For the Love of the Coast

I've had a love affair with the coast for a long time. The sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, the sand between my toes are all siren calls. Our hall bath was once decorated in a costal theme since we loved it so.

Every year we'd go to the coast with my mom, my twin sister and her family. We'd go at Easter when the kids had a long weekend - mainly because my mom didn't like the extreme heat of the summer and partly because the rates were still low.

"Beach Fun" by Cecilia Bramhall

Then my mom passed away and it wasn't the same. In the last 14 years, I've been back maybe four times but it was hard. It reminded me of Mom and I missed her.

Me and my mom looking for seashells

When my son left for college, the coastal decor came down in the bathroom and it was given a new look. I let my daughter help pick out the shower curtain and all. But after 11 years, it looks tired and I'm ready to embrace the coastal look again - because let's face it; I still love the coast and the memories are special to me.

Here's how it looks today -  Not a whole lot going on - no artwork on the walls and minimal decor.

 The cabinets need refreshing as the finish is worn. I'd love to paint them white but they are really nice oak (and hubby says no), so I'm just going to refinish them.

The white tile floor is staying and I'd like to keep the walls the color they are. The trim needs repainting and the caulking around the tub needs to be redone, so I'll take care of that too.

Then to bring it back to the sea, here's my ideas for the space. So much fun stuff out there! I found lots of nice nautical-themed decor at Hobby Lobby and other stores. It seems to be everywhere!

One, the shower curtain. I don't want a cutesy or too colorful one. This one from Target is a good example of what I'd like to have although the color is maybe a tad too understated.

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Two, I really like this blue rug from Walmart. It's not a bathroom rug but the colors are nice and remind me of water. Plus it comes in a runner which would be good in front of the sinks.

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Three, add beachy accessories:

 Anchors, boat shelf, lighthouses, rope ball - all have possibilities.

A driftwood seahorse

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Whales and an octopus too!

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And of course, sea shells, of which I have plenty. I need art so I'll put some either on boards or in shadow boxes like these:

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Now that I have a direction to go in, I can start looking for my decor. I did go ahead and get the rug from Walmart and I found a small boat shelf at a thrift store. It needs a makeover but it's perfect for the space.

I am looking forward to working on it. The memories of time spent at the coast with my mom and when my children were young are all so special. It will be nice to have that reminder again.
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As for the other projects I'm working on, the patio is at a standstill. It's been too humid to paint and now more rain is predicted. It's almost there! I promise I'll share as soon as I can.

The kitchen and art studio at the farm are also on hold. I know we'll knock them out when the time comes to really get in there and do it, but for now, it's waiting on the time to do it.

My desk chair is almost done so be looking for that post soon. I'm excited about how that one is turning out.

 I guess the good thing is, I'll have plenty to share over the next few months!