Ten Patriotic Rooms - Nautical Style!

It's that time of year - break out the Red, White and Blue!

Seaworthy Navy Striped Anchor Rug

Summer is almost here with the arrival of Memorial Day weekend fun! Our team has been collecting room decorating inspiration for adding a red, white and blue American nautical style to your home, and I think we've found some winners! Check out these colorful rooms, and see how easy it is to change a few decor accents and you can decorate for summer holidays by the water.

1. Cute cottage room from Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage -  Adding red,white and blue themed coastal pillows (don't you just love First Mate rectangle pillow!?) and voila', Shannon's room is ready for a Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July party.  Using American Flags  always sets the mood!

2.  Adorable, fresh summer space created at Country Living Magazine!   A wonderful combination of traditional coastal accents; the rope lamp, coral specimens and a large starfish, mixed with red, white and blue pillows plus a vintage quilt,  make this room instantly come alive with American summer style!

3. Spotted at Southern Living, a color-filled sun porch, created in Galveston, Texas with a distinct Northeast flair.  Love it!  Anchored with one of our favorite nautical wool rugs at Caron's Beach House, this space looks incredibly warm and inviting!

Fun, and Fab! Blue Sails Hooked Wool Rug

4.  Kristy's fresh tablescape for a patriotic party.. Also notice the red, white and blue throw pillows in the background that pull the entire open concept room together!  From Starfish Cottage Blog.   Looks inviting and very "coastal farmhouse" with the cottage-styled linens and natural textures.

5.   Ready for an outdoor party? This idea is so simple; just add red, white and blue stripes. An absolute "can't miss" coastal look!  Timeless American style that is so easy to mix and match with other pillows to create a different look for any time of the year. P.S. Garden stools are the PERFECT accessory for an extra side table or seating! (Source: Ciao Newport Beach)

We have some fab cabana outdoor pillows that we've added in just the past month that would work great for this outdoor space!   (all under $24.00!!)

Red Cabana Striped Pillow

Blue Cabana Striped Pillow

Or maybe try some fun signal flag styled throw pillows? 

6.  Patriotic Colors without the flags - I like it!  Feels like summer 4th of July holidays, without the "overboard nautical" cliche decor'.   From Amanda Nesbit (one of my design crushes!) 

7. Think this might be originally from Pottery Barn (love what they do!)  Re-discovered at Completely-Coastal  Fun idea of using the vintage-like buoys to create an wall art display and add the red, white and blue details.

8.  A little bit over the top with nautical and red, white and blue - but I still like it!  Love the vintage ships' wheel, perfect for a maritime cottage style.  (Source: Town and Country Living)

9.  Modern, with a hint of coastal whimsy (cool art!) I just love this eclectic room. A classic blue and white striped rug anchors this room and then everything else is layered in. See how creating your perfect room, that reflects your travels and your family does not have to be "matchy-matchy"? Flag pillow added for a patriotic touch! (so sorry, not sure of the source)

10. And last, but not least - an adorable beach bedroom redo in red, white and blue from Thistlewood Farms. So fun, and fresh!   I could even try this idea in our home - start with a white "canvas" and layer in the coastal patterns with pillows, lighting and fun art. The blue and white striped bench is a wonderful accent to complete the space!

What do you think?  Do you decorate for the 4th of July?  Or with a nautical red, white and blue theme? Would love to see your rooms!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!  You will find us with a good book, sitting by the Pacific Ocean.....

P.S.  Check out our specially curated collection of Coastal Red, White and Blue Decor!

Friday Cocktails - Dark Days from Bar Pilar

Last month, we escaped for a few days to visit Tom's daughter, Madison,  in Washington DC. Although we've been there several times, visiting Washington D.C. is always an awe inspiring trip. If you have never been, I would highly recommend the journey. There are endless things to see and do, starting with the Smithsonian museums and the incredible monuments. The city is fairly easy to navigate with public transportation and the occasional Uber. (confession - my feet get tired!)

On this trip, Madison took us to some of her favorite spots, including the Bar Pilar in the U Street area on 14th. Amazing cocktails, and tapas! (pics borrowed from their Facebook page)

The Bar Pilar was a fun discovery. This Hemingway themed restaurant, decorated with several large wall-mounted game fish, Cuban travel posters, and Hemingway literary pics, had a definite island vibe in the middle of a major metropolitan city. Happening spot for young trendy Washington D.C. professionals to hang out!

So of course, we had to have a Caribbean cocktail... mine was a "Dark Days" - absolutely delish. Nemo, our adorable waitress, was kind enough to give me the recipe after I took just one sip of yumminess.

Recipe for one drink:

• 1.5 oz. Averna (Amaro)
• 3/4 oz. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 oz. Benedictine
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Orange Peel Garnish

Stir together in a pitcher filled with ice. Strain over the ice and serve in your favorite cocktail glass.  

Tom made these when we got home, and he served the drinks over one large ice cube and then added the orange peel garnish.  We needed an excuse to try out our new Cast of Crabs Double Old Fashioned Glasses... 

(p.s. Starfish Art can also be found in our store!) 

Trust me, these Bar Pilar Dark Days cocktails are a treat. 

Warning: The Dark Day Cocktail is a delish cocktail and can pack a powerful punch if you are not careful!

Cast of Crab - DOF Glasses

Turquoise Mosaic Starfish Giclee

Have a great weekend!  

Coastal Artist Anthony Morrow

Artist Anthony Morrow's work leaps off the page and envelops you in a world of wonder and color. Full of exuberance, his images come to life and portray everyday objects in an extraordinary splash of effervescent whimsy and beauty. When you view Anthony's coastal art interpretations, you can tell that the natural world is his muse!

White Egret Pair

Humpback Whale

Raised in Lumberton, New Jersey, Anthony Morrow always loved drawing and went on to receive his BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.. He purchased his first Macintosh computer and began offering freelance design services to advertising agencies. He eventually owned and operated his own successful advertising agency. 

Sloop 2 Nautical Chart Art

Confined to a small studio space, Anthony began producing digital paintings as a creative outlet. Eventually he mastered the new media and the result has been art, prints and posters of a unique, fanciful style of his own creation. 

Blue Heron

Anthony derives most of his inspiration from nature, objects he finds, and great artists like Matisse, Gauguin and Cezanne. Using modern techniques with old-fashioned principles, and his graphic design background, Anthony Morrow has taken a new approach to color, proportion and overall presentation in his art.

Fresh Catch

We are super excited to show off these new coastal pieces, printed on real wood to appear slightly distressed. Beach home perfect, these color drenched wall art pieces are made to order and available in 3 different sizes.  We think it will be difficult for you to choose just one!

Conch Shell

Can you tell that we are big fans of his style?

P.S. For more of his Anthony Morrow's Coastal Art - check out his category on our site!

7 Mother's Day Brunch Cocktail Ideas

A Mother's Day Brunch is the perfect time to enjoy these Spring floral themed cocktails All decked out -  pretty in pink!

1. Raspberry Pink Champagne Floats  (recipe found at theperennialstyle.com)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-3 scoops raspberry sorbet
• 1 cup pink champagne/sparkling wine or cider for a non-alcoholic drink too.
• fresh raspberries for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place scoops of sorbet in large wine glass.
2. Pour champagne over the sorbet.
3. Top with raspberries.
4. Allow to melt while you sip or eat with a spoon

2. Lady Rose Martinis (source- Jillian Harris) So pretty and totally girly! Perfect for mom

Ingredients:

• 1/3 oz. Rose Syrup
• 1 1/3 oz. Vodka
• Pink Rose Petals
• 1 oz Rose Water
• 3 oz TONIC
• 1 drop of pink food coloring

Shake on ice and pour into your fancy coupes or martini glasses, then garnish with rose petals.

3. Pink Strawberry Sangria (source - Simply Whisked, very cute blog!)

Easy Ingredients

• 1 75-ml bottle pink moscato wine
• 1/2 cup strawberry flavored vodka
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda
• 6 - 10 large strawberries, sliced

Mix it up!

• In a large pitcher, combine the wine and vodka. Add strawberries and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda.
• Serve over ice.

4. Triple Grapefruit Fizz - complete recipe and directions can be found at We are not Martha

Ingredients:

• Sugar (colored if you want) for glass rim
• 1.5 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1.5 oz. grapefruit vodka
• 2 oz. Polar Ruby Red Grapefruit Seltzer

5. Pink Lemonade Champagne (source)

•  1 pink lemonade - concentrate in the freezer section - thawed
• 1 bottle champagne - chilled
• 1 cup vanilla vodka
• sugar for rim
•  ice cubes - optional

Super easy - Mix lemonade and vodka in a pitcher. Pour into gorgeous sugared glassware, then top off with the champagne (or sparkling wine)

6. Violet Gin and Tonic (source: Studio Bicyclette)

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• ½ oz violet liquer
• ¼ tsp jam
• Lime wedges, for juice and garnish

Add gin and violet liqueur to a glass filled with ice. Squeeze in juice of one lime wedge. Add tonic water and stir to combine. Mix in jam and garnish with lime wedges and garnish with edible flowers.

7. Rose Lemon Spritzer (source: Half Baked Harvest) I especially like this one, because the recipe author included options for non-alcoholic and vegan guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons rose water * optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2-2 ounces vodka omit to make a mocktail!
• 1-2 tablespoon honey or to taste (use agave if vegan)
• a few drops of blood orange or pomegranate juice for color (optional)
• 3/4 cup sparkling water or more to taste
• fresh roses for garnish (optional)

Combine all the rose water, fresh lemon juice, vodka, honey and blood orange or pomegranate juice (if using) in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until combined and then strain into a glass. Pour in the sparkling water. Garnish with fresh roses. 

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

15 Coastal Outdoor Spaces for Inspiration!

It's that time of year (FINALLY!) when we can start living outside. Not sure about all of you, but we spend countless hours on our deck; reading the Sunday paper, listening to music,  enjoying happy hour with the neighbors, or simply soaking up the sun and the sounds of the ocean waves....

Don't miss our Coastal Outdoor Collection!

Nothing better than extending your beach house space outdoors by creating a "living" room atmosphere. Maybe start with a rug to define your space and then layer from there! Add pillows, cushions, lanterns or maybe even an outdoor lighting fixture.  So much fun to pull these looks together.

Golden Pineapple Rug

All year long, I've been collecting coastal outdoor rooms on our Coastal Outdoor Living Pinterest Board, for spring and summer inspiration.  Have to share a few of my faves! Would love to know what you think -

1. Malibu Blues from Coastal Living Magazine.  Wow. Just wow, look at that view.  Love the collection of outdoor throw pillows and that large outdoor lantern.... does not get much better than that!

2. Modern and Fabulous from Traditional Home!  Stripes in seaside shades, anchored with an outdoor "sea grass" like rug.  Love it.

3.  White wicker always says "Beach House" to me! Very welcoming with light blue over-stuffed cushions and a table made for appy's and cocktails. (not sure of image source - sorry)

4.  Discovered at Nesting with Grace (adorable blog!)  Love how she painted the deck with wide stripes - too fun and so creative.

5.  Spotted at Completely-Coastal - really, really like the tailored nautical look of the cushions in navy blue with white piping. The view is not bad either.....

6. Spotted at House of Turquoise, how could you not fall in love with a Tobi Fairley design?  Can you imagine the grand party you could have at this poolside patio?

7.  Always one of my faves from HGTV Magazine! Especially since our pillows were featured inside this issue...  Love the color combos, the pile of pillows to welcome lounging and laughing with friends!

8. Go Nautical and create the perfect party deck! Awesome decor and maritime fun colors from Barclay Buttera, spotted at Completely-Coastal  (one of my all-time design crushes..)

9. Who says coastal decorating always has to be blue or aqua?  Pink and orange are so inviting!

(source)

10. Another non-blue idea featuring a gorgeous natural driftwood table, and an amazing lighting fixture!  

(source)

11. Softness and sea shell neutrals - so pretty and versatile for any beach home, no matter which coast you call home! Source

12. Fabulous Boathouse project from Anne Hepfer (I have a HUGE design crush on her work!)  Now, let's talk about that driftwood mirror.....

13.  "Greenery" Outdoor room featuring our indoor-outdoor Brisa Rug - love the idea of a romantic oasis!

14.  Just add hammocks?  With an ocean view, and soft sea breezes, maybe not a whole lot else is needed?   Sand Dollars by the Sea Rug featured

15. Light and Bright from Bungalow Blue Interiors Blog  (a beautiful design blog that I could easily get lost in....) 

We've collected so many ideas to spruce up your outdoor space, make sure to pop over and see our Coastal Outdoor Pinterest Board! 

P.S. And a little preview of my deck corner this year.....

Blue Crab and Anchor Pillows can be found at Carons' Beach House.