Serene Summer Surroundings

I was recently asked by fellow design colleague & blogger Yvonne Blacker to contribute to the summer issue of the digital magazine New England Finery. The on-line publication was co-founded by Yvonne with Linda Smith, owner of New England Fine Living design studio and shop in Middleton, Massachusetts. It is always beautifully executed and highlights everything relating to the world of design… including home interiors, gardens, collectibles, fashion, photography, events, etc... approached with a decidedly New England, especially “North Shore” sensibility.

New England Finery Magazine

Yvonne had seen a feature in the May issue of House Beautiful in which designer Jeffrey Alan Marks, star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Decorators,” sketched an “Instant Room,” in this case a boathouse, and showed the fabrics and pieces that he would put into it. Yvonne asked if I would take a similar approach for New England Finery. Of course, with Summer on its way at the time, combined with my never ending love of beachcombing along the shore, I arrived at a concept immediately… I would create a leisurely living space with a coastal feel and a serene sea glass palette.

You are invited to visit New England Finery Magazine to take in not only my article, but also all of the other wonderful features created by Yvonne, Linda and many other passionate and talented contributors.

In the meantime, without leaving Design 4 Seasons, I give you...

"Sea Glass Serenity"

The search for sea glass is a tranquil endeavor. While a beachcomber enjoys a relaxing walk along the beach they also feel sense of anticipation about what luminescent treasures will be discovered along their journey. Living with a sea glass inspired interior offers a similar feeling… a combination of tranquility and delight.

Sea glass at the water’s edge can actually be found in almost every hue, depending on the pieces’ origins… a medicine bottle from the 1800’s, a Coca Cola bottle from the 1960’s, and so on. But the hues most often affiliated with sea glass are beautiful, watery blues and greens. The beauty of sea glass lies not only in its color, but also in its softness… the glass shards that were originally shiny and bright become weathered by exposure to salty water and the tumbling of the seas which leave them gently frosted.

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The blue and green color palette combined with the soft textures, and of course, the allure of the sea, come together to create an irresistible, spa-like interior space.

I have created a relaxing, fantasy living space with a lovely ocean view inspired by the beauty of sea glass. The sectional is upholstered in a comfortable, sandy color fabric that invites you take in the seaside vista, or to curl up under the chunky cable throw and cuddle up to the seahorse and shell pillow to maybe take a nap!

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Next to the chaise is a unique textured raffia side table featuring a nail head design that reminds me of kelp or seaweed (I later found one that even has storage... all the better!) In the corner is a skirted table covered in a cloth with a spa green top with a wide natural linen border, which complements the natural theme. The cocktail table with its wave design feels right at home near the beach, and since it is made of reclaimed wood, captures the feel of driftwood.

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Another feature in the space that is ‘green’ is the area rug, which is woven of recycled denim and jute, making it comfortable under foot as well as beautiful. No space with a sea glass theme would be complete without glass! The collection of bottles on the skirted table has been tumbled to resemble real specimens rescued from the sea, and the shiny floats on the cocktail would have originally assisted fishermen with their daily catch. Glass glows and shines anywhere there is light, so being by the large window is one step toward making the glass accessories stand out.

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The lighting fixtures take the look to the next level. The lamp on the raffia side table is ceramic with a glazed wave pattern and seahorse handles. The gorgeous chandelier in the corner has a soft bluish-green shade and abalone shells gently cascading from it… an eye-catcher itself, it also puts a spotlight on the bottle collection. One more element necessary to create a glimmering room is the inclusion of a mirror. The mirror here is framed in a luminescent metallic turquoise that is stunning on its own, but is a perfect complement to the lighting and glass.

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Whether you create an entire room with a coastal theme, or simply embrace the color palette or elements of sea glass, you’ll feel as tranquil as when you return from a walk at the beach!

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