Today, I’m headed to Southern California to visit my BFF Carrie who lives in this adorable beach (it’s NOT LA!!) town just south of LA called Manhattan Beach. She recently renovated her house adding a second floor–in this beautiful area where beach bungalows are side by side on tight lots, there’s really only one way to get more room and that’s go up! I’m excited to see the final result and kick around decorating ideas with her.
Carrie loves a casual, California beach style with a cool, soft palette, natural fibers and easy, durable surfaces (two kids with sandy feet are not for grand marble entrances!) so we’ve been searching for inspiration for her decor. In our search, we came across WaterLeaf Interiors, a design duo that really embraces this coastal style. They have a shop in downtown MB so I’m looking forward to checking it out!
I so want grasscloth wallpaper in my office and that chair is the perfect juxtaposition to the simplicity of the rest of the room…
- Waterleaf Interiors
BTW, if you love the coral prints in the picture above, be sure to sign up for One King’s Lane Sales–they’re often on there. In fact, Amy has a couple in her dining room that she got on OKL in beautiful silvery bamboo frames.
I love the fun chandelier used in this eating area. If you don’t live by the water and feel like coral might be overkill, but want a similar feel, I’d recommend a faux bamboo Pagoda chandelier. I’m coveting one for over the tub in my master bathroom and often check on ebay for ones like this one.
I love the composition of these entry consoles
- Waterleaf Interiors
This might be one of my favorite kids’ rooms. I love the practical use of space with the beds and the fact this room could grow with the children.
LOVE the John Robshaw shams on the bed below! This room is a great example of how we shouldn’t be afraid to mix patterns. Keep the colors consistent and different patterns will look great and add interest to your room.
Like this coastal look? Consider bringing in things like casual fabric or bamboo roman shades, cane furniture and a neutral wall color with pops of color in furniture and fabrics. Overstock.com is a great place to buy very affordable bamboo roman shades–I’ve bought from there a number of times, but just remember, you get what you pay for so don’t expect custom blinds for the price of a discount store! Ebay and Craig’s List are excellent resources for furniture. I found these chairs on Chicago’s Craig’s List–sprayed white or glossy black and recovered in a bright pattern, they’d fit right into the coastal style living room.
And remember, while accessories such as coral and shells are an easy way to achieve a beachy look and are readily available at chains like Pottery Barn and HomeGoods, make sure you don’t overdue it! Ok, I’m off to the beach!
