It is possible to upgrade a beach cottage, without doing a major interior renovation or a full exterior remodeling job. Just add some classic touches that will fit in well with life at the shore. With these additions, we hope beach life will be even more enjoyable for you as you make the place your own.
Here are a few unique upscale ideas that would get on well with life at the shore:
- Faucets and handles by P.E. Guerin. They make gold ones in the shape of mermaids, fish, koi, and starfish.What could be more fun than that!
- Hunter Douglas shades in the Vignette pattern. These look just like soft driftwood or silk grain.
- Whatever brings you happiness, by all means include this object in your decor. If you collect funky banana fruit stickers for different countries, go for it. Your second home is supposed to reflect who you are, and it should by all means make you happy when you walk into the door to enjoy a break from your otherwise stressful life and careers.
- Hard wood flooring by the firm BR111. Let’s face it, the beach is no place for carpet. The humidity of a coastal environment alone would make the bottom of carpet turn moldy. Stick with something natural like wood or natural straw mats.
- Kitchen cabinets by Peacock Home and the Christopher Peacock brand. The beautiful simplicity of a tasteful white cabinet is perfect for a home at the coast.
- White, blue, and red are patriotic colors, and are tried and true choices for waterside homes.
- Look to normalize your indoor climate easily with a Mitsubishi heating and cooling unit. They are small and easy for both your electrician and HVAC specialist to install.
- Don’t forget small appliances like the Keurig iced coffee maker. Particularly if your place is sometimes used as a rental, discerning vacationers will be snooping around soon after arrival to see if you have all the high class touches that they have come to expect.
- Nautical decor can be overdone, but if you can find unique antique items with high architectural style (like a ships steering wheel), they can be a winner.
- Look at your favorite hotels like the Aston, Fairmont, and four Seasons for what touches you yourself appreciate when traveling, and then be sure to add them for your guests.
- The navy and white rug by Dash and Albert can be used indoors or outdoors. The striped pattern is strong and elegant.
- Giati has textiles which are guaranteed, weather resistant, and also resist fading. Sounds like a fabric choice suited to the elements at the beach.
- We think of the Stark brand for furniture and such, but their wallpaper selections and paint might be something you should take a look at. Sand and surf colors might be perfect.
- If your full-time home is a bit on the stodgy side, and you want to let go with mega whimsy for your vacation home, Duralee is a wild and crazy brand with bright colors and patterns. they are not for everyone, but if you want a cheerful environment, this may be right for you. Consult with your interior designer.
Whether you are in the early stages of recovering yourself or looking for a full and total makeover, don’t get discouraged and stop. Keep on continuing and keeping on. There is always hope at the beach.