Tuesday, March 25, 2008

That Summer Beach Cottage Feel

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Remember this little glass house terrarium thing I got last summer at a garage sale for only $5? It's now in my bedroom and I've added more shells since the last time I posted about this. Some I found here in California, some I brought home from Martha's Vineyard and some I bought. I just found those starfish at TJ Maxx for $6.99 a bag. The abalone shells I just bought a florist shop for $5 each. I'm seeing a lot of shells at the stores lately and the prices are great!
I wanted to give my room a little more of the old summer beach cottage feel. Amazingly if you put a few shells around...you get that look quickly!
It's been about a year since I redid my bedroom and I still love it! It's so nice to open my eyes on a Saturday morning with the sun streaming in and everything is soft blue and white. It's so tranquil.
That little oil painting of a cluster of grapes ( on the right of the shelf) was painted by my son when he was about 10 years old. Precious! The little Stride Rite baby shoes belonged to my kids and the little white slip was mine. The photos are of my mom and dad.

I always get lots of emails about paint color. My bedroom walls are painted Glidden "Cancun Blue" 10BB 50/157. It's a little lighter than it photographs. I painted it this color about 3 years ago and I think I'm ready for a little change. I'm going to paint it a lighter shade of blue... a little more on the blue/green side (to match the color in my quilt.) If I weren't just renting I would add white beadboard all around the bottom half of the room...I really need my own home!

32 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

Cindy the shells looks so lovely.
What a pretty room to wake up in. As you say it looks so peaceful
Alison

Anonymous said...

What a nice change for you so that you can now think of the seaside when you are in your room.

I think the new paint color sounds great. I need a bit of refreshing on occasion, too.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I LOVE what you did with the hankies.

Rosie's Whimsy said...

Your bedroom is just lovely. So soft and feminine :-)

Rue said...

I love that beachy cottage look and you did it so well. It looks like a dream :)

Now, I think I need to go find my kids baby shoes...

Rue :)

Anonymous said...

Cindy, your room is so tranquil and peaceful. I love the look you've created. My bedroom is the only room left where I haven't painted all the furniture white. That project is scheduled for sometime this year for sure. And thank you so much for the sweet comment on our little Gizzy Girl.

Erin~~The Classy Rabbit~~ said...

Your room is gorgeous!! I love the blue color! I'm trying to talk hubby into letting me paint our kitchen and great room a pretty shade of pale French blue! It's currently yellow and has been for about 4 years! We're both ready for a change!

Hugs,
Erin

Anonymous said...

What a lovely, tranquil room. We just recently purchased a garden home we'd been renting for three years. At least you get to know the quirks before you buy! You are a wonderful decorator and take gorgeous pictures.
Brenda

Marilyn said...

I love the tranquil softness of that room. It oozes peace and calm.

Marilyn

Maggie said...

What a beautiful space you have created. It looks like a room at a B&B in Key West. Just lovely!!!

Mary said...

Oh, I love that shelf with your son's painting and your parent's photos! It's so sweet and sentimental. What a lovely room!
xoxo,
Mary

Anonymous said...

I think you nailed the cottage look!

I actually just bought an apothecary jar that I put sand and seashells in. The shells were ones my husband and I picked when we lived in SC. Now we are in the midwest and I treasure each shell.

I love the blue bedroom too!

MeMeMe said...

how nice it is that you surround yourself with the things you love!

Jeannie

Linda aka yellowroseli said...

Cindy, Just lovely. I will be waiting to see your new color. Sounds nice.
You do great work

Glenda said...

Cindy when you get tired of doing things to your home come up and visit me in Hercules, and I'll give you projects in my home to do. HeHe
I still haven't finished painting my Kitchen. And other places in the home.
I am hoping my sister will come out and pitch in.
I have though started painting some furniture around the house.
I've have to get inspired.
What a great bedroom space.
Glenda

Joy said...

I love looking into your beautiful cottage. You've done such a great job decorating on a budget. After looking at your blog and others, I've decided to start a blog of my own. I'd love to have you stop by at joysofhome.blogspot.com

FourSistersInACottage said...

Hi Cindy,
I am in AWE of this room and I am so excited that I came across your blog. I'm not sure how I found it but I AM HAPPY!!!
Your blog is WONDERFUL and if you don't mind, I want to add you to my favorite blogs to read.
BEAUTIFUL STUFF MY FRIEND!!!
Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)

FourSistersInACottage said...

Hi Cindy,
I am in AWE of this room and I am so excited that I came across your blog. I'm not sure how I found it but I AM HAPPY!!!
Your blog is WONDERFUL and if you don't mind, I want to add you to my favorite blogs to read.
BEAUTIFUL STUFF MY FRIEND!!!
Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)

Anonymous said...

I love adding shells this time of year. I got mine out the other day also. Your bedroom is so so pretty. I adore blue as you can tell from my pics on my blog.

Hugs,
LeAnn :)

Unknown said...

You bedroom is so peaceful! Your whole house has that feeling to it. I think I would walk through the door at the end of the day, and instantly let my cares melt away into the serenity of it all. It's like being away on vacation somewhere, and staying at a beautiful bed & breakfast. Your talent is truly amazing!

BittersweetPunkin said...

Everything looks gorgeous...LOVE the shabby beach theme...so NOT shabby...LOL
Hugs,
Robin

nannykim said...

Love what you did with the shells. I love blue and white for a bedroom too--very serene. Hey, I think I have the same white coffee pot!

Anonymous said...

Very pretty as always.

Cookie

Debbie Kay said...

Cindy:

EVERYTHING you put together just, well, goes together and looks amazing. Your blog is my daily dose of smiles!

Love ya,

Debbie Kay

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty room and house!

Victoria Lynn said...

Cindy, your home is so calming and beautiful. You have a wonderful talent in decorating and in blogging. You go girl! Blessings, Victoria Lynn

Cottage Dreaming said...

The shells in the terrarium are beautiful. They are a great way to display collection. What a steal on the starfish. I might need to escape to the Maxx. Love everything.
Heather

Irma's Rose Cottage said...

What a lovely color. I too am thinking of painting my bedroom a pale blue. Love your decorating, very beautiful.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Very pretty, Cindy! Love those starfish you found, what a great deal. I'm always on the lookout for more shells too & have found a lot out yardsaling. I would have snapped those up too.

Rhoda

Lisa said...

What a romantic bedroom you have created. Makes me wish mine were such a soft and inviting haven. So many little details that make it just right.

Ruey said...

Hi Cindy~
I just adore your collection of shells. I love to display them too, and just yesterday switched over from Easter to seashells and summery items...
Hope you are having a great day!
xxxoo Ruth!

PattieJ said...

Very pretty! Very Beach-E and Summer-E.... your so creative. I like your new profile photo too.

Pattie