Guest Picks: Inspiration for a Northern Beachside Cabin
20 moody, sea-inspired finds to stock a windswept home by the shore
Now that the weather is beginning to yield to fall and things turn gray and temperamental in the Pacific Northwest, I love being by the ocean. Instead of summer sun, iced tea and a trashy novel, think dark, windswept shores, Earl Grey and savoring one of the great works of literature. Or candlelight and cocktails with the roar of a stormy sea playing in the background — whatever suits your fancy! Just be ready to cuddle up and snuggle down. — Bradford from The Bedlam of Beefy
Tatebanko Paper Diorama Kits
This build-it-yourself diorama kit is both a perfect oceanic accent and activity in one. I'd love a few lined up to capitalize on the rolling pattern of the undulating waves.
Large Viking Boat Tin by Every Eskimo
If you're going to have a romantic beach-side cottage you gotta have a few nods to the nautical nature of it all. A tin crate with viking boat illustrations on all sides could be the perfect little stash for shells, pens and paper for when the moment strikes, matches for the evening fire or maybe even a little pipe of tobacco... y'know... just to up the ante on the mood of it all!
Octopus Pull
A couple of these octopus pulls would make a fun touch to the aquatic inspiration of a beach cabin. But remember: just a couple. You're wanting an accent, not an overwrought amusement park.
Tom Dixon Base Wall Light
Admittedly, brass can be something of a hard sell for me. Been there, done that. But this little beauty from Tom Dixon might have me singing a new tune. I love the clean profile of this sconce matched with the inevitable warm glow of the brass shades. Perfect for setting the mood on a blustery night.
Leo Sofa
You're going to need some place to cozy up with some tea and a good book. This tufted beauty brings the feel of an "old boys club" leather version but without the cool jolt that leather might bring during the less-than-warm seasons. Plus, the rolling sweep of the arms brings a little drama. And you'll need that to go with the crackling fire and champagne. See where we're going here, kids? You with me?
Chelsea Coffee Table
Made of reclaimed elm to keep things rustic and warm, but the minimalist steel base gives a modern edge without being too weighty. A perfect accompaniment to some of the more "flourish-y" pieces your Uncle has going on in this beach cabin theme.
Balsam Fir Incense
Hey, Mother Nature will be taking care of the salty sea air scent but wouldn't a little eau de balsam fir take things up another notch? Methinks so, kids.
Wooden Nautical Flags Box, Set of 26
Yeah, sure, I admit $1900 on a box of hand-painted nautical flags ain't exactly a drop in the bucket. But look at it this way: You have 26 pieces of seaworthy art to have your folly with around the place! Put out a few in a small grouping and keep things fresh by rotating the stock. Or, being based on the International Code of Signals and each flag representing a letter in the alphabet, spell out a coded message to keep those land lubbers on their toes!
Knitted Vase, Large
Up the comfy factor with thoughts of being wrapped up in your favorite sweater. Okay, maybe you're not, but your plants, pencils, etc. could be. I think one or three of these (always go with odd groupings, kids) with simple twig arrangements could look just lovely.
Mason Jar Hurricane Lantern by Alyssa Ettinger
Imagine you're coming in from the damp and cold and see the candlelit glow in the window from a grouping of these cast hurricane lanterns. Doesn't it make you all warm with anticipation? Uh huh... you know it does, kids.
Vintage Icebox
This vintage ice box would make the perfect spot to stash all of your fishing tackle and beach-combing gear... if by "fishing tackle and beach-combing gear" you mean the bar! Who doesn't want a lovely little rustic libation after an exhaustive seashell collecting session?
(This baby is vintage and one-of-a-kind, kids. So if you have a hankerin' for it... get on it!)
(This baby is vintage and one-of-a-kind, kids. So if you have a hankerin' for it... get on it!)
LSA Bar Collection Champagne Saucers, Box of 4
Look kids, even if I have to haul driftwood back from the shore to keep this cabin cozy I'm still gonna need to keep it classy somewhere along the line. If there's the sound of a crackling fire and a roaring surf then what else could be a better accompaniment than the sound of celebratory bubbles? And a coupe-style champagne glass is my absolute favorite! The unusual contemporary addition of the long stems only adds to the elegance. And there ain't nothin' wrong with that!
Yarn & Needle Plate Set
Eh... sure it says "Yarn & Needle," but the illustrations on these plates make me think of rope for boats and anchors or some writhing sea creature. So in that case, perfect choice! Thanks! I thought so.
APRON in Organic Cotton/Hemp Denim by Small Batch Production
Whether working on a seaside landscape painting or cookin' up a clambake, you're going to need something to keep yourself clean. This hemp denim apron should do the trick.
Benedict Cabinet
It's not exactly Davy Jones' Locker, and that's a good thing! A great choice for bedside tables.
Pendleton Vintage Brownie Holiday Clock
Okay, if you're tucked away at a little beachside retreat you may just opt out on wanting to use the alarm. But you'll at least want to keep on top of tea time, don't you think? At least this puts a charming spin on the passing of time.
Cream Cross Pillow on Navy Linen
Nothing speaks of the sea more than the color blue, and navy would be my first choice when envisioning a seaside retreat on one of the northern shores. The cross applique gives great graphic appeal and interest while still keeping the look clean.
Eco-Wise Plaid Easy-Care Blanket
Let's face it, it's hard to think of any kind of cabin not having a good wool blanket around, and Pendleton is certainly the classic in that department. The red and blue scheme gives a little more of a colorful punch without disturbing that cozy feel.
Steele Canvas Laundry Cart
Okay, so I'm kind of bursting the romantic bubble on a moody, ocean-side escape by bringing up the laundry. But hey, all those long walks along the shore contemplating your next great work are gonna get you some kind o' dirty sometimes, right? So make the most of it with a hip but vintage-styled hamper. I can assure you, piles of your salt-and-sea soiled skivvies lying about ain't gonna bump up the romance, that's for sure!
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Guest Picks: Beach House Chic
Get the Look: Beach Cottage Style
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Guest Picks: Beach House Chic
Get the Look: Beach Cottage Style