Categories: Uncategorized

Beach Living

Since returning from our vacation to Southern California namely Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar and San Diego I have been craving the beach look more and more everyday! I miss the simplicity of beach living, the cute cottage homes on Balboa Island and in Laguna Beach. I miss the unique shops as well as all the restaurants. I don’t particularly like the gigantic homes or the big malls ….I like unique original looking homes and shops.

I was looking at Coastal Living Magazine and grabbed a few pics to inspire myself to maybe start changing a few things around in my house. Hope you enjoy all the beach house eye candy…

I love the big wide stripes on the walls. The lovely light green plate holder with the fun dishes sitting atop a fun turquoise side board. It is just fabulous. It has that funky/old unique look.

Such a simple idea to attach starfish or sea shells to outdoor lighting

This kitchen is light and bright and has texture with the wainscoting on the back wall. I really like the butcher block counter tops….it is more natural homey looking.

Country Beach Cottage…white, crisp with beautiful soft floral pillows

I love this idea an outdoor shower/pool changing area. The bright blue wall with the yummy yellow just screams
“Happy Day”

I love Ivy…even when it takes over the house..(I know this because I have Ivy in my front yard and it does take over in a big way) but it just makes me feel cozy and safe for some reason.

Fun Porch idea…Love the striped green window treatments.

I am soooo loving this brightly colored door. That is one thing you see a lot of on Balboa Island and Laguna Beach..colorful front doors.

This room is beautiful with the softly colored painted walls and pink and white florals on the sofa and chair. It says relax and stay awhile.

The bold blue and white striped pillows are so crisp and clean looking. Are you looking out that back door at the view!! I want that! Oh yes I do!

OK I don’t know about you but HELLO…is this kitchen amazing or what? It kind of reminds me of Ina Garten’s kitchen on her show.

Gigantic windows to let all that beachy sun shine in…Are you lovin those striped slip covered chairs! They just look so comfy don’t they? You can have everyone sitting on them all wet….. just coming in from the beach and who cares if they get all wet and sandy…just plop them in the wash and they look great again.

Just dreaming the California dream……but In reality I know how crazy California is ( I lived there for over 24 years), how crowded the beaches and the freeways are, how expensive it is to own even a small home there.

I think I will just decide to be happy here in Texas and create the beach look in my home, sit by my pool with my hubby and my dog, grill up some yummy food and enjoy each and every day and maybe just go back to California for a visit every now and then. 🙂

Karins Kottage

Welcome to Karins Kottage! There is always something fun going on! You would think after becoming an empty nester couple that our nest would be very quiet and empty but our Kottage nest is usually more full than what we started out with! You might find me hosting a birthday party or graduation party and a baby shower on the same weekend or a big outdoor get together with 25 of our friends and family in the backyard or maybe I might be in the kitchen trying out a new recipe for my hubby and I to grill on the BBQ for a quiet night for the two of us. I am passionate about entertaining and setting a beautiful table! I may or may not have an addiction to cloth napkins and fun salad plates oh and goblets too! I think I will always have a home decorating DIY project in the works as long as my hubby is on board with me haha. We have painted A LOT in the 6 homes we have owned in the 35 years that we have been married as well as re-done multiple pieces of furniture, added wall and ceiling treatments, replaced lights, bathroom fixtures and even tiled floors! I have sewn what seems like a million window treatments for our home as well as for family, made slipcovers, and duvets and even a formal dress or two!

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View Comments

junkgarden says:

August 3, 2009 at 9:05 pm

Great photos! Lots of inspiration.
The Pleasures of Homemaking says:

July 29, 2009 at 12:33 am

All those pictures are wonderful! I like the coastal look too but then I like so many looks!

Manuela
jenjen says:

July 28, 2009 at 6:10 am

So, so pretty! I love all of those pictures. I wish I had a cottagey home. I love the white kitchen and bright doors. So fun!

XOXO
Jen
The Fajdich Times says:

July 27, 2009 at 8:24 pm

I love the outdoor shower:)
Lisa says:

July 27, 2009 at 3:01 pm

That kitchen is yummy and those slipcovers are adorable! Glad your home safe and sound.