Living a relatively short distance from some of the most beautiful shorelines in the U.S. comes with the advantage of sources for constant design inspiration.  One of my favorite nearby destinations is Kiawah Island, S.C.  The beaches are never overly crowded and the close proximity to historic Charleston offers a bonus side trip.  When my husband and I drive over the little bridge to the island I can feel the layers of the world peel away.  It would be so wonderful to capture that moment in a bottle!

Sanctuary Dune & Beach Cocktail Table

While recently viewing some of the beautiful pieces in Hooker Furniture’s Sanctuary Collection , I became whisked back to those moments in time, after spying their Dune and Beach table.  The finishing reminds me of the drifts of sand and the sea oats swaying in the [...]

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Tags: accent furniture, accents, budget decorating, decorative accessories, design ideas, design trends, furniture design, stay-cation

Even though she is “land-locked” where she lives in Yukon, Oklahoma, her home has the serene and sunny vibe of the beach. “I use a lot of light colors like cream and ivory with blues like robin’s egg blue and turquoise, mixed with dark floors for an elegant beach feel and the look of water,” says Reesa Hembree. “We’ve picked up that style by vacationing a lot in the Florida Panhandle area. So even though there’s not a beach within hundreds of miles of our home, we can still have the feel of a beach retreat here.”

That’s the magic of decorating and design. Through interior decorating, you have the ability to transform your environment and transport yourself to any location in the world. In so doing, not only do your surroundings transform, but your state of mind transforms as well.

Reesa and [...]

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Tags: accent furniture, accents, design ideas, design trends, interior design, living room furniture, stay-cation, whimsical furniture

Is there a home in America that does not have a shell or a pebble as a sovenier from a stroll on the beach? We Americans have had a love affair with the sea since the Mayflower moored on the Massachusetts coast. If you have dreamed of bringing the calm and fresh air of a beach house to your own home, here are some furniture and decorating suggestions that will have you breathing in salt air no matter where your home is:

A Casual Nonchalance: Beach houses give one a lot of freedom. Sneakers with sand in the toes kicked off on the porch, a yellow slicker hung at the back door, and a pail at the ready for a clam dig–all are images that come to mind. While you might not have the sand or the sea in  your backyard, you [...]

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Tags: bedroom furniture, design ideas, design trends, furniture design, interior design, stay-cation

Attending football games and tailgate parties is a rite of the season. Many of us are miles away from the stadium–but we still can get into the spirit of the game. With our flat screen, high-definition TVs, we don’t have to miss out on the fun, food, and excitement. Just take a seat on the 50-yard line in front of the entertainment center in your family room. Go Team and have a great time with these winning plays:

1. Be the quarterback: Score big with your family and friends by making them part of the party team. If you’re inviting friends, invitations can be made to look like admission tickets. For make-ahead refreshments, involve the kids and their pals. While chopping and arranging munchies, play a CD of the team’s marching band to get everyone in the mood. Consider serving hot dogs [...]

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Tags: design ideas, gaming furniture, home entertainment center furniture, stay-cation

It’s that time of year when we can’t help but dream of pristine beaches and exotic locales. Nevertheless, the idea of a “stay-cation” is gaining popularity, and perhaps there is no place quite like home, after all, to be rejuvenated.

Villagio Offers Escape at Home

This summer, my friend Jan (actually my first best friend ever) tells me that she’s going to stay right in her own backyard and enjoy every minute of it. A couple of years ago, she bravely decided not to move when she needed more room for her constantly expanding family to enjoy holidays and visits together. She loved her neighbors and her neighborhood. So what did Jan do?  She tore down her old house and a new one rose in its place–perfect for spending more time at home.

• Vacationing at home is certainly not meant to have folks thinking [...]

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Tags: bedroom furniture, design ideas, dining room collections, stay-cation