Going Coastal: Eight Ways to Upgrade Your Summer Beach House

By Courtney Kenefick
April 22, 2015
Credit: David Tsay
As the temperatures rise and the days get longer it’s hard to escape the thought of hopping in the car, rolling down the windows, and jetting off to the summerhouse. Before the season officially kicks off, turn that seaside oasis into a true home-away-from-home with these tips from Beach House Happy.
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Shell Out

Credit: Annie Schlechter

Unsure of what to do with those buckets of seashells? Stick ‘em on the wall for a graphic pattern that’s almost as interesting as the Prince painting in this Jamaica abode.

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Create an Art Gallery

Credit: Francesco Lagnese

Skip the cluttered refrigerator door and take a cue from this Nantucket escape by displaying children’s artwork in a prominent way. Framed or not, imaginative pictures and paintings add color to white walls. Plus, they’ll forever be a reminder of memories of summers passed.

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Nautical is Nice

Credit: Peter Murdock

Red, white, and blue never goes out of style on the coast, and there’s no shortage of maritime relics (think: buoys and ship wheels) to transform into nautical décor. Here, old parachuting lines are used as a rope railing and a wooden ship model adds a seafaring touch.

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Curate Collectibles

Credit: Annie Schlechter

Whether it’s whaling memorabilia (as shown in this Martha’s Vineyard home), old postage stamps, marine paintings, or vintage board games, find a spot to exhibit an obsession—it’s a built-in conversation starter.

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Get Crafty

Credit: Lisa Romerein

Rainy days at the beach don’t have to be a wash. Occupy restless guests (read: kids) with fun crafts to later display around the home. In this Michigan home, hand-painted rocks are a colorful replacement to a guest book.

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Embrace the Kitsch

Credit: John Ellis

Dust off gift shop finds from bygone travels—they’ll add a bit whimsy to a coffee table or shelf, like the Hawaiian hula dancer in this Venice, California dwelling.

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Pay Homage

Credit: Annie Schlechter

Whether it is with shelves made of discovered driftwood, or objects from the local vintage shop, show pride for the home-away-from-home with locally sourced novelties.

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Source Interesting Textiles

Credit: David Tsay

A little bit of pattern goes a long way. Printed textiles on pillows, tapestries, cushions, and bedspreads are an easy way to jazz up an otherwise simple room.

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