Guest Picks: Beachy-keen Style
I love the Captain Smith design by Grow House Grow so much that I put it up in my bedroom on an accent wall. The bold color and deco-like design add a real "wow" factor to my otherwise light yellow space and beautifully frame the headboard.
I actually have a pair of these lamps (in red) in my bedroom, one on each nightstand. They coordinate well with the crazy-nautical wallpaper.
On a coffee table or in a bookcase, this starfish album would make a fabulous and low-key beachy statement. Fill it with memories from the shore!
These hand-carved Coral chairs by Oly Studio blend antique and contemporary design seamlessly. Available in custom fabric patterns and colors, they are totally unique in every way.
What proper New England beach cottage is complete without some vintage-looking beach signs? These are a fantastic — and affordable — art alternative.
Good luck trying to a score a sand dollar this large on your local coast! Leave the oversize attempts to the pros at Pottery Barn, who outdid themselves with this resin version. It's perfect for the mantel or hung on the wall.
Nautical but very modern, this braided rope pendant light from West Elm would be a gorgeous addition to any seaside cottage. I would put a pair on either side of a bed for some unique nightstand lighting.
Coastal toile — I love it! A simple bedroom needs little additional decor with a gorgeous duvet like this. Why not let the linens do all the talking?
I adore stunning shell art, whether purchased or made. A creation like this mirror would make a fabulous summer-long project for mom and kids, and the memories sourcing all the shells would be amazing too.
Looking to keep your anchors understated? Fun hand towels are easy to change out or stock up on, depending on your mood. I have a few for every bathroom!
I am forever on the lookout for great housewarming gifts, and this fancy urchin-topped box from Williams-Sonoma is as beautiful as it is functional. I'm sure anyone would be ecstatic to receive something so unique.
This Lafco candle boats 90 hours of burn time with notes of "salty sea air, dune grass and gentle sea foam." It's yet another great option for a housewarming gift. Plus, I always stock a few candles just in case — you never know when you might need a last-minute gift.
Gorgeous art need not cost an arm and a leg! This "Diderot Sea Life Print II" is full of vibrant color and comes framed for about $170. If you've had anything framed lately, you know this is a decent price.
I'd place these anchor wall hooks in my "someday" cottage entry. They would be perfectly paired atop some baskets for quick towel and flip flop storage.
What a great Walmart find! This nautical carpet is hand-tufted and would be right at home in any beachside or beach-inspired space.
My "someday" cottage also includes a pair of these sitting in the sand or on a wrap-around porch. Painted or natural, these are 100 percent New England style.
The jaunty top of this table/stand/bar is hand-painted in a design much like Matisse's paper-cut art of the 1940s and '50s. It's easy to set up when you are entertaining a crowd and quickly stores away when you're done.
These Beachcomber napkin rings are made with braided fiber and topped with shells. They would pair especially well with some natural linens for brunch.
These Yacht Stripe window panels are another "someday" item for my dream cottage. They're nautical, crisp and clearly have fun with the beachy theme without going overboard!
Style confession: I am obsessed with all things related to giant squid, oversize sea creatures and the kraken. Whether twenty thousand leagues under the sea or just for the bath, this makes an awesome statement.
I'd love to line these turquoise bottles up in a row and place one bloom in each for an easy and minimal centerpiece.
I'd definitely make use of these sea grass stools as additional seating, outdoor side tables or even plant stands — whatever the moment calls for.
This pair of pearly poissons is perfect for all of my seaside table settings. They would look marvelous inside an oversize wooden salad bowl.
Another sea-inspired table must is this gorgeous salt cellar from Anthropologie.
This sea life bowl not only functions as shelf or wall art, but also moves seamlessly to the tabletop when needed.
And last but not least, the basis for all beachy meals is a seashell runner, of course. This summery number from Williams-Sonoma was inspired by illustrations found in a vintage guide to seashells.Next: Outfit a Beach House From Deck to Drawer Knobs
My dream cottage is whitewashed, full of scavenged finds, antiques and lots of seaworthy and inspired accents, quite like this example from The Lettered Cottage.
Q