The Beach…

We are not staying in the same rental we have in the past years.  This unit has a great view of the ocean and park.  There is more sunlight coming in through tall screened windows covered with plantation shutters  (allowing soft breezes and the comforting rhythms of the ocean to come through).  The decorating, however, is truly disappointing.  I can’t understand the theme (or lack thereof).  The walls are painted a peachy/taupe colour,  the sectional is brown microsuede with red, gold and green brocade accent cushions, a modern light fixture hangs over dining room table, traditional table lamps light the living room, and a shag rug covers the floors in the bedrooms (not great for wet, sandy doggy feet).  It’s beyond confusing.  I think someone went to a box store and just picked up “whatever” to fill the blank spaces!!!

This is how I would decorate my “dream” oceanfront beach house:

• an exterior of weathered clapboard siding  with a slate tiled roof
• a beachy colour scheme with watery shades of blue, grey, tan and creamy white
• fabrics in natural fibres of cotton or linen
• white or painted cabinets
• faded hardwood or tiled floors with sisal or cotton area rugs
• slipcovered or overstuffed soft furnishings with toss cushions in soft shades of blue, green and summery prints
• bedding in white cotton or linen with cozy,  lightweight duvets and matelasse coverlets
• towels (excluding beach towels) are fluffy and white

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I shop in the local home decor stores in La Jolla, I am tempted to buy accessories to compliment my collections at home.  Even though a full-on beach decorating theme would look out of place in a northern climate,  I could easily incorporate some elements I like.  Every year at this time, (when the snow is no longer on the ground!) I want to lighten up the look and feel of my home.  This year I will layer a sisal area rug on top of my Persian style rug in the dining room.  I look forward to putting away the faux fur throws in the living room and change out the velvet cushion covers.   On a sunny day,  I will wash my winter duvets and pillows and let them air dry outside and replace the bedding with linen sheets and quilted coverlets.  I’m on the hunt for white voile curtain panels to replace the roman shades in the bedrooms.  As soon as I get home,  the windows will have to be cleaned!!!

 

I found these cushions on a blog I follow, “The Enchanted Home” that also sells product from the site.

 

 

 

 

One project I want to tackle this spring is making a slipcover for my velvet tufted headboard.

 

 

 

 

One of the pleasures of travelling is bringing home memories of the trip.  It’s these memento’s that reflect who you are and where your journeys have taken you.

 

xxx Judy