Summer is quickly approaching and a few little touches around the house can bring that warm relaxing feeling inside. Nothing says summer quite like the beach and you can incorporate that into your home décor without dumping piles of sand on your living room floor.
If you already have a collection of shells from a long ago vacation tucked away in the basement then you're one step closer. If you don't have shells you can usually pick some up at a Pier One or a Pottery Barn or some such store. If you don't want to spend a lot then check out your local craft stores.
Once you've selected a few key shells then its time to make your centerpieces. Look around the house with a new set of eyes. Try to see old pieces in a new light. Do you have glass vases that are big enough to hold some of your shells? Can you envision a series of milk glasses lined up on a mantle filled with shells and sand supporting pillar candles?
Or take a totally different approach and glue shells to ribbon for curtain tie backs. Maybe you want to pick up some new shower hooks that are already decorated with shells or add your own. A lot of people decorate their bathrooms with nautical or beach themes. Take advantage of these decorative items at your local stores. Pick up inexpensive items and use them sparingly in your bathroom or throughout the house.
Remember that simplicity is the key. Its very easy to go overboard and ruin the entire effect with too much kitsch. If you have a very large collection of shells, like I do, don't scatter them all over the house, instead consider using them as a single accent piece. Get a large basket or glass jar and fill it with your little treasures. If you don't have quite enough you could layer sand with your collection.
While you're adding little touches of the beach to your home add a light beach scent as well. Candles with a light coconut scent are a really nice touch but not everyone is comfortable lighting candles. There are a lot of air fresheners on the market but some of the coconut ones are quite overwhelming. Make sure you do a smell test before you load up on them.
You may also want to add a few brighter colors to your home palette. Yellow and aqua colored pillows, tablecloths and throws are reminiscent of the lazy days of summer and are also quite popular colors. These additions don't work in every home but if you're willing to take this extra step there are surely a few bright accessories you can incorporate into your home.
And don't forget family photos. Consider replacing class photos and other pictures you have arranged around the home with seasonal pictures. Find your favorite pictures from beach days gone buy and use these to brighten everyone's spirits.
Simple little touches of the beach will warm your heart on these cold spring nights.
