Monday, March 10, 2014

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!


Turquoise Beach house
White Beach House
Weathered Beach House
Stately Beach house



Beach house cedar shake siding

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

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be a victim of this sentiment: "We went on vacation there every year for YEARS but at some point it started to look outdated and it didn't feel like a nice vacation home anymore."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!

beach home

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Modern Beach Houses with Water Views

Old Man Winter has been really hard on us here in the Midwest. Thanks to Houzz.com, there's always a place to which we can escape the cold. Today, I am featuring modern and contemporary homes, because the cabin fever that I'm feeling has me in need of this uncluttered, minimalistic style. I don't think I need to explain the ocean views. That is medicine for the soul ...

Stay warm, America! Can't last forever!

~Natalee

Modern Beach House Ocean Views
Modern Beach House Ocean Views
Modern Beach House Ocean Views
Modern Beach House Ocean Views
Modern Beach House Ocean Views

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

5 Ways to a Beach House Entryway


I often point out that you don't need to live on a beach to have that beautiful beach home look, and there is no better way to send that message to your guests and family to that welcoming feeling of a beach home than by introducing it to them the minute they walk in the door. Friends meet the beach house entryway. Beach house entryway, welcome our guests.

And if you think there's only one way to do it, you're wrong. Check out this modern entryway with juuuust enough of a personality.


Modern beach house entryway
Source


I'm feeling the Hamptons on this one. I don't know how I would feel living with an all-glass front door, but I certainly love the look of it. Maybe they have a gated property and it doesn't matter!


Hamptons Beach house entry way
Source

Now in my house these pillows would stay on this bench only for a few seconds every day, but I think I would still put them on just to get that 60 seconds of pleasure everyday.  And I would stop in to look at it often because the color of the wall alone would make me smile.


Playful, colorful entryway



More stripes and black and white stairs , but the accessories tone down the formality of the space. They look as though they have been relaxing on the beach themselves for at least a decade.


Transitional beach house entryway
Source

Have a spare closet? You can still use the space to capture that carefree, fun-in-the-sun feeling of beach town living. Love those pillows? Check these out!


Small beach house entryway
Source

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2014

Benjamin Moore announced its 2014 Color of the Year: Breath of Fresh Air. It is, in a phrase, the color of the ocean.

The ocean never goes out of style on your walls, in your clothes, and in your home decor. Here are some rooms that have used a color that evokes the same feeling as Breath of Fresh Air. Smell the salty air and listen for the seagulls.


Breath of Fresh Air paint Benjamin Moore
Source:unknown

It can be simple.

Benjamin Moore Paint color of the year 2014
BenjaminMoore.com


It can be elegant.

Breath of Fresh Air Paint bathroom
Source

It can change with the lighting available to it, but it is always beautiful.




Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air Paint
craftynest.com

And it can be used in ANY room.



Breath of fresh air paint in office


Will you be using this paint color this year?

Check out these products from StylishBeachHome.com that would look great in any room with this paint color on the walls:

Tall barnacle vase
Tall Barnacle Vase


Glass float from Aruba
Vintage Glass Float - Aruba


Cucumber kitchen towel
Cucumber Kitchen Towel

Buoy ottoman
Harborside Buoy Ottoman

Monday, December 30, 2013

4 New Year's Eve Parties on the Beach

Whether you are seriously looking, or just curious, you will enjoy these 4 unique NYE events on a beach.


Panama City Beach, FL - On the boardwalk

Best features:

  • Family friendly ball drop
  • Fireworks
  • Free

NYE Parties

Here's where it is.
http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/includes/calendar-of-events/New-Year-s-Eve-Beach-Ball-Drop/17411/



Long Beach, CA - Cruise on the Queen Mary

Best features:

  • Henna tattoos to commemorate the event
  • See the Rockettes
  • Tour the Moulin Rouge

NYE Parties

Here's where it is:
http://www.queenmary.com/events/new-years-eve.php



St. Augustine, FL - Masquerade and Costume Event

Best features:

  • Cocktails at an outside bar on the beach
  • Impressive costume party where members "dress to impress"
  • "Instructions for the evening's festivities" - sounds like a mystery to me!

NYE Parties on beach

Here's where it is:
http://www.thestandardfl.com/event/197817-masquerade-new-years-eve-st-augustine/



Mt. Pleasant, SC - Air Craft Carrier Ball Drop

Best features:

  • You are on an air craft carrier for your party!!
  • Live entertainment on 3 different stages
  • Dress up opportunity!

NYE parties on beach

Here's where it is:

http://yorktowncountdown.com/#prettyPhoto