Guest Picks: Summer at the Seaside
20 Finds Call to Mind Coastal Cottages and Salty Sea Breezes
I have lovely childhood memories of summers spent with my family in a little rented cottage by the sea in Nova Scotia. The days were spent exploring the beach at low tide and swimming in the ocean, while evenings were filled with extended family dropping by for good food and homegrown music. For this ideabook I've gathered together objects that remind me of those warm Maritime summers spent on the pebbly beach, cooled by the fresh salty breezes of the sea. — Lori from automatism
Mister Crab Wood Sign by Slippin Southern
Folk art is a perfect way to add color and personality to a cottage, and this playful little wooden crab sign would definitely be a fun addition.
Whale Pillow
This charming whale pillow — hand printed on natural French burlap with artwork by Don Carney — is not only pretty, but would make a great souvenir of whale watching trips in the Maritimes.
Screenprinted Nautical Pillow Covers by Oh Little Rabbit
For sweet dreams of sailing the ocean blue, a set of natural cotton, hand screen printed nautical pillow covers.
Scrimshaw Dessert Plate Set
This charming set of dessert plates will have everyone at the dinner table in a jaunty seafaring mood in no time.
Vintage Rusty Metal and Weathered Wood Lighthouse by BeeJayKay
The top of this sweet vintage lighthouse comes off so that a candle can be placed inside — perfect for adding a little seaside ambiance to an evening.
You Anchor Me Print
Add a sweet personal note to your seaside home with this great "You Anchor Me" print, designed to fit perfectly into Ikea Ribba frames.
Swedish Design Runner Våga
The special weave of this Swedish linen table runner means it doesn't need ironing — perfect for easygoing seaside living. The classic stripe would make even the most random collection of dishware look great too.
Set of Three Thick White Restaurant China Bowls by 22BayRoad
These vintage restaurant china bowls would be perfect for a delicious chowder supper — or a quick cereal breakfast before heading out for a morning on the beach.
Sea Urchin Vase
A lifelike sea urchin vase that would look great perched on a bedside table stack of Maritime-themed books.
Civil War Era Wooden Maritime Chest
This early ship's chest not only has great vintage style, but it's useful too — wool blankets or paperback novels could be stored inside, while the top would be a great spot to display a tray of interesting shells from walks on the beach.
Utopia Sailor/Captain Mug
This sailor and captain mug by Jonathan Adler would be perfect for coffee on a chilly morning, watching the mist over the sea.
Vintage Industrial Wire Basket by Zinnia Cottage
Antique industrial style works really well with cottage style. A vintage wire basket like this one would look great storing everything from a stack of tea towels to a collection of old paperbacks.
Recycled Juice Glass
The beautiful color and intriguing imperfections of these recycled and hand-blown Moroccan juice glasses remind me of sea glass.
Compass Signet Ring
Love this compass signet ring by Aaron Ruff of Digby & Iona — it even comes with a stick of red sealing wax to add a nautical touch to your holiday correspondence!
Maritime Tray Set
This Maritime tray set is just the thing for carrying afternoon snacks down to the beach. Available as a set of three, the trays form an entire ship when put together.
Wood From The Hood Reclaimed Wood Cribbage Board
When the weather turns gusty and the waves are high, it's time to light the hurricane lantern and play games — such as a round of cribbage. This one, made from reclaimed ash trees and recycled metal pegs, is a particularly nice looking version.
Vintage Brass Ship's Bell With Rope Nautical Decor by Bird in Hand
Call everyone in from the beach for supper with this solid cast brass vintage ship's bell, complete with brass clapper and original rope pull.
Vintage Little American Ship in a Bottle by Zuzashop
A sweet little vintage ship in a glass bottle — perfect for adding charm to a tiny seaside cottage without taking up a lot of space. This would make a great hostess gift too.
Strange and Scintillating Seaweed Pillow
Add a touch of nostalgia to your summer space with a pretty Irish linen cushion, printed with a 19th century seaweed illustration.
Natural Rope Knot Doorstop
Prop open the cottage door and let the fresh ocean breezes in with this nautical rope knot door stop.
More seaside-inspired finds:
Beach House Chic
Dreaming of a Casual Summer Cottage
20 Nautical-Inspired Finds
More seaside-inspired finds:
Beach House Chic
Dreaming of a Casual Summer Cottage
20 Nautical-Inspired Finds