell, hidden beneath trees in the courtyard...

Another courtyard friend!

Vicki's hand-painted red door with glass panes, notice the summer red geraniums too! White hydrangeas fill her flower beds next to the house, unfortunately the camera didn't capture how pretty they really were..

Come on in!

This big glass bowl came from my old store in Poulsbo - it was one of my favorite things! Come to think of it, I think Vicki was one of my first customers too.

Here's a close up of the fish-etched bowl, see how she piled all of the pretty hand-blown glass balls in it, then and buried white lights underneath? I love this look - so creative, and you can really see all of the gorgeous color!

The hallway upstairs, and downstairs with Vicki's fun vintage swimming girl!

Here she is in the kitchen whipping up some incredible barbecued marinated flank steak, fresh corn-on-the-cob, roasted veggie salad and of course pouring more wine! Can you see how she used a thick plush oriental carpet on the floor to bring in her favorite colors to her white kitchen? I think it makes her kitchen all the more inviting and warm... (Can you also tell that I love to go to her house and simply eat?)

Sorry that the light was so hard to capture this late in the day, but check out Vicki's lush deep chocolate walls on original plastered walls. Love how she's painted the fireplace and the woodwork bright white, contrasting with the deep chocolate, gives her room one more layer of richness. If I remember the story right, the chandelier was a loan from one of Mark's friends, something that he found in his garage? It's so pretty hanging over her dining room table!

Just one corner of her enormous 1000 square foot deck!

Pretty lantern hanging next to the boat shed...

And of course, here's one piece of their dock, lily pads in the background. How incredibly peaceful..

Their very own private fishing dock, pretty comfy if you ask me! A few outdoor chairs,

and a convenient table for your cocktails while you wait for a big trout to jump on the line.

Mark actually caught an 18 inch trout right from this spot!

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time capped off by kayaking, basketball and Wii Bowling. I hate to admit this, being a girl that has always lived on the water, but it was my first time paddling a kayak..

I look like a total rookie!!

Vicki poured us some wine in tall glasses to take with us, I managed to not spill anything, or tip the kayak over, but I did get my pants more than a little wet! (no pictures please!)

Gee, I hope we get invited back....

Become a new follower of Everything Coastal Style, or leave us a comment and you will automatically be entered to win our give-a-way for a Sea Glass Globe!

Florida Vintage from Mona Kay!

2010-07-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

So excited to bring you another guest featured blogger! Meet my new friend, Mona Kay at Home:
"Mona Kay at Home

I'm a 45 year old mother of two with a day job and a passion for vintage and crafting. Please visit my Esty shop monakayathome.etsy.com for up-cycled vintage furniture with special added details"

Here are her words and the fabulous details about a recent trip spent exploring Florida Vintage shops - I can attest to how addicting that can be. My former in-laws lived in Sarasota, a small city that is an absolute treasure trove of art and antiques!

Well, I don't have to tell you that Florida is truly lovely. If I tell you, however, that in 3 1/2 days, I only made it to the beach once, and the pool for 1 hour, would you believe me?? Honestly, with such a gold mine of thrift shops and antique malls, I was beginning to fantasize about moving! I am planning a buying trip in the near future....a DRIVING buying trip where I will fill the back of a van with vintage furniture!

These are some of the beautiful things I wanted to take home. I just love the quintessential Florida style!

One of my favorites was a store called "Sensibly Chic"; a home decor shop filled with beach and cottage style furniture and gifts:

Of course, sometimes a girl just wants something a little playful!

Another of my favorites was Shirley Street Antique Mall.. I could have stayed for days!! The furniture, the vintage prints, the linens! Here are two tables I fell in love with in a booth owned by a terrific and helpful man called Regan. He gave me some great tips on working with vintage furniture which will greatly assist me with my store items! I considered bribing my parents to drive them back to NJ when they come up for the summer....but the guilt of such a big favor overcame me...

All told, I filled a huge suitcase and a computer box (a desktop, not a laptop box) with the things I bought...vintage bedspreads, linens, prints, and a set of dishes for me. My parents are going to drive it all up to NJ when they leave Florida for the summer. I love you & miss you Mom & Dad!!

I had a wonderful time, and met some really terrific people. I'll say this about people who love to collect vintage and antiques...they love to share their "finds", their stories, and they're so friendly!

I have purchased some travel books on southwest Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, as many of the people I met told me that there is a wealth of vintage and antique shops in these areas as well. If any of you have ever traveled these areas and have some favorite places and/or shops, PLEASE share! In the mean time, it's going to seem like Christmas morning when I get to open up my boxes of the things I bought when they make their way to NJ...and see my parents again! I'll share my finds in a couple of weeks.

Back to reality...looking forward to garage sales in NJ this weekend!

MK

Make sure to visit Mona Kay at Home's Blog for more adventures!

http://thevintageyears.blogspot.com/

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PS Don't forget to follow the new Everything Coastal Style blog and leave a comment to be entered into our give-a-way for a Sea Glass Beach Globe!

Summer Cool Down in Crisp Blue & White - Guest Feature!

2010-07-19T09:29:00.001-07:00

Loved this post by my design friend, Lynda Quintero-Davids. I know you will love too - great coastal style done with lovely items you probably already have in your beach home..

While 'speed-styling' some red white and blue tablescapes last Thursday, I came up with two summery styles (without the red). The crisp blue and white combo is sure to refresh these HOT summer days and nights. Again, most items used were existing: everyday white dishes paired with simple details. The inspiration not only came from the table cover print, but from using frozen blueberries as beverage chillers...

Styled with two shades of simple blue dessert plates...

the stripe bowls added a playful pattern mix and really help to give new life to everyday white dishes. Although I do not have blue stemware, the blueberries added just enough blue to the glass. Two white table runners placed across width of table connect the guests, break the pattern on the table, and pop the placesetting...

Then came this more coastal look, using the flat seashells I just picked up while we were in Key West...

Pottery Barn blue chargers: Marshalls for $4 found back in January

Indigo printed napkins: Pier 1 (2 yrs. ago at $1.50 ea.)

White & blue stripe bowls: Dollar store - last week

Indigo dessert plate: clearance at Pier 1 LY

Denim blue dessert plate: Macy's clearance 2007

Printed tablecover: (never used shower curtain) Marshalls LY

Glass pillar holders: Ross $12 for both LY

Skinny starfish: bag of 15 from Z Gallery 2008

Red wine glass: (w/blueberries) Marshalls 2006

White wine glasses: Linens & Things 2005

Metal tea-light stands: Walmart back in 2003

Large starfish: Bahamas trip souvenir (and painted white): 2005

Flat seashell as dish: Key West souvenir: Shell Warehouse - Mallory Square: 2010

Blueberries: 2 pks. for $3 (only used 1 pk. for 4 glasses)- Publix

It was a fun afternoon - speed-styling - creating about seven different tablescapes and photos from 1pm until about 5pm... Then the dreaded cleanup afterwards... good thing hubs was working that night!

Hope you've been inspired...

Have a great day!

Thanks Lynda - I know that I will be pulling out my dishes and accessories to see what I can come up with for my latest Coastal Tablescape! Thanks so much for allowing us to share your ideas -

More about Lynda and her fabulous blog: http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com

"Born and raised in New Jersey, I've evolved into an innovative and creative individual right here in South Florida. My experience as a display stylist & visual director has helped influence my love of objects, decoration, and display. My passion for interiors, architecture and photography stems from my love of history. FOCAL POINT is the result of merging of my passion & my experience. My spaces have been featured on HGTV.COM, HOUZZ.COM, Design Stories.net, & Examiner.com. FOCAL POINT is where I am sharing not only what I've created, but tips & events or what I find in my travels on the web, on the street, or in stores. It's these finds that can create a most interesting FOCAL POINT in a home."