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Decorate with Seashells

Even when you're far from the coast, rooms decorated with seashells will take you back to the beach.



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Tabletop Beach

    To show off a shapely shell, pour sand into a glass cylinder vase. Arrange the conch to call attention to its natural beauty. Stand the vase on its own or rest another shell or two against the base.

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Star Shower

    For an ocean-fresh splash in the tub, string denizens of the sea along your shower curtain. Nab shells from a beach vacation or purchase some from a crafts store. Drill a small hole in the starfish (no need to drill holes in the sand dollars -- they have one), string them on cotton cording, and loop the cording through the shower rings. You can also hang individual shells from lengths of twine or ribbon.

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Shell Bowl

    This is a pretty way to display large shells in a bathroom. One bowl-shaped shell is filled with a variety of shells and soaps, then topped with a pretty starfish.

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Beach Side Table

    This bamboo end table takes a cue from its surroundings to turn an elegant display into something a little more fitting for the beach.

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Shells On Display

    Large shells, individually displayed, are as attractive as fine sculpture. Look for perfect pieces that will sit flat or be propped up on a stand or pedestal.

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Seaside Elegance

    If you want to add a subtle touch of the ocean to the bathroom, shells are the perfect accessory. This bowl of pretty neutral shells displayed on the bathroom's exposed shelf looks simple, classic, and clean.

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Worth Framing

    Art featuring different types of shells decorates a wall in this bathroom. The collages of six prints framed in black stand out against the blue walls and are beautifully lit by a decorative sconce.

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Shell Basket

    Decorative bowls are often used for storage, display, or a unique room accent. Here, a large shell sits in place of a typical bowl in this cute beach-themed display. Large shells are great for displaying mixed fruits, potpourri, or smaller shells.

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Mantel Shells

    A mantel laden with shells brings a few nautical touches into this family room. Adorning a fireplace mantel with your favorite shells is a great way to infuse something personal into your space.

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A Textural Display

    Shells appear in a wide range of neutral tones including white, beige, tan, and brown. Display their variety in an arrangement like this one -- piled high with texture and interest in clear glass vases.

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Ocean Breeze

    Seaside style can be accomplished in any room with any accessory. Here, a cafe curtain inspired by the sea receives a simple embellishment: shells. To create this look in your own home, simply find a cafe curtain that fits your window and adhere flat-surfaced shells with fabric glue

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Shell Chic

    With its subtle variety of hues and textures, an arrangement of shells, pottery, and a Victorian bust makes this table a centerpiece in the room.

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All Shelled Out

    Using shells for craft projects is a beautiful way to add seashell style into your life. Here, shell-encrusted pieces steal the spotlight in this dramatic hallway display.

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By the Sea

    This display drew its inspiration from the soothing array of natural pieces and the serene color palette of sky, sand, and water of the beach.

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Nautical Decor

    If you live by the ocean or just enjoy going to the beach, then decorating with nautical accessories may be your style. This wallpapered dresser is topped off with a bowl of shells that will remind you and your guests of the sea.

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Sea Memories

    Wonder what to do with all the little shells you have found washed up on the shore? Collect the small beauties and glue them around a frame for a quick and easy beachy accessory.

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Shelf Shells

    This bookcase is an ode to shell collecting! White shells look stunning set against the gray backdrop while blue hardback books provide a colorful contrast.

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Reflections of the Coast

    The cool sparkle of a mirror is a natural complement to the gentle colors and shapes of common shells. When the shells are layered, they bring to mind buckets of treasures gathered on a warm summer day.

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Gone Shelling

    This home captures the essence of the beach in a nontraditional spot. Conch shells line these stairs, giving family members a place to show off their favorite shell treasures.

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Shell Setting

    A centerpiece of mixed shells gives this colorful summer table a pleasant seaside ambience.

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Comments (4)
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sue sparks wrote:

I love the seashell looks....however, I have a house on a Mt. lake, and this just wouldn't fit in. We see beach ideas all the time...how about some Mt. house ideas??

6/22/2011 10:27:20 AM Report Abuse
lyonefein wrote:

When I read the headline I expected a bunch of ugly gaudy camp-craft projects. But these pictures are really gorgeous! Well done BH! Large and WHITE is definitely the way to go with this concept. Thank you for this insight.

6/1/2011 10:53:42 AM Report Abuse
jacki3108717 wrote:

I, too, have the same vase full of shells in my bathroom... along with a hand-written note from my adult son, tied up with a piece of string, reminiscing our happy times strolling along the beach picking up a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Some of the shells were collected by my mother, who has passed, so to me -- it is a happy link between our generations!

7/21/2010 07:47:15 PM Report Abuse
sprince2367475 wrote:

I have the exact large clear vase as shown on the far right in slide #10 and display my collection of favorite shells the same way. Makes a beautiful organic statement.

7/21/2010 09:14:21 AM Report Abuse
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