'Life Is A Beach'

A salt-covered breeze. The feeling of sand crunching under the weight of my feet. And the rising pitch of seagulls fighting over their next funnel cake lunch.

Each summer, these small delights are reserved for the few weekends that I manage to escape the crushing city life. While I start the countdown to my next getaway, those with summer homes have already started theirs.

For those with summer homes, the boards have come down from the windows. The last strokes of fresh white paint have dried on the deck. Duvets and pillow covers have been washed, pressed and fitted to the beds.

The overall maintenance of the house has been inspected and scheduled for repairs. Yet, many overlook the décor – essential in ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.

With a selection of natural, organic fixtures and quirky accents, make your home as inviting as the ocean. Charm guests with sea turtle coat hooks, or entertain your friends with salt and pepper shakers shaped like lobster claws.

Get swept away with the following finds:

Made of seashells, starfish and conches, a wreath is the best way to welcome those into your new home. Plus, it sets the tone for the duration of their visit (above left). Crafty? Spend a few minutes combing the beach for seashells and create a wreath together with friends and family.

Shine a little light in your home after hours. Take a decorative night light (bottom left) in the shape of a fish or a crab, for example, and avoid fumbling in the entrance for the light switch after a night out on the boardwalk.

The only way to create dimension and interest in décor is through opting for bold purchases like a lighthouse-styled cabana floor fan. Integrating organic elements like a sea-urchin table lamp is another way to do it.

Born to a family of jewelry designers and seamstresses, I don’t have to look very far for bracelets and necklaces. My favorite pieces of jewelry are those with coral for the summer: a brick red necklace bought in Peru; another in a sea blue made by my mother; and the last bought in an atelier from a Parisian designer in a Le Marais atelier. Coral is just as stunning on a person as it is in the home. Hand painted red coral serving trays are just the beginning.

Go green! Avoid settling on a beach chair in the typical all-white or nautical navy blue. When replacing your outdoor beach furniture, go for a more unexpected color. Go for a lime green rocker made of southern pine. The lumber comes from a renewable supplier and is both insect and rot resistant. Get ready to rock and roll!

This summer is bound to be a hot one.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of laurensaccone.files.wordpress.com; decorinnovation.com; coastaldecorshop.com