A Chill in the Air

Sunset Magazine

As summer draws to a slow close here in the Northeast, we couldn't help but dream about these wonderful outdoor fireplaces.  We know its "back to school" time when the warm August days bring us cool August evenings on the patio.

Sunset Magazine

An outdoor fireplace can certainly extend the days of summer into fall.

Coastal Living Magazine

Coastal Living Magazine

Sunset Magazine

Coastal Living Magazine

A cool chill in the air, a nice blanket and a glass or two of red wine . .  perfect!  If we could just skip the winter.

Reserve a Room!

House & Home Magazine

Reserve a room!  What a beautiful, peaceful guest cottage enveloped in natural grasscloth and soft linens.  Even if you do not actually have a guest cottage, this room would be very easy to recreate in your space.

Paint your walls with a shade to resemble grasscloth, maybe even a little textured paint.  We love the coral lamp resting on an old tree stump!

Coral Lamp

We might even add a dramatic chandelier . . .

Arterior's Versailles Chandelier

And, no room is complete without some accent pillows . . .

Square Feathers Yellow Pillow

Square Feathers Coral Pillow

Square Feathers Two Button Pillow

Square Feathers Diamond Pillow

A few more accessories . . .

Nautilus Stained Glass

Sea Urchin Vase

Give your guests a room like this, and they may never leave! 

A Taste of the Tropics!

My Home Ideas

A taste of the tropics is elegantly done in this beautifully appointed bedroom.  A simple bamboo bed is embraced by the colorfully island-inspired bedding.  A little blue paint on the walls showcases the subtle green linen curtains. 

Galaxy Star Mirror

 We like the idea of Arterior's Galaxy Mirror against this background. 

Arterior's Millenium Lamp

Arterior's Millenium Lamp at the bedside brings texture and funcationality to your space.

Of course, a few subtle pillow accents are in order!

Capiz Shell Pillow

Square Feathers Three Button Pillow

Sanibel Rope Pillow

And a few coastal accessories . . .

Coastal Orb Bowl

Ribbon Coral Sculpture

A taste of the tropics wherever you may live!

Tropical Hibiscus

For those of us in the Northeast, the arrival of hibiscus plants in our garden centers signals the warm summer ahead. 

The showy flowers on the hibiscus plant only last for one day, opening in the morning and wilting in the afternoon.  Buds do grow quickly and flower constantly.

Hibiscus is native to warm climates and tropical regions and is the primary ingredient in many herbal teas.  It is also used in many cultures for medicinal purposes.

Isola Bella Hibiscus Linen Pillow

Some of the artfully created linens from Isola Bella capture the beauty and vibrant color of the hibiscus flower.

Isola Bella Hibiscus Cocktail Napkins

Isola Bella Hibiscus Guest Towel

Isola Bella Hibiscus Tea Napkins

Toss a hibiscus accent rug onto your floor to add more color.

Hibiscus Throw Rug

The hibiscus flower cannot withstand our harsh winters outdoors.  But each year we look forward to their arrival in our nurseries and appreciate their short but beautiful season here.

Hit the Showers!

Coastal Living Magazine

Coastal Living Magazine

 Outdoor showers are a staple at our Jersey Shore.  Every home is equipped with a spot to shower off the buckets of sand we trek home each day.  Some showers are just that, a space to quickly rinse off sand and saltwater.  Others, however, are elaborate and fully-functional showers that just happen to be open to nature!

Coastal Living Magazine

Coastal Living Magazine

Equipping your outdoor shower with all the necessary items encourages its use.  Stock your space with towels and bathing supplies to keep everything close at hand for your guests.  A small dressing area with a mirror is a great idea if your space allows.

Coastal Living Magazine

Desgin Ideas

Coastal Living Magazine

 Now, to decorate your space.  In our outdoor shower, we have added a few fun wooden mermaid plaques (that we have varnished for protection) . . .

Mermaid Wooden Plaque Set

How about a set of seahorses, or a Cape-Cod style whale?

Seahorse Plaque Set

Cape Code Whale

Add a mirror if your space allows . . .

Rectangular Shell Mirror

A mildew-resistant shower curtain can separate your dressing space and also give your shower a pop of color.

Magnolia Casuals Shower Curtain

And there is nothing like some absorbent, white seashell towels to await your guests.

Seashell Bath Towel Set

Definitely some hooks to hold towels and bathing suits!

Nautical Anchor Wall Hook

Mermaid Hook

Vixen Hill

Beyond their practicality there's just something about showering under the open sky!

Shutters By the Sea!

Coastal Living Magazine

There is just something about shutters by the ocean.  Whether made of wood for natural appeal, or painted bright Caribbean sea colors, they are both functional and can truly make a decorating statement.

My Home Ideas

Coastal Living Magazine

 In warm climates where curtains may be unnecessary and not a decorating staple your space calls for, plantation shutters may be perfect.  They can help direct sunlight away from your furniture to prevent fading of fabrics.

Coastal Living Magazine

Exterior wood shutters offer strength and insulating abilities for protection from the heat.  Vacation homes often use working exterior shutters that can be closed when the home is not in use.

Coastal Living Magazine

This just happens to be the perfect backdrop for weathered wood shutters.

Coastal Living Magazine

Coastal Living Magazine

And, shutter furniture choices are bountiful. 

Sunset Magazine

Restoration Hardware

Stanley Coastal Living Resort Bed

Seabrook Classics

And while we are on the subject of shutters, this is definitely one of the places on my must see list:

Shutters on the Beach