Guest Picks: Dreaming of a Casual Summer Cottage
20 Ways to Outfit a Romantic Shack By the Sea
With the Fourth of July around the corner, I'd bet that summer cottage daydreams are hitting their annual peak. In this ideabook, I rounded up a few summery pieces that would be essential to my imaginary shack by the sea — think twists on tradition with weathered wood and sailor stripes, salvaged materials and handmade heirlooms, all with a dusting of Provencal sensibility. — Jenn from Department of the Interior
Bodhi Desk
I always think contrast is essential to a home that's modern and warm all at once. Here, the worn-in quality of the wood and minimal design is the perfect pairing.
Leather & Canvas Weekend Bag
Lovingly salvaged from 1940s ticking fabric, this tote was made to be filled with a fresh farm stand haul. Imagine it overflowing with sunflowers and ears of corn.
Petit Bateau Striped Terrycloth Towel
This adorable towel from iconic French brand Petit Bateau will make you feel like you're sunning in the Côte d'Azur — even from the Jersey Shore!
CoCo Cabana Chair
These no-fuss, casual chairs are ideal for a post-swim lunch; recycled steel and a cotton seat could easily stand up to damp-toweled bottoms!
Cobalt Large Jug with Handle
I am completely obsessed with this little pitcher from Design House Stockholm. I'm pretty sure it was built for meandering alfresco chats with friends over lemonade or fresh-brewed iced tea.
White-Dipped Barrel Baskets
These simple, beachy baskets are perfect for corralling all of your summer essentials in a well-trafficked entryway — from beach towels to sand castle molds, spare sunscreen and flip-flops.
Windsor Love Seat
This ombre-lacquered Windsor bench is just too cool. Such a brilliant twist on a sometimes stodgy classic.
Maplewood Cheese Board
Delightfully unpretentious, this gracefully curved maple cheese board looks like it's been passed down for generations.
Luscious Langoustine Dinner Plate
I am a huge fan of French artist Nathalie Lete's whimsical designs. This witty shellfish summer plate is almost too cute to eat off of!
Zig Zag Jaipuri Rug
This hand-loomed runner from Calypso St. Barth has just the right amount of graphical punch to liven up a boring hall or entry.
Recycled Glass Sconce
I love the patina of this recycled glass sconce from Terrain. Picture it beckoning you from a porch on a foggy, moonless night.
Botanical Drawing No. 6007 by Kari Herer
Kari Herer's photographs of her original drawings layered with real flowers are consistently jaw-dropping. Hang one anywhere you need to feel inspired.
Botanical Tea Towels
Aren't these flour sack tea towels the perfect hostess gift? They're designed by Sara Selepouchin of Girls Can Tell.
Gold Painted Stripes Thank You Card
No, we can't all have beach houses (womp womp), but we can thank the folks who let us stay at theirs with style! I happen to think that Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. is the best stationer around, and the metallic stripes here don't disappoint.
Cloud Cookie Cutters
No one likes getting rained out on a beach day, but these cloud cookie cutters from Herriott Grace offer a silver lining. Everyone knows that fresh-baked cookies make any stormy day infinitely better. True story.
Traditional Duvet Covers
Inspired by a favorite pair of PJs, this airy duvet from Coyuchi (finished with coconut shell buttons!) is perfect for beach house guest rooms. I love the hint of a menswear feel, too.
Santa Maria Novella Rosewater
From Italy's oldest "farmaceutica" this rosewater, sprinkled on or ironed onto sheets, will give you the most restorative sleep imaginable. An amazing treat for guests or even you — yes, you!
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Here, Roni from Loaded Trunk discovered these traditional motifs hand-embroidered onto pillow cases by the Otomi Indians in Mexico.