Cape Cod Meets West Indies

Described as "Cape Cod meets West Indies", another fabulous project by one of my favourite design companies.

Coastal Sophistication in South Carolina

"Casual and sophisticated, modern and timeless, serene but colourful" is how the designer describes this relaxed, South Carolina home.

Cape Cod, the Perfect Style for a Beach Location

Cape Cod is a fabulous look for a coastal home and although this home may not be big in size it definitely makes up for it in style.

How Coastal is done in Florida

When I think of Florida, I can't help but think "Miami 5-O" and slick apartments but Florida also has traditional homes and cottages such as this beach front cottage in Boca Raton.

A Designer's Magic Touch For a New England Coastal Home - Part 1

Today's blog post features another Lisa Tharp design, showcasing a beautifully renovated salt box home. Lisa believes, "the quality of our surroundings and our actual quality of life are inextricably linked", I myself am a huge believer in this and one of the main reasons I am so passionate about design. 

Coastal Blue and White

Love coastal, love blue and white, then your going to love this post...

Coastal Style on Lido Island

Three of my favourite things, Blackband design, blue and white and coastal style, add them together and you have a beautifully designed coastal interior. 

Beautiful Hamptons Beach House - Part Two

Earlier this week I shared the most gorgeous Hamptons beach house, there were so many images, I didn't get a chance to post all of them, however, I promised I would feature part two later in the week, so here it is...

Beautiful Hamptons Beach House - Part One

This stunning home epitomises all that a beach house should be with its calm, coastal appeal, yet at the same time it feels sophisticated and its light filled, organic aura must welcome all that visit her. Of course, little coastal touches have been included but far from overdone, this beautiful home is a long way from the humble kiwi beach bach.

An English Coastal Cottage in Beaulieu

 symmetry is perfect for an entrance, it creates a sense of balance and is the perfect introduction 

Most coastal homes featured on my blog are usually Hamptons style and located in the USA, however, today I wanted to share an English coastal home. British interior designers tend to be more traditional than US designers and in this particular case, as this home's location to seaside and countryside go hand in hand, the designer has blended country and coastal and a smidgen of France for a more traditional look.

A Coastal Retreat by Digs Design Company

Living by the coast is a must for me, I might be able to swap it for the country if I had acres and a horse, but being able to walk my little dog along the beach in the morning on a sunny day can make all your troubles seem small. I believe in extending this feeling to your home, whether you live by the beach or a million miles away and I don't mean filling your house with little wooden yachts, anchors and such, just contrasting blue and white in different shades, introducing natural textures against a fresh, neutral background that may fool you into feeling your on a constant holiday. This Newport retreat has it all and I know you will find plenty to inspire.

Tips on Choosing Art for a Coastal Inspired or Hamptons Interior

Photo by Blackband Design - I chose this image of water because of the restful movement and colours. This art would also work well in a bedroom because of its almost hypnotic effect

Choosing artwork can be quite a challenge regardless of your home's style, have you ever taken a piece of art home to find it doesn't suit its surroundings, it's a very disappointing feeling as art is not just visual, it can be quite an expensive investment. If you have a neutral, Hamptons style home, when it comes to art, the world is your oyster as long as you remember a few important points.

Spaces to Love - Restful Living Spaces

1. Rugs can bring life to a neutral space and less than perfect linens offer a relaxed feel. You can view more of this fabulous home at Studio McGee

Sorry I have had the blog on the back burner yet again dealing with health issues (my dry eyes), however, I have managed to put together a post on 'Spaces to Love', focusing on living areas that speak to my design desires.

A Coastal Style in Martha's Vineyard

I have no idea where the notion I had of Martha's Vineyard being a suburb in New England owned by the said, 'Martha Stewart', came from, it is most definitely an Urban myth. Put it down to the fact that I am a Kiwi on the other side of the world and forgive my previous ignorance. Once I began blogging about interior design I quickly learn't that Martha's Vineyard is a small island located South of Cape Cod, and not named after Martha. Regardless, I knew this area had some lovely homes, so I wanted to share one today.

A Coastal Touch by Molly Frey Design

I love the rustic touches Molly Frey has incorporated into this newly constructed beach house. Traditional style architecture gives this home a timeless feel, and Molly's interior design is a welcoming addition.

Update on my Beach House- The Feature Fireplace

Recently I shared the progress of my beach house, this week it's about the fireplace. I have a thing about fireplaces, my very first home didn't have one and I felt like something was missing. Every home I have lived in since has had a fireplace so it was natural that I would want to make a feature fireplace at the beach house.

Blue or Beige? Two Coastal Looks from Lisa Gabrielson Design

 Lisa Gabrielson Design

Sorry for my absence the last couple of weeks, my hand is now healing and I am back in full force. I wanted to start the week with two gorgeous interiors. Neutral, sandy tones are restful and beachy, however, if you want more contrast, or to add some 'punch', navy and white is the way to go. Two different looks from the same great designer...

Burnham Design Part Two - Last Year's Coastal Living Show House

Part two of last year's Coastal Living Showhouse in Coronado by interior designers, Burnham Design.

HGTV Fresh Faces of Design 2015 - Nominated Master Bedroom from Blackband Design

I was excited to recently discover my favourite US Designers, Blackband Design were nominated for HGTV Fresh Faces of Design 2015 in the Master Bedroom category for this Bayshore project.

Florida Beach Side - Interior Design by Tweak Your Space

Above: Exterior shingles add texture and interest to this fireplace wall

A newly built home can still have character and flair and this Florida home has plenty of both in it's architecture and relaxed, beach style interior.