Summer is officially Here

I have been working on our beachtown home, which won't be complete for a long time. From time to time I will post on a room or a small space, but I wanted to share with you a few rooms I found that are just awesome for a beach vibe inspiration.
Although they each have a different look, they all create a styled yet comfy, calm, kick your feet up and have a great time feel. Always what I try to accomplish in a room.

 This photo is fromCallingithome.com, the ceiling is a nice addition to a room decorated so perfectly for TV watching as well as conversation. I like how the two wicker chairs are positioned in the room and can be moved elseware as needed for audio all seating. Lots of texture with the wood, glass, and wicker.

This photo is courtesy ofBeachblissliving.com,and it caught my eye because I have a weakness for crystals. So inviting.

This room was featured on Homedit.com I also showcased it on my Instagram yesterday. So much to look at for inspiration. Love the fringe on the cushions, the piece above the sofa, and the whitewashed piece to the right. I have a similar piece of furniture that was dark wood colored n I painted it a blue/green but I may have to try that finish on it.

I stumbled upon these photos from a blog written by a mother and daughter duo, My design chic.com. I want to sit down with a cup of coffee and just Linger in this kitchen. The natural wood ceiling is such a highlight to the room. Love the breakfast eating area and the use of darker wood on the floors. 

Happy Summertime Everyone.

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Bamboo for Summer 2015 and Beyond

Bamboo is everywhere in right now. I really love the look.
A little history about Bamboo. It is the symbol of Intergrity, I thought that was interesting. China is the top producer of bamboo in the world. It is a material that is resistant to stretching and can support weight of more than twice that of other woods.
Ok, enough of that..Lets look at some pretty bamboo inspired items for our homes.

Bamboo on the table adds texture and style

Williams-Sonoma Home

Spray paint your bamboo for an updated look

Pretty bamboo shelving

Monogramming can be bamboo inspired from Emily mccarthy

How about a bamboo ladder for the bath

Gold is hot for a bamboo chair from 1st dibs

Function Part 2

Here is an added function. By placing a floor lamp behind the chair you create a reading area, cozy spot.

Decide on what you want the space to do, and the design ideas will follow!

Function and Purpose are Key

Many times I am asked how to make a small update to add something interesting and new. The key is really simple. Just think about what the function is, and it will guide you in the right direction.
For example, I have these wicker chairs that look tired and sorry.
I thought about the function. I want them to be comfortable and inviting to anyone who takes a seat in them. I replaced the seat cushions with new, fluffy ones. I also added really soft pillows to the back of the chair. They can be adjusted and removed if someone doesn't like the pillow. I also added a pouf so you can put your feet up. It's a simple update that's functional and fabulous.

Chairs, cushions, and pillow Pier One. The pouf is from Home Goods

Enjoy the Weekend!

FINALLY!

I have been on a search for the perfect, thin, but unique console table for my entryway. I mean I have been looking since last year. I didn't want to spend a fortune, but wanted it to be just the right table.
I found the perfect table at Sailor Trading Company. It is a local shop in Sea Girt, nj, monmouth county. They have the most awesome, one of a kind consigned home items. They also carry new items for sale, too. They are on facebook, and often post the latest items to come into the shop. The customer service is great.

 This is the table, in the foyer area. The mirror is from when I sold Southern Living At Home products. It goes well with the gray wall color and the chunky candle stick. The candlesticks and
ceramic fish are from Garrret, Manasquan, nj. They are a great home goods shop to visit when you are in Manasquan, or the local area.

This hefty sized container is a new item that Sailor Trading Company had in their store. I originally thought to put a big candle in it, but flowers are a great choice as well. 

Stella is enjoying the pillow, as much as I do.

Had to include one more of her sneaking under the sheets after I made my bed. 

Love These Designers

To continue my conversation about the amazing designers who were working on the Stately Homes by the Sea designer Home Tour, I would like to mention a woman who has designed some amazing rooms.
Amanda Haytaian, from House of Cline, designs beautiful kitchens, baths, and closets. She has won Best of Houzz awards among many published articles in various magazines. Her site is Ahaytaian.houzz.com. She is based out of Little Silver.

Gorgeous kitchen with no upper cabinets, so you can enjoy the views.

Bathroom and closets, oh my!

Shower outside

Memorial Day is nearing and that means warmer weather for the Jersey Shore. Warmer weather means everyone is heading to their beach or Lake homes. So many have outdoor showers. Wanted to share some pretty ones I have come across.

 This photo, courtesy of, Crossover design.com. The shower was built around the tree. Love that natural element. The shower head is awesome.

Love this one with a built in seat and the ladder outside can hold wet towels or bathing suits. 

This shower is courtesy of Coastal living magazine. Love the tile accent. This space as everything. The garden stool is a must for holding essentials. The wood mat is great to have a place to stand that is elevated from the running water. 

A few things I found:

Potterybarn beach towels, so cute, comes in few different designs

Serena and Lily.com has these square stools. They will hold up outside. 195.00 each.

Make sure you stock your outdoor shower with supplies for your guests. I always shop in Bath and Body works, they have a great assortment of these products for guys and girls. Sometimes they offer coupons for free items. Of course, always scrub down the shower area. I prefer Method products.