Coastal Inspirations from Nantucket

Sconset Lighthouse

This summer my family headed north for cooler temps and New England charm to the historic island of Nantucket.  A favorite getaway of my NYC-based sister and her husband, Nantucket provided our family of six the perfect escape from the oppressive Southern heat at the end of July.

From long bike rides and afternoon sails to perusing the fresh produce at Bartlett's Farm and enjoying a sun downer at The Straight Warf, we spent seven glorious days of R&R in a cottage on the beach in Wauwinet.  With my style compass set for my new home's decor:  Coastal Cottage meets Classic French Country with a touch of Parisian Chic (Emily Henderson of HGTV's style diagnostic would surely peg Jeff as "Coastal Cottage" and me as "French Country"), I found a lot of inspiration while on the island.

Summer Bluff cottage in Sconset

Nantucket is a treasure trove of classic New England coastal style from the antique and furnishings shops downtown to the private homes in my favorite neighborhood of Sconset.  Here are a few pictures from my decorating scrapbook which will surely have you dreaming of a Labor Day vacation--Nantucket style.

I would love a wrap around porch like this someday

I loved this classic cane chair in a white wash--
very Coastal style meets French design

luxurious cashmere throws to bundle up on cool Nantucket nights

what says "coastal" more than a coral based lamp?

I like this tufted "apartment sofa" with coral motif pillows

Jeff and I were both in love with these fish prints created in a style called
gyotaku which is Japanese art of imprinting fish

This is the shape and grommet edging of a headboard I'd
like for our master bed once we upgrade to a king

Fun yellow statement chair for a family room or kids room

The sunset on our last night from Waiwinet, the perfect ending
to a wonderful week on the island

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend with friends and family.  Savor the last days of summer, I know we will be doing just that.  Bon weekend! 

Beach Combing: Inspirations from Coastal Carolina

view of the sound from our porch

Last weekend I tossed a few items into an overnight bag and drove five hours south for a much-needed girls' trip at the beach.  We were six friends gathering to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of my oldest, dearest friends. Her fiance's mother has a towering, airy summer house on a narrow strip of North Carolina coast and lucky for us, they opened their home for our getaway. Situated next to the Wrightsville yacht club, across from the picturesque beach, and facing the deep blue waters of the sound, I immediately felt the stresses of the week melt away as I unpacked my belongings and sipped a pineapple mimosa freshly juiced by the bride-to-be.

Lumina Station store fronts

Between long conversations in rocking chairs on the porch, sampling delicious local food, and drinking our fair share of champagne, we spent Saturday afternoon exploring the shops of Wilmington's Lumina Station.  Most of us found a few pieces in Monkees, known for its bright bold dresses and trendy, affordable accessories. Of course I was more interested in taking home the preppy print bench or the set of blue and yellow upholstererd chairs, than trying on the pink ruffle Milly dress waiting for me in a dressing room.

Two other home stores we found inspiring in Lumina Station were Arlie Moon and Paysage. I wove through Paysage's showroom snapping pictures of furnishings and accessories that caught my eye. The soothing beiges, browns, oranges and whites had a tranporting effect, perfect for a beach house palate. Arlie Moon was a treasure trove of vintage inspired pieces from colorful sea glass bottles to crystal bauble chandeliers.

zebra square at Paysage;
unique idea for additional seating in a living room

coral rug from Paysage

Airlie Moon couch and throw pillows

vintage chandelier from Airlie Moon

Arlie Moon dog beds in fun prints



Swatches from Airlie Moon
(I would love to cover an occasional chair in the brown fabric)



Sea glass bottles from Arlie Moon

Returning home on Sunday I was filled with new coastal inspirations for my Norfolk Nest. My proximity to the river and ocean will be an inspiration for design. Creating a sense of escapism with interiors can be hard to achieve, but something I will strive for in decorating a few of the rooms in my first home.