We’ve been back from the beach for two weeks, but it seems like ages.
People keep saying things like, “It’s as warm as Florida here!” And it is. And I don’t want to sound contrary, but there’s no ocean here. It’s lovely, but not quite the same.
On the last day of our vacation I received an email from a friend who was jetting off to Japan. “I am too tan and too blonde,” I told him. (I cannot say “no” to the sun.) He shot back, “Wear blue – it fixes everything.” I did, and he was right.
If cerulean shades are helping, so too is Rooms to Inspire by the Sea. The books in the Rooms to Inspire series are personal favorites, and I think will prove themselves to be classics. This particular edition is near and dear as I find beach houses irresistibly appealing.
You will find some favorites (of mine if not of yours): Peter Dunham for Susan and Spencer Croul, India Hicks and David Flint Wood and Tom Scheerer. There are homes you might not have seen such as John Derian’s in Cape Cod, which I think was featured in World of Interiors and Olivier and Zoe de Givenchy. You can see more here and Courtney Barnes has given the book nice attention on Style Court here.
All images Tim Street-Porter. The homes featured are, from top India Hicks and David Flint Wood (both the first and the second,) Richard Shapiro and the final two Dunham.
Funny, I have the high gloss paint in a beautiful shade of blue all ready to paint my daughter's room…..she wanted the shade of the ocean….and that is exactly what she will be getting.
pve
I love beach houses and have been craving a little sea-side time myself. I spend a lot of my time planning vacation..I have 3 different beachy options prepared for this year. Just in case.
Patricia these scenes just take me away. Soothing, calming and relaxing. The book looks wonderful.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love this charming space. It must have provided a lot of serenity.
Patricia
I love the beach cottage photos.
Please look at India Hicks blog she often has random photos of her "yard" and home.
Thank you for all your writings from a devoted long time fan!
This post makes me want to travel–love the moody photo with the varied antique ticking upholstery. No fuss at all. Have a wonderful Easter week. Mary
It funny that you posted this as blue has just recently become my color passion. It is lovely with pale creams, a touch of soft red and taupe/brown. For some reason, I feel I need the energy it exudes.
Rooms to Inspire arrived in my favourite bookstore today – living north of the border requires some patience. Fabulous photographs of inspired spaces – each space different but indeed inspired by the sea. Thank you for pointing it out!
p.s. did your wiry muse choose a name?