The Coastal View - Beach Decor and Coastal Style

I miss you all!

2011-07-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hello and that I miss you all.

My Mother is in the final stages of cancer. Part of me just wants to dive right into my blog and design, as an outlet and get away. But I just can't muster up the motivation or creativity you all deserve.

I will be back - please don't give up on me. Just need to be with her and focus on her needs. Afterall, she dedicated her life to focusing on mine.

Thanks everyone and I miss you!

Giveaways, Shore Savings and Welcome Viewers

2011-05-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to welcome Blogger back. I'm sorry to all my blog friends that lost their work last week. It looks like comments on blogs were lost as well. Technology is such a love hate relationship, isn't it?

I wanted to share some giveaways and cool things I came across this weekend.

Seaside Inspired has given us 3 photos representing their Coastal Living Magazine ad, to vote on. And here's the coolest part... a random voter will be listed in the ad. How cool would it be to say you were in Coastal Living? If you haven't voted yet, hurry.

Vote for the next Coastal Living Ad & your name may be in our Ad

http://www.facebook.com/seasideinspired.fanpage

Simple Daisy will be giving away one of her bangles, once she reaches 600 facebook followers. If you haven't "liked" her page yet, now is the time.

Love of the Sea is celebrating her 200 milestone of facebook followers with a giveaway. Just click here and leave a comment. And if you haven't "liked" her page, what are you waiting for?

The Coastal Collection is offering daily facebook specials. Check out their page here.

Have you joined Caron's Beach Club yet? You'll receive a coupon for free shipping on your first order, just for signing up.

A big, I mean really BIG, HUGE, thank you and welcome to the newest viewers of The Coastal View.

The Art of Indecision

A blog about a little bit of this, a little bit of that... decor, thrifting, sewing, crafting, family, pretty little pictures.

Beach Vintage

Simone is from Brisbane Australia. Her blog shares a love of all things vintage and crafty. She lives in a beach house in QLD, Australia (you lucky girl you), and furnishes her home with vintage and second hand items from thrift stores and Ebay.

Ang's Peaceful Space

Ang loves all things pretty, creative, deep & intuitive. She is always searching for something new and refreshing. She loves her life and wants to continue to explore new things, new ways, new people. She has a wonderful family who keeps her grounded and busy, busy. Life is what you make of it and she never wants to stop making hers better.

Passionate for White

Diane is a lover of decorating with a penchant for anything white and worn. It's rare for her to drive past a yard sale or flea market and she's not above going through others trash. Some of her best finds have been picked up on the side of the road..... a pair of beveled glass french doors, a white iron settee, window shutters, white picket fencing...to name but a few. She is married with one furry, four-legged "child".

The Cottage Co.

A love of all things old and white. The proud owners of The Cottage Co in Barrie, Ontario.

Beachside Cottage

Linda is a newbie blogger, only blogging a few weeks now. (let's give her a special warm welcome) She's originally from New England and now lives in South Florida. She loves both northern and southern beaches, and tries to include both in her blog. Beachside Cottage is about anything coastal/beachy!

Kirsty

Kirsty loves coastal and vintage decor.

Stephanie O'Donnell

Rose Petals from Heaven

Mo has been a professional designer for more than 25 years. She enjoys the "French Shabby" look and collects antique cranberry artglass and vintage catholic relics. Each graphic she designs is like one of her"children". She loves one, and then creates another; and loves it just as much.

all white is alright by me

2011-05-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

I love all white interiors. They are light and airy and seem so relaxing to me. You can create a beach, cottage or vintage style with white. Or even combine all three for a beautiful, comfortable look and feel. Dappling with an all white space, I personally found its all about using texture and different variations of white.

White slipcovered Ektorp Chairs and Sofa from Ikea

White Parsons desk from West Elm

White stump table from West Elm (discontinued)

Silver ball lamps from Pottery Barn (discontinued)

Driftwood Candelabra from Seaside Inspired (used in fireplace)

This was one of my white rooms. I painted the walls a light gray fog color. The contrast with the bright white trim and furnishings was fabulous (if I do say so myself). It was very relaxing. And shouldn't all of our rooms? Our home is our safe place. Our getaway, everyday.

I wish I had a picture of my winter white style. You would see what I mean about texture. I'll share a photo this year - I promise!

Atlanta Bartlett has published some great books on white interiors, including one of my favorites, At Home with White.

Here are some of my favorite white interior spaces.

Elle Decor

Actress Meg Ryans renovated farm house in Martha's Vineyard.

The Guest Room

This home in Napa Valley, was designed by Erin Martin and was featured in the All White Now issue of Metropolitan Home in 2009 (I miss Met Home).

Metropolitan Home

The home of the Williams Sonoma designer was featured in Elle Decor. I love some of the ways she accessories.

And the blog gods rewarded us with Dreamy Whites. Here are some of my favorites inspirations.

I can't decide which I love more in this living room from Architectural Digest - the ocean view or the all white.

Have a great weekend and I hope you find your weekend includes a little re-decorating, maybe with some white.

welcome to the newest viewers of The Coastal View

2011-04-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! and welcome the newest viewers of The Coastal View.

Stitchfork

Mongram and Embroidery Designs

Beach House Living

Lisa Roy

A designer obsessed with pretty things, beautiful spaces, interesting places and... handbags

(a girl after my own heart)

Classic. Casual. Home

hkm

Mermaid Cottages

adventures of living on Tybee Island

Kimberly

Aναστασία Λάλου

Cottage Touch

An eclectic mix of elegance, a touch of whimsy with a sprinkle of fairytale dreams

Thank you for becoming a follower of The Coastal View.

c o t t a g e - a coastal store, wall silhouettes

2011-04-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Cottage, has some really adorable wall silhouettes, not only for a childs room, but for us grown ups too.

The Humpback Whale is hand-painted and distressed. He can also be hung outside in a sheltered spot. Made from classic wooden panels, each one is unique with all of the natural wood grain and texture.

Sea Maiden is "distressed" and can be hung outside in a sheltered location.

Antiqued Wooden Seahorse Plaques by Suzanne Nicoll. These wooden plaques are hand made and distressed in Connecticut. They can be put outside to weather further, or inside as a decorative accent. These are wonderfully rustic, with all of the natural wood grain and imperfections adding to the patina.

I See the Moon. Each original design is hand carved and hand lettered on Northern White Pine with a distressed antique finish. All designs are weather resistant with an exterior paint and stain. The back of each piece is signed by the artist. Wording can be customized. Fonts, image and colors remain the same. Custom policies apply.

Visit c o t t a g e - a coastal store to see their entire collection of wall decor.

And enjoy Free Shipping on your order until September 30, 2011 on

orders $150 & over. Applies only to Ground shipping. Use coupon code freeship at checkout under the Coupon Code / Promotional Code section. Please note that free shipping does not apply towards the Driftwood Mirrors, Lamps, Heart and Heart with Stand by Living Simplistically due to their delicacy, shipping materials required and total oversized weight.

resources for my subtle coastal dining table

2011-04-12T20:02:00.001-07:00

DUH! I had a few emails wondering where I found some of my dining table accents. (hand to forehead) I should have included that the first time around.

The Pitcher, cake stand, chargers and placemats are from Pottery Barn and now sold out. The dining chairs are from Pottery Barn with the white slip cover. They don't have the white covers online anymore, but may still have them available in the store.

The dishes are just a mixed collection of white dinnerware I've picked up through the years. I like to mix up the textures and finishes.

The Ball and Atlas jars are from antique stores. Check your local antique store, flea market or eBay.

The glass floats are from Seaside Inspired. They have a great white translucent look, almost like a hint of milk rolled around inside and each is a bit different.

Thanks for asking!

slipcovered furniture

2011-04-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

I just love slipcovers. Easy, breezy, instant Coastal Style. With two English Bulldogs, I don't dare invest in upholstered furniture. And what better way to recreate a Coastal Living room, then with slipcovers? Have you ever seen an issue of their magazine, that doesn't feature at least one room with a white slipcovered sofa or chair?

The way I see it, you have two options for slipcovered furniture. 1) Pottery Barn. 2) IKEA.

I love (really love) the Pottery Barn Comfort sofa. When they say comfort, they mean it. But, I don't love the price tag. It's not so much the cost of the sofa, which is reasonable at $999, but it's the cost of the replacement slipcovers. I could pretty much buy a new sofa.

And then there is IKEA... They have alot of covers to choose from and lucky us, the white is the least expensive. At $49 for a sofa cover, I could just skip washing and put a new cover on. (Does that qualify as being earth friendly? I am saving water after all). And if they don't have a cover that fits your fancy, there are two companies I have found that create custom covers specifically for IKEA furniture.

Knesting.com

Bemz.com

I ordered some fabric swatches from Bemz (you can get 5 for free) and LOVE their 100% linen. I could totally get an IKEA sectional sofa (less than $1,000) and give it a custom look with a pure linen cover.

So ... you know what I'll be sketching and planning this weekend. A sectional sofa that 2 bulldogs, Mr. CV and I can kick back and relax on.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

decorating with ladders

2011-03-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have a ladder I've been toting around forever. It's definitely not as fabulous as these are, but it's a ladder all the same.

I'm currently using it in the living room with blankets draped on the rungs. But I'm thinking about moving it into the bathroom for towels and to hang a monkey fist on.

So it got me to thinking... what else could I use it for? I found some great ideas and wanted to share them with you...

Dreamy Whites uses her vintage ladder to display glass bottles.

Dreamy Whites

Use it for towels in the bathroom.

Pottery Barn has made a shoe ladder. Hmmm.... what do you do, when all of your shoes are flip flops?

And the Pottery Barn prop department even has ladders for sale.

The Coastal Living Idea House created a ladder to a secret spot.

How cute is this?

Coastal Living Magazine Idea House

The Cappuccino Cottage gave her vintage ladder a beach christmas touch, adding a starfish and greenery.

Cappuccino Cottage

A ladder acts as a Christmas tree. I could see doing this, using an old ladder in a guest room for the holidays.

Home Sick Designs

Country Living showcased this ladder with a wreath on it.

Country Living

Or, use an old ladder to hang stockings and lights, like shown in Coastal Living Magazine.

Coastal Living

Do you have a ladder that you use, as part of your decor?

my subtle coastal dining table & welcome viewers

2011-03-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

My dining table is ready to welcome spring.

Of course I had to add a few subtle coastal accents, like the glass floats and seagrass chargers. As summer approaches, I'll accent with coral and sea shells.

And I couldn't resist using this vintage bottle to infuse a little blueberry and mint into the water.

Are you ready for Spring? Have fun and decorate your table this weekend while sending a big welcome to Spring.

And speaking of welcomes.... THANK YOU and WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the newest viewers of The Coastal View:

Cricket at the Gypsea Nurse

Beachy Rustica

Low Tide, High Style

Joe Ruggiero, Designer and HGTV Host

House of Yates

Maison de Ballard

Erin

(Erin if you have a blog, let me know and I'll add a link)

Frugal French Girl

Apple Sauce Inn

Chic Coastal Living

Also, Simple Daisy is climbing to reach 600 "likes" of her Facebook page, when she'll give away one of her fabulous beachy, bangle bracelets. Don't miss out. If you haven't already, you may find her Facebook Page and like it here. And visit her Etsy shop and receive 20% off a bangle bracelet until Saturday the 19th. Enter "BANGLE20" during checkout.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ready for some green?

2011-03-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

I think everyone is ready to start seeing some green. So until those spring flowers and grass start "springing" up, I thought we'd enjoy some of these green rooms.

Modern Green Living Room

The star in this Oyster Bay, New York beach house is underfoot: a hand-painted, lily-pad pattern covers the sunken floor. Designer Christina Murphy continued the color scheme with grasscloth-covered walls and the upholstery on 1950s bentwood chairs.

Green Gingham Ceiling

New York kitchen designer Gideon Mendelson created a pea-green gingham ceiling that was first painted on canvas by Silvère Boureau. To further animate the room, Mendelson designed the island and painted it a custom bright green.

Bold Green Patterned Bathroom

The oversize motifs of floral wallpaper and a geometric mirror punch up a tiny powder room by designer Meg Braff. Liberal dashes of white keep everything light and airy.

Green Garden Room

A palette of sea-grass greens transformed homeowner Frances Schultz's humble 1920s stucco cottage into a cheery, cozy retreat.

Bright Green Kitchen

Everything is vibrant green — even the Sub-Zero refrigerator — in this small Manhattan kitchen designed by Miles Redd. Cabinets are lacquered in Bamboo Leaf by Fine Paints of Europe, as is the roller shade by Manhattan Shades & Glass.

Bold Green Sunroom

In this oceanfront Palm Beach house, designer Allison Paladino glazed the sunroom walls bright green to capture the light and painted the woodwork white to calm it down. "The sunroom is gutsy, but the room is actually quite relaxing because I restricted the palette to green and white to create calm," she says, "If I'd added another color the room would be jarring."

All of these rooms may be found at House Beautiful.

welcomes and give-a-way

2011-03-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!!! Hope you all had a relaxing, fun weekend.

Just a quick post today, but I wanted to share the Simple Daisy give-a-away and welcome and thank the latest followers of The Coastal View.

Welcome and THANK YOU to...

- Coastal Inspirations. Visit their beach theme decorating blog here.

- Seaside Style. Visit their blog dedicated to the seaside and coastal lifestyle here.

- Driftwood Interiors. Visit Kerri's blog here. Also, be sure to check out their Etsy shop.

- The McDonald World. Visit Tamara's blog here.

Simple Daisy is giving away one of her hand-made bangle bracelets, once she reaches 600 facebook fans. For details and your chance to win this unique beach bracelet, go to the Simple Daisy facebook page.

adopt - a sea mammal - this weekend

2011-03-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge animal lover, mammals included.

I also love giving gifts. And for those that "have everything" I thought a gift
adoption was a perfect gift, especially for these ocean loving creatures.

The Dolphin Research Center (DRC).

Adopt a Dolphin

The DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions.

For $15 you will receive an adoption certificate for the dolphin or sealife of your
choice along with a one year web access to the Members only section of their website and e-newsletter. Click here.

They have additional membership levels and gift memberships available. You can
visit the DRC website at http://www.dolphins.org/

Ocean Conservation Society

Adopt a Dolphin

You can support the important research, conservation and protection of dolphins
in Los Angeles coastal waters by becoming a foster parent and “adopting”
a bottlenose dolphin.

Your donation will include a photo of your adopted dolphin and dates of sightings,
for your dolphin(love this).

The dolphins they have available for adoption are just a few of the individuals that
the Los Angeles Dolphin Project has already photo-identified as seasonal residents
of the Santa Monica Bay. You can adopt them into your family and help them
remain healthy and safe with a tax-deductible minimum donation of $50.00.

Unlike other adoption programs where donations are used to cover administrative costs, your donation will go entirely toward on the water dolphin research.

Visit the Ocean Conservation Society and adopt your dolphin. http://www.oceanconservation.org/involved/adopt.htm

Save the Manatee

Adopt a Manatee

These manatees have a face every mother could love.

Select a manatee from the adoption program to match your personality or the personality of someone you love.

Click here to see the Manatees available for adoption

Membership starts at just $25 and includes an adoption certificate, photo and biography of "your" manatee. See their memberships here or visit their website at http://www.savethemanatee.org/default.html

SeaTurtle.org

Adopt a Sea Turtle

You may select your sea turtle (photos available), gender and even Country. Visit their adoption page here.

Adopt a Coral

Florida Keys

Adopt a Coral is a volunteer based Coral Reef Restoration Program in the Florida Keys.

Each adopter will receive a personalized certificate of adoption and photograph of a specific coral. Photos and measurement updates will be emailed at least twice during the adoption year. The adopter may assign a personal on-line name to the adopted coral and will have access to a set of sharable links for inviting friends and family to watch the coral grow.

You can even receive the GPS coordinates of your coral, so you could take a little snorkel or scuba va-cay to visit your adopted coral.

I think this is a wonderful gift, especially as a memorial to a loved one.

View their adoption programs here. Or visit their website at http://coralrestoration.org/

Do you have any favorite adoption organizations? Please feel free to share them. The more the merrier!

Have a great weekend!

custom, monogramed beach decor

2011-02-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

I seem to be on a monogram kick lately. It started with my fabulous coffee cups from Anthropologie. And I'm eyeing those monogramed dinnerware pieces from Pottery Barn too. So I thought I would snoop around and see what fun monogramed beach goodies I could find.

The Well Appointed House is offering these personalized plates. I think these would make a fabulous hostess or housewarming gift.

A Simpler Time has many beach signs you may customize.

Pottery Barn is offering monogram on these fabulous Bacchus glass lamps. I could definately see some sand and seashells in these!

And this twill cube is oh so cute!

I personally have these Napa chairs in the white slipcover. But darn it, they didn't offer monograms when I bought mine. Hmmm, maybe I should add 2 more chairs, at the head of the table with a monogram?!?!

I saw this travel backgammon game from Mrs. Monogram and thought what fun colors it offered. Just slip it in the beach bag and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Sea Bags offers custom design for their must-have bags. And I love the added touch of a stamp and signature by the designer. Truly a one-of-a-kind creation.

Part Parcel Ny created one of the coolest things I think I've ever seen.

They created these wedding invitations, developing a rope monogram. Notice their initials in rope?

Wild Ink Press has created personal note sheets with a faint drawing of an 18th Century French ship. Pair with the map lined navy blue envelope.

Shore Savings

2011-02-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

I love shopping. And when I can save a little while doing so, it makes it all the better. So... I wanted to share some savings I found with you.

Seaside Inspired has created a "side" to their Seaside.

Each day (looks like Monday - Friday) they are featuring one of their new products and offering a discount for that item too. Yippee! I've seen their discount range from 10 - 15% off.

Follow their blog at http://seasideinspired.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/seasideinspired.fanpage to get your daily inspiration and discount code.

Caron's Beach House is providing Free Shipping on all orders until 2/22/11. There is nothing better than when you can get a delivery right to your front door, for free.

For updates, be sure to visit Caron's blog http://www.everythingcoastal.com/ and her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CaronsBeachHouse#!/CaronsBeachHouse?sk=wall

And if you haven't already, don't forget to "like" Shorely Chic's Facebook page for a chance to win a wine sack or vintage blue mason jar.

I also want to welcome and thank my newest followers:

Debbie, at Love of the Sea. Visit and follow her blog

Michelle at Emerald Cove Jewelry. Visit and follow her blog

If you are offering any specials, savings, give-a-ways or stumble across one, please feel free to share them.

Happy Monday!

Shorely Chic giveaway, under way

2011-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Join Shorely Chic's facebook page for a chance to win a wine sack or vintage blue mason jar and help her reach over 2,000 fans.

Also, be sure to check out her blog and online shop at http://shorelychic.blogspot.com/.

Simple Daisy Bangle Bracelets

2011-02-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

That ever talented and inspiring Heather Hertel of Simple Daisy has a new creation I had to share.

This is a sneak peek of her new bangle braclet that will be available soon. She will customize with your initial or special request, because each piece is hand-made with love, creativity and a little vino.

Stop by the Simple Daisy Etsy Shop and join her Facebook page and let her know your thoughts on her new creations.

Inspiring Coral from Seaside Inspired

2011-02-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

I just love coral. No home should be without at least one piece of it. I found coral heaven online at Seaside Inspired. They have the largest selection of coral I have found anywhere. And with many of the pieces featured in Coastal Living magazine, that makes it all the better. When friends come over and compliment my coral pieces, I can brag that it was in Coastal Living magazine.

I love these pillows. The color is just the perfect accent around the pool. I know they are not outdoor pillows, but I always use regular pillows and get at least 2-3 seasons out of them. I bring them in when I'm not outside lounging. And as long as they are machine washable, I'm good to go. The lumbar is just the right size for sun loungers.

These are a great size and variety of coral pieces.

Want to add a little ocean blue? These coral pieces and lamp is something a little different than the normal white. Each have been in Coastal Living magazine in fact.

I especially appreciate their use of all resin coral, rather than real pieces. But they haven't lost any of the natural texture or look.

And Coastal Living magazine liked that fact too, naming them a fabulous online-only store and said:

"great selection of eco-friendly (i.e. resin) sealife and coral"

So if you're looking for a great selection of coral pieces, pillows, sculptures and lamps, you've found your inspiration at SeasideInspired.com

View their entire coral decor here: http://www.seasideinspired.com/coral_decor.htm

All about Pink

2011-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy the day of love and all things pink!

A pink seashell mosaic sink from Chinasink.com. Oh yeah!

A pink beach cruiser. Yes, I could definately cruise the beach on this beauty from 2wheelbikes.com. And at only $99.99, have money left over for a cute little basket on the front. (Thought of you Heather)

Must grab a handful of these cute little pink sea urchins from Seasideinspired.com

Or maybe a pink Sea Fan from seasideinspired.com too. Oh, what am I saying, why not both?

And who can resist a strand of pink pearls from PearlParadise.com

Rope Accents

2011-02-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I love rope accessories. Even if your home doesn't have a nautical style, they are still a great accent.

Just plain 'ole jute rope, from Pottery Barns Prop Department. Hmmm, I can think of a lot of ways to use this.

A rope wing chair from Crate and Barrel.

Rope Giclee from Caron's Beach House.

There is even a kit available to make your own monkey fist knot. But I'll leave that up to you creative souls. I believe, why make it, if you can buy it. And look, here's one I can buy.

Rope Monkey Fist Knot from Seaside Inspired.

Love the rope ottomans from Nautical Luxuries.

Wouldn't this be the perfect nautical pillow for that rope chair? Found it in the new inspiration at Seaside Inspired.

Even rope hand rails.

Rope door pulls from Anthropologie. Hurry they are on sale for only $2.95

Have a great weekend!

2011-01-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you!

I love to reflect on the past, especially when we enter a New Year. In doing so, I decided to go through a box of old family photos. I came across some wonderful photos of my grandmother, dating back to 1931.

It gave me such a warm feeling and brought a smile to my face. I wanted to share this feeling. So...I have changed the look of The Coastal View to a vintage boardwalk style. I hope you enjoy it. It is different, just as the past is different for our present and I hope it brings a little joy to your day as well.

I often wonder, when I admire vintage photos and antique treasures, when our era becomes "vintage" will those that are yet to be, admire us as much? I like to think so.

Happy New Year to each of you and welcome 2011.

There is nothing simple about Simple Daisy

2010-11-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am generally all about decorating my home. It is my passion and the reason for my blog (I've got to release some of this obsession). But Heather, the creative genius behind Simple Daisy posted a beautiful turquoise bracelet on her facebook page the other day and I fell in love. I thought, "hey, my body is my temple too". I can decorate myself, just as I do my home.

Each of her beach inspired jewelry pieces are one of a kind and hand-made. We take for granted the pride, effort and time in hand-made items. Please support Heather and others that share their creativity with us in their hand-made creations.

Shop Simple Daisy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/simpledaisy
Visit her blog: http://www.simpledaisy.blogspot.com/

Rough Seas Turquoise Bracelet $38

Splashing Waves in the Sea Pearl Bracelet $28

Tidal Pool Necklace $38

Coastal Accent Ideas

2010-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

I find myself holding onto my Pottery Barn catalogs. Not necessarily for their products, but their incredible creativity of accessorizing. Here are a few of my favorite ideas (why didn't I think of them).

Rope wrapped umbrella pole. Such a simple thing, but a WOW nautical accent. I don't think I could ever live with a plain wooden pole again.

Rope wrapped beverage bucket. Love this idea!

The combination of the natural shells and black and white photos, give a vintage, coastal cottage feel. I think the impact really comes from the grouping of shells. Just one or two, would get lost.

We all have baskets around. I think this is a great way to use them in the bathroom. Love the rolled towels and the glass jars with sea sponges and Q-tips.

In attempting to display my seashells, I've discovered there is definitely an art form to it. They have a tendency to look a bit cluttered. I love the layering of the trays, coral and shells. Now this I can do.

What are some of your favorites coastal accents? Please feel free to share them.

A Light Touch. Subtle, Beach decor style from Coastal Living Magazine

2010-10-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Finally, an afternoon to just relax with my October issue of Coastal Living. I was so thrilled to see designer Susan Ferrier featured in the "A Light Touch" design. As a fan of her interiors and sense of style, once again, she did not disappoint. A modern, subtle, beach decor style is just what I love. I think she said it best "..the decor doesn't always have to be beachy with a capital B to instill that relaxed, calming vibe everyone wants...". I want some of this design. Let's see if I can recreate at least one of them.

I love the palm tree seed branchs and glass balls in this photo. So simple, yet so elegant. I think this would look great on a buffet table.

I didn't have any luck locating the branches, but I thought some Manzanita branches may work as a good substitute. I found a great selection at Nettleton Hollow (http://www.nettletonhollow.com/). Here is a direct link to their Manzanita Branch selection: http://www.nettletonhollow.com/manzanita-nat-project.html?gclid=CN_fn6Cj06QCFTRa7Aodi1kqIg

I found the glass balls, which are actually glass floats at Seaside Inspired (http://www.seasideinspired.com/). I figure since they were listed by Coastal Living as a "Fabulous Online-Only Store", I'd take a peek. I struck beach decor heaven AND found these floats! Here is a direct link to their Sea Fog Glass Floats: http://www.seasideinspired.com/3335_sea_fog_glass_float.htm.

The vase appears to have the texture of birch. I found it at Viva Terra, but it's sold out. I thought I could get some birch bark and spray paint it a metallic silver to re-create the look. Or, just buy something similar. I found one at Bloomingdales (http://www.bloomingdales.com/). Here's a direct link (and its on sale):
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=451931&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-n-_-n-_-n

Here's a room I could definitely lounge in and entertain in:

I think the wood stump tables, make this room. I found a similar table at West Elm (http://www.westelm.com/). Here is the direct link: http://www.westelm.com/products/natural-tree-stump-side-table-f655/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables

Love the coral accent too. I found a huge selection at Seaside Inspired (http://www.seasideinspired.com/). Here is a direct link to all of their coral: http://www.seasideinspired.com/coral_decor.htm

The ottoman with the throw and a few books invite me to sit back, relax and browse through some books or magazines.

This kitchen is a dream. I love the driftwood inspiration, texture and color variations. This definitely gets added to the "wish book".

You can see and enjoy the entire article in the October, 2010 Coastal Living magazine. Or, here is a direct link to the article: http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/neutral-decorating-ideas-00414000068581/

What was your favorite in this issue? Please feel free to share.

2010-10-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

A love of all things coastal, has inspired me to share my passion with others. I have created this blog to offer my findings, ideas and inspiration with everyone that lives on the coast or loves the feeling of being near the water.

Design ideas and inspiration; product and store findings; recipes and giveaways may be found here.

If you find something that inspires you, please feel free to share it with me. Or, if you are just looking for a little inspiration, please stop by anytime, and enjoy The Coastal View.