Patio Pick-me-up

Spring is here in some parts of the country, and you might find that last year's patio furniture is in need of a new, fresh piece of bling.

Here are some of my faves from StylishBeachHome's extensive collection of outdoor furniture pillows.

Blue and Orange Pillows

Coral Print Pillows

Large Red Floral Pillows

Teal Blue Chevron and Damask Pillows

Orange and Lime Floral Pillow

Orange and Grey Suzani Pillows

Casual Beach Cottage

If the formal room is not your thing, then Beach Cottage Casual is a great way to decorate your home. Nothing stuffy here! Just  an inviting, well-lit room that offers you a place to relax and entertain.

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One of the details I'd like to draw your attention to is the awesome art gallery wall. Collect some paintings, porthole mirrors, and letters, and you've got something stunning and unique.

If you want to recreate this look, take a look at these items at StylishBeachHome.com

Seville White Garden Stool

Tripod Table Lamp

Vintage Glass Float

Blue Fish Coral Pillow

Beach House Exteriors - Bright and Bold Colors

Wake up, Sunshine! Regardless of what your weather brings you, it's bright and bold in here!

Colorful beach homes are fun to look at. They lift your spirits and radiate a warmth to your soul. They can get away with colors that the rest of the world's houses can only dream of.

We love them for their bold mission to root out boredom in beach house design!

Tropical Exterior by Jacksonville General Contractors Lendry Homes

Eclectic Exterior by Chicago Photographers Louise Lakier

Modern Exterior by Houston Architects & Designers Intexure Architects

Modern Exterior by Seattle Architects & Designers Castanes Architects PS

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Fill your vacation home bookings!

If you own a investment vacation home in Florida, Hilton Head, or some other coastal vacation spot, you are probably taking a serious look at your availability calendar right about now. By this time most vacationers have long since booked with their "usual place," and you are down to those who are looking for a change or who have decided on a whim to take a vacation this spring break or summer. This is the perfect opportunity for you to win over some new folks. Here are a few things you can do to woo your new "regular."

1. Refresh your the space

Giving your investment vacation home a fresh look can fit into any budget you set. Depending on your needs, you could go simple and replace some lamps and rugs, or you could go all out and really give your beach house a makeover. You don't have to go for the whole thing ... just a few changes like these owners made can create a huge difference!

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2. Stage it for vacationers

Take a page from the book of professional Realtors, who have long known the benefits of staging a home for selling. Some of the pre-work associated with the staging is perhaps the most beneficial: decluttering, deep cleaning, and adding light to the space. Just because you're not selling doesn't mean you aren't "selling" your home ... your customer is simply purchasing your home for a shorter period of time. Check out this link for a list of benefits to staging your home.

3. Update photos on your websites

Take a good, hard look at how you advertise your beach home. Many, many vacation rental websites have outdated software and photos, and they may be a reflection on your beach rental. At least update them with larger, hi resolution depictions of a vacation home (your vacation home) that will promise them a stay in a freshly updated home that will truly feel like the luxury vacation home they are searching for.

Beach House Exteriors in Muted Colors

It's not uncommon to see beach homes in bright, dazzling colors, (That's my next post!) standing flirtatiously in the sand beckoning you to come hither, margarita in hand.

But today I am featuring those vivacious beach homes' older, more respected sister. ; )

 Look at these graceful, serene beach home exteriors that breathe peace and tranquility even in just a 2-dimensional photo. Pay attention to the colors, textures and geography of these beach homes. Big and small, fancy and simple, there's something for everyone!

Traditional Exterior by Charlotte Architects & Designers Don Duffy Architecture

Beach Style Exterior by Newport Beach Architects & Designers William Guidero Planning and Design

Rustic Exterior by South Deerfield Architects & Designers Habitat Post & Beam, Inc.

Beach Style Exterior by Santa Rosa Beach Architects & Designers Geoff Chick & Associates

Traditional Exterior by Wilmington Architects & Designers Lisle Architecture & Design

Cozy Cottages with an Ocean View

Sit back and enjoy this little tour of beach cottages that know how to drape a blanket across your shoulders and put a cup of tea in your hand as you enjoy the mist off the ocean views that greet you.

Traditional Home Office by Boston Architects & Designers Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

Beach mansions? Sure we love them. But cottages will always win the prize for charm and comfort.

Traditional Bedroom by Chatham Architects & Designers Polhemus Savery DaSilva

For those who love the simple things in life ...

Traditional Porch by Portland Photographers Philip Clayton-Thompson

Beach cottage exteriors to beach cottage bedrooms ... we love every square inch.

Traditional Exterior by Bend Architects & Designers Christian Gladu Design

Beach Style Bedroom by Woodinville Architects & Designers eric gedney | ARCHITECT

Beach Style Bedroom by Holden General Contractors Woodmeister Master Builders

Farmhouse Exterior by Lexington Design-Build Firms Feinmann, Inc.

Rustic Bedroom by The Woodlands Architects & Designers JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Getting Your Beach Home Ready for the Vacation Season

While most of the Midwest and even the south are still dealing with this crazy cold winter, it is nevertheless time to start thinking of spring, and vacation season. If you own an investment beach property, you are gearing up for getting the most bang for your buck from this time of year, often the most popular time for families to go on vacation. This time of year might very well pay the mortgage during the slow time, so there no time like the present to "make hay while the sun shines."

It's also the perfect time to make a few updates to your beach home to draw new groups and give your returning guests something of a boost. It's important that your guests know that they can return to their comfort zone year after year, and feel that their memories will be made in a space that continues to reflect the current times and growing of their families. Let's face it, these groups that re-book with you each year are your bread and butter. Keep them happy. Don't be a victim of this sentiment: "We went on vacation there every year for YEARS but at some point it started to look outdated and it didn't feel like a nice vacation home anymore."

Even as you read this article, you probably have a room or two in mind for updating. Do two rooms a year until you've gotten the place up to your standards. As for the other rooms, give them a boost with new towels or linens, a piece of art or a well placed rug. Whatever you do, don't let tour investment become obsolete!