Beside the Seaside...
Tuesday 1st July 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 The pebbly shores of Suffolk, the great strips of golden sand in Cornwall and Scotland’s rocky coastline, yes Britain is blessed with beautiful beaches. With our island status, it’s no surprise we have a long term love affair with all things seaside so choose from pebble-inspired neutrals and greys, sandy yellows, vivid blues, muted sea greens and whites for fresh nautical inspired interiors.
 A beautiful backdrop is essential and we’ve discovered a stunning range of nautical-styled wallpapers and fabrics at Jill Northam  (pictured left). Inspired by the Suffolk coastline, choose from prints featuring jolly little sailors, sail boats and fish in a pleasing range of colourways.
Ocean-inspired art will help lift any space so whether you’re looking for a tiny piece or a giant canvas, browsing for and buying art online has never been easier; Vera Babb’s photography of Devon and Cornwall makes a fine choice.
 Otherwise, fill your home with your own seaside snaps in simple white wooden frames for a Cape Cod vibe. We’re stocking up at The White Company: hang this (pictuerd right) on the wall or stand on bookcases, console tables and dressers for a more relaxed feel in any room.
 Even if you live in the city, conjure up a little seaside chic with the sand and shells bar table at Redwood Bay (pictured left); just the job for Sunday brunch, a relaxed lunch, morning coffee or afternoon tea.
With drawers for stashing cutlery plus hooks for hanging tea towels or bags, it looks great teamed with high backed wicker bar chairs making it an essential summer piece for any kitchen, sun room or out on the decking.
 While you’re at it, there’s nothing like a fresh seaside breeze to blow away the cobwebs, so prop open your back door and let the outdoors in with the very pleasing rope doorstop (pictured right). During the winter, use in the bathroom or simply place a couple on a mantel or windowsill for an instant nautical accent.
 Something of a one-stop shop for unusual and beautiful nautical-themed furnishings, Interiors@tides is the place to go for bathroom accessories including pebble bathmats, wooden soap dishes and driftwood-trimmed mirrors.
As a small touch, we’re loving their Gone Sailing sign (pictured left) – the most polite way we’ve found of guaranteeing a quiet afternoon.
Another for your favourites, Meg Morton’s nautical collection at Morton Interiors features a range of home accessories including wash bags, trays, peg holders, letter racks and wastepaper baskets. For a child’s bedroom, the little handmade wooden boats, complete with fabric sail and tiny bunting, add irresistible appeal.
 During the summer months, embrace the casual charm of seaside living with white striped rope trimmed Cala d’Hort cushions (pictured right), named after the sunny bay in Ibiza that inspired their design.
Great indoors or out, use as floor cushions for children, comfy padding in a rowing boat or sailing yacht or as a perching place on a wide windowseat.
 And when the summer draws to a close, beat the beach day blues and get saving for next year’s ice creams.
In pretty pastel colours, the beach hut money boxes (pictured left) at New England Lifestyle are the perfect nautical finishing touch, the perfect gift and the perfect place to stash your pennies.
|
