Are you a lover of all things coastal. So am I. The Nancy Meyers esthetic of soft beach colors, scrubbed pine, floating sheers, and just plain feet up comfortable. Could I live in an environment like that? I think so.

I first started dreaming coastal in 1998 when my parents and I attended a family reunion in New Hampshire with a side trip to Maine. Oh I was in heaven. Small quaint towns, little cottage dwellings right up against the road, and those ocean views. I could listen to the sound of crashing waves all day, everyday. I decided right then and there that I somehow had to bring a coastal vibe into my landlocked, suburban Nebraska home. But, how to do it authentically? I didn’t want it to feel kitchy.

I loved all the Pond Yachts, beautiful ship paintings, blue and white transferware, which I was already collecting, and just the evolution of the coastal vibe. Homes that felt collected and worn. Not overly designed but a place where people actually lived, laughed, and problem solved. Let’s face it, life is not always about living and laughing. Life has lots of problems to solve too.

For me Coastal is all about my imagination. It brings to my mind widows walks, clap board siding, worn cottages and shutter dogs. But also adventure, the goods brought over from far away lands, and all those possibilities.

That trip netted me a Pond Yacht, so called because these small vessels float. Actual copies of there larger counterparts, pond sailing became a sensation in 18th Century London with selected ponds around the city allowing sailing. The hobby came to the United States and hit its zenith in the 1930’s. So with pond yacht and numerous pieces of transferware in tow I set out to create a land locked coastal home. The pond sailor purchased back then, got sold to a client, and one of my dads replaced it over my front door.

Not outwardly coastal but, a whisper not a shout. As a collector I always try to introduce period appropriate things into my home, but when I can’t find or afford, I’m not afraid to buy a good reproduction. That doesn’t send me to a big box store hoping for a quick fix, but a wait and see approach. I decide what the item is that I’m looking for, the dimensions and I sit back. Sometimes I wait for years for just the right piece and, then I say, oh there you are! Sometimes what I didn’t know I was looking for falls into my lap.

These ship prints were picked up at an antique mall in Kansas City. I loved the blue sky and the wind in the sails. The sense of speed. Each print tells about the sailing vessel it depicts. Approaching Calcutta is an oil on canvas. A reproduction that I picked up in my Ethan Allen days and still one of my favorites.

The telescope above is 18th Century London. A signed piece that was my parents. Clippers always have had a soft spot for me, and instill that sense of romance. And if 3 isn’t enough how about 2 more. These were purchased on the reunion trip and I brought them home when we sold my folks home. I have always loved these pen and ink originals. They have an almost contemporary flavor to them with their simplicity.

When we redid our bathroom a few years ago I didn’t set out to create a Coastal vibe. I wanted to create a jewel box. A small little bathroom with everything those big house bathrooms have to offer in style. One of the most coastal corners in my home is this small nook. The round antique tilt top table, The tin two arm sconce, the federal carved dolphin, Welcome Sign that my dad created. It was in pieces on the ground and I restored it. To me it all speaks coastal. The library molding and Audubon canvas prints reinforce that coastal feel.

Stick Barometers were often used aboard ships. After adding library molding to the kitchen I had the perfect spot for the stick barometer. English with whale bone ivory this is a lovely piece of history.

Small accessories help to reinforce the coastal flavor without being kitchy or in your face. A scrimshaw box, an English Cutty Sark pitcher, a writing slope, and trunk all help the cause.

The Queens head tavern sign, always takes me back to cobblestone streets and moody light. Though a reproduction, I love how this snooty board holds court over my living room. She once held court in my mom’s family room over the mantle.

All of these small layers help to make up the whole. I can’t define my style. English Cottage, Ralph Lauren, Granny Chic, Coastal? Really is it important to put a label on everything? I don’t think so. As I keep saying, buy what speaks to you and you will love it forever.

Have you created your forever home or are you still dreaming? My spaces are small and humble but it hasn’t stopped me from loving my home, and filling it with the things that make my heart sing.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley