Monday, January 31, 2011

Beach Eclectic

I love 'Beach Eclectic': a collection of old and new world objects, highlighted with tropical plants and shells to create a unified beachy casual, yet elegant and worldly look. 

This is probably how I would describe my style most. I detest anything that looks too 'matchy-matchy' and like an interior that reflects the person living in it. I like to see souveneirs and shells picked up from the beach, and family portraits, and art work that's been passed down. I would hate to see all these personal objects and touches go away to the look from the pages of a Pottery Barn catelog (not that there is anything wrong with Pottery Barn, but it has to be in doses).

I have so many things that I love and cherish and no matter if they 'go' or not, I love them too much not to look at them everyday. This, however, can be dangerous for the clutter-prone so make sure to get a second opinion on how your guests feel in your room, if they feel smothered with 'things' you're going to have to cut back. I guess you want them to feel like they are getting to know you better while still feeling refreshed and comfortable.

The photos below do this look perfect justice:

 






{sources: India Hicks via Habitually Chic, Nina Schwinghammer via nskwood}

get this look:



11 comments:

  1. Totally agree Liz! don't know if you have ever looked @ my blog or not..just did a post on nautical nests.These photos are lovely!

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  2. Beach eclectic is my favorite style but I try not to over do it since I'm near the water but still far enough away that it can be overkill. I dream of decorating my future (a girl can dream!) beach house in this style!

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  3. I love the look, so well demonstrated by Brooke and Steve Giannetti, of Velvet and Linen. It doesn't really work in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. We have very gray winters, and have to warm up the space. India Hicks does wonderful beach rooms. I love the image with the bed. The color on the walls is perfect, I'm going to have to go back and see if it is credited.
    Best,
    Liz

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  4. I like it too...though I can't live in it...feels too cluttered. But I love the look!

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  5. I'm loving your beach eclectic images! I agree with Maya -- the yacht is fantastic. My favorite image, though, was the work room with the swimming pool baskets lined up on the shelf, and all the spools of ribbon. Maybe because I have serious "studio envy" right now, while the beach house is being remodeled and we live in the tiny temporary digs?

    Also, the image with all the woven textures of hats, bags, and baskets? Adore.
    ~Amanda

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  6. I agree with you, I don't like spaces that look out of a furniture catalog, they lack personality and although they look great, they are too perfect1 I think that space #3 works wonderfully, has lots of little nick-nacks but it works and looks cohesive. Instead space #5 has too much going on, I think they crossed the messy line there ;) thanks for sharing!

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  7. Wow! The house certainly looks stunning and breathtaking! I love how comfy and light it looks.

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  8. Love the beach eclectic!!! I love that shabby trunk with the starw hats!! So perfect:) So what I want to build for the end of my bed....but with castor feet!!!!

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  9. I love eclectic beach. A mix of old and new is perfect, and so easy to achieve. I don't like clutter, so I regularly swap little parts out if it's headed that way, but I do love a good vignette or two. Clutter does my head in, but I like a lived in, throw your feet up on the couch feel. Nice images.

    Cheers,
    Lisa x

    Quite like the craft room image despite the excess.

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  10. I completely agree with you and love the images you posted!! Mixing old and new...high and low...and making it personal to you is the main goal I go after when decorating! Take care, Caroline

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