Time to Shop!

We are off to the NY Gift Show this week for some serious shopping. Two piers and the whole Javitz Center are quite a lot of space to cover, but we'll get through it all, I can assure you. It is always fun to see what is new from the lines we already carry, and a highlight when we find a new line that we think our By the Sea Decor customers may enjoy.

We have a few "must haves" that we will be searching for. We will be adding our new products very soon and hope you enjoy our new finds!

Gray, the New White?

Did you know the human eye can supposedly discern 500 shades of gray? Gray is a long-lasting classic and carries authority. Think gray suits! Gray is also described as the "color of compromise" as it sits in between black and white. According to decorating experts, in chosing gray as a wall color, there are two choices. Cool grays with undertones of blue and warm grays with hints of yellow. This is one paint color that calls for flat paint on walls and cream (rather than white) trim. My two favorite shades of gray are driftwood and taupe. What a surprise! They both bring me back to my favorite spot . . . the beach. Gray is a neutral balanced color that can give your seaside room a sophisticated calm.

My favorite gray piece in our home is the Arteriors Smoked Ice Nautilus Lamp. This is a fabulous and functional accent on our driftwood sofa table. It is stunning when lit and the deep gray silk shade brings such a subtle classic ambiance to our room.

Gray also mixes well with other colors! In our beachhouse renovation, we used aqua tones to compliment our taupe sofas. Shades of blue work so well to add a serene touch to your space. If you need to add some pops of real color, there is always red. For a modern atmosphere, try some yellow. And there is always purple!

Gray may be the new white!

Colorful Caribbean Cottage Decor

Looking for a little Caribbean cottage decor for your seaside space? This colorful set of tropically-inspired fish are actually old weathered fence posts that are hand painted in nearby Connecticut by talented artist, Suzanne Nicoll. Each fish measures 4" x 24" and can also be hung outside in a sheltered area.

The brand new coastal lighting collection from Regina Andrew brings us some fabulous colors in lamps. The Caribbean Cottage Baluster lamp is available in distressed blue or red and at 30" in height would sit perfectly on a dresser or end table. They may offer just the right amount of color for your beach or lake space!

My Favorite Lighthouse

What a surprise, my favorite lighthouse is on my favorite beach! The Barnegat Lighthouse claims to be the 2nd tallest lighthouse in the U.S. It is affectionately called "Old Barney" and was commissioned in January of 1859. It functioned as a lighthouse until January, 1944 when its light was extinguished. On the 150th Anniversary of its opening, January 1, 2009, the beacon was reactivated and still operates from dusk to dawn. The State Park surrounding the Lighthouse is beautiful with natural walking paths and a very, very long journey to the ocean. On any given day, it is filled with visitors enjoying the vistas and deciding whether to make the journey up the 217 steps to the top. You will always find someone fishing, no matter what the weather. You will always find little children asking the fishermen what they are catching. You will always find people walking their very happy dogs. One day my daughter and I were lucky enough to see a seal lounging on the rocks. A crowd had gathered around to simply watch his movements.

I have taken endless photos of our lighthouse and never tire of exploring the area. We have a favorite, very casual breakfast spot nearby aptly called "Kelly's Old Barney". I love spending time at this historic park. I love to watch all the boats making their journey into the ocean past the lighthouse. My husband enjoys the lighthouse also but prefers to view it from his boat! The kids prefer jet skiing to the lighthouse. It is their beacon when we are on the water. We are so lucky to have this treasure on our little island.

My Attempt at Getting Through the Winter!

So, I am trying to be patient with the frigid temperatures we are experiencing here in the Northeast this week. I thought the last two weeks were bad with all of the snow, but now we have not reached 20 in a few days. And there was more snow!

Prior to these below freezing temps, I decided I was going to try to get through the long chilly winter by carrying a small digital camera with me to capture images while Sadie and I trudge through the snow on our walks. Although I have taken a few charming photos so far . . . I can honestly say this winter is getting old! I am, quite frankly, tired of wearing my MK snow boots, fashionable as they are. And a hat. And gloves. And a scarf. I promised my family I was not going to complain about the winter this year . . . well that was back in December when it was in the 40's! Guess what, I will be complaining until it reaches 70 again!!

Honestly, the snow is lovely, as long as you don't have to drive in it or shovel it. And it melts in 24 hours. I have taken enough snow pictures this year, I'm ready for spring! I will be complaining.

Wood at the Beach!!

We love driftwood at the beach! Add another natural element to your seaside style with our collection of coastal decor lighting choices. Choose driftwood table lamps available in natural and distressed finishes. Our brand new reclaimed wood wall sconces will bring a subtle warmth to your wall space. Available in two styles to fit your decorating needs.

Fill a wicker basket with the driftwood you collect on your favorite beach to add to your room.

Classic Embroidered Coastal Decor Pillows

We always look forward to new designs from one of our favorite artists, DL Rhein. Here she has designed a collection of coastally-inspired 100% linen pillows. Each beach decor accent pillow is intricately-embroidered with icons from the sea. Accenting piping and hidden back zipper complete these accent pillows. Available in the following styles: octopus, sea anemone, sea grass, trochus shell, staghorn coral and a double conch shell pattern. Pillow sizes range from 20" square to 14" x 20" oblong. As always, we prefer to mix and match styles and patterns. Toss a few on your sofa to give your seaside room an updated, yet very classic look.

New Glass Coastal Decor Lamps!!

We are excited about this brand new coastal collection of glass lamps by Regina Andrew. They remind us of sea glass washed upon the shore, which always brings us back to our favorite place . . . the beach. The large glass base gives this lighting choice a cool, light feel in any summer room. Available in perfect Baha Blue, Stardust and Ice Cube! All measuring a substantial 28 1/2" in height with a coordinating neutral 15" diameter shade. The simple lines of this coastal lighting will give your seaside room a contemporary ambiance. Not to mention the feel of sea glass!

Coastal Decor Bakeware - Oven to Table

Okay, I may be slightly obsessed with all things coastal , but . . . we were happy to find this new bakeware collection that will take your best entrees from the oven, right to your seaside table. Available in either a rectangular or square baker, this milk-glazed casserole dish is embellished with starfish. Available in 9 1/4" square and 13 1/4" x 9 1/4" rectangle.

If you need something little more formal at your beach-side gathering, try the aluminum casserole servers from Belaverra available in both 2-quart and 3-quart sizes. Each glass baking dish rests inside an aluminum tray highlighted with seashells. Perfect functional and decorative accessory for your dining table.

I think my lasagne will definitely taste better in one of these coastal decor baking dishes!

Need an Accessory Update??

We have put together a few of our favorite faux shell pieces to accent and update your seaside space. It's easy to add a few new accent pieces to revitalize a tired room. We have just received the replica large clam shell from Regina Andrew and it makes quite a coastal statement. This realistic resin over-sized shell measures 22" x 13". One of these will be heading down to our beach house!

I happen to be partial to sea urchins and our vase comes in two great sizes. A medium accessory at 12" x 12" x 5". My personal favorite is the large version which measures a substantial 15" x 15" x 8". Perfect on a coffee table or shelf.

So your room may need a little sparkle . . . the Regina Andrew antiqued silver replica clam shell comes with four faux shells to arrange as you like. This silver coastal accessory measures 19" x 10" x 4" and comes with a starfish, scallop shell, conch shell and barnacle shell. Just the right about of shine your seaside space may need.

All items are in stock and ready to become part of your decorating!

My Jersey Shore!

Was able to escape down to my favorite beach in the world . . . LBI . . . yes, my Jersey Shore! Snow was piled everywhere and the bay was virtually frozen. I love feeling the changing seasons at the beach. My golden retriever, Sadie was up by 6:30 on Sunday morning, so I bundled up in anticipation of our chilly, windy morning walk. After a rather long, energetic walk, I looked up and saw the colors the sunrise was beginning to offer that morning. Sadie and I headed to the beach . . . it never takes any nudging by me to get her up there . . . she is definitely a beach puppy. We were the only souls on our beach on this cold and windy Sunday. I have begun to carry a small digital camera with me on our walks just in case a photo opportunity arises. Sadie and I climbed through the snow on our beach access walkway and were greeted with the fabulous colors we captured here. No filters on the camera, just the beautiful natural sunrise that was Sunday. Like me, though, Sadie does have trouble leaving the beach!

Boating Anyone???

New nautical inspired throw pillows are arriving at our store, just in time to make you wish summer were a little bit closer! Vibrant shades of blue, red and white will definitely give your space a nautical feel. All are 100% wool and cotton with a coordinating velvet backing and hidden zipper closure. Substantially constructed to hold up to life a the beach! Mix and match the pillows for a casual seaside look. Available in 16" square and our favorite oblong shape. Toss a few onto your sofa for an instant decorating update with lots of bold color. Boating anyone????

Is is Too Soon to Start Thinking About Flip-Flops? Nahhh!

As I sit here watching the snow fall in the Northeast, I am once again missing my summer flip-flops. I am one of those people who wears them well into the fall when there is a chill in the air. I even have trouble now admitting that it is winter and time to wear socks with my flats (that have replaced my flip-flops)! Flip-flops (or at least the idea of them) have been around forever and have evolved from the rubber flats to well, almost every designer you can think of. Just browse through Sak's or Nieman Marcus, and you will find versions of flip-flops well into the couple of hundred dollar range!

I love the image of flip-flops lined up at the entrance to our beach at the Jersey Shore. All colors and sizes resting on the sand next to the dunes. I probably love flip-flops so much because they remind me of my favorite season, summer!

We have added a few flip-flop decorative pillows, rugs and guest towels to bring a fun, whimsical touch to your seaside space! Hurry summer!

Thinking about Summer! Our new beach bag collection from Isola Bella!

These beautiful new hobo beach bags from Isola Bella will make you want to plan a vacation somewhere warm! We love all of the vibrant new colors and patterns all done on perfect linen. Each 18" bag has a self-tie handle that you can raise and lower based upon your day's journey! All bags are hand-printed with earth-friendly inks. Just a picture of these fabulous beach bags makes you think SUMMER!!

Happy Holidays!

Health and happiness in the New Year! Be back soon with some new coastal products to ring in the New Year!!