Beachside Cottage

A hectic workweek is reason enough to want a relaxing weekend cottage. But when the cottage is as beautiful as this one, a weekend visit just isn't enough -- the serenity of a beach house should be a weeklong, year-round event!

A passion for antiquing and furnishings that live up to a "recycle and restore" mantra give this home an unexpected whimsy in the form of a mantel serving as a headboard, a piano bench under cover as a coffee table, and a shower curtain reborn as a window treatment.

Coating the walls with a soft sea blue brings the fabulous view indoors, punctuated by a combination of soft whites for a weathered look.

 

To achieve the "shabby chic cottage" look embodied by this dining room set, the piece must have a dark base color, so after painting it white and sanding or scratching it, the original color peeks through. A crackling glaze could also be used.

A classic chandelier gets relaxed by the addition of a basket filled with shells; the creamy white color and glass beads keep the look feminine.

 

The master bedroom at a seaside cottage should be the most peaceful spot and this room proves it with volumes of crisp, white bedding and vintage toile de Jouy inserts in the repainted headboard.

An old iron grid provides a backdrop to the painted wicker nightstand accented with coral and shells picked up during a slow walk on the beach.

 

A lunch spot set up on the porch takes full advantage of the amazing view. A crusty old bench provides seating on one side, and simple wooden folding chairs are pulled up to the other. Vintage ticking serves as a casual tablecloth.