5 Amazing Decor Ideas for a Perfect Beach House

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There is nothing quite like relaxing on the beach on a nice, calm and sunny day. It is a great time, and a majority of American families have gone on beach vacations at one point or another. But the only thing better than visiting the beach for a vacation is buying a beach house. This will allow you to visit the beach any time you want, simply by taking a little walk outside your door.

If you are going to own a beach house, you also want to ensure it is decorated well and fits the beachy vibe. Unfortunately, finding the right items or art isn’t always easy. In an effort to help, this article is going to go over five amazing decor ideas for a perfect beach house.

Get Some Customized Art Commissioned

Art plays an important role in any home, and a beach house is no different. Art can help you show off your unique tastes, and allow you to creatively design your home. Art can easily be changed out and swapped as your tastes change over time.

While you could simply go out and buy some beach-themed art, why not get something completely one of a kind? You could do this yourself if you are artistically inclined, but if not, don’t worry. There are companies who can create completely unique oil paintings from photos, to provide you with a wonderful piece of art to show off in your beach home. This could be a photo of your family, your dog, or anything else you’d like turned into a piece of art.

Bring the Beach Inside

While you might only be steps away from the water, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the beach inside your home as well. Decorating the home with beach-themed items can be a great way to bring the space together. You could use sea shells in a glass bowl, a wall collage, pillows with a beachy design, and so many others.

Of course, there is a thin line here. If you overdo it with too many nautical or beach-themed items, it can be a little overwhelming. Simply start small, and over time you can add to your collection of beachy decor if you feel the space would benefit from it.

Use Wicker Furniture and Accents

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Few materials scream beach as much as wicker. These can give any space the texture it needs, while looking incredible at the same time. Wicker chairs, bed frames, stools and more can be easily purchased and added to any beach house to add a coastal vibe to any space.

There are also several different styles of wicker furniture. You can have some that are fully made of wicker, while others combine wicker with other materials and fabrics. While wicker isn’t always the coziest of materials, a cushion or pillow can easily be added to wicker chairs or stools in order to make them more comfortable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also paint the wicker your favorite color and help it match the space better.

Muted Tones With Splashes of Bright Color

While there are a lot of directions you could go with for the color of the walls, furniture, floors and decor, going with relatively muted and neutral tones is a good idea. White, light blue, navy, beige, and gray will generally look incredible in beach houses.

Having soft sandy tones like white, gray or light brown can make the transition from your home to beach outdoors essentially seamless. However, don’t forget to add some splashes of color here and there in the form of art, pillows, rugs, or plants

This all leads to a good mix of neutral or muted tones, with a bit of color where it makes sense. If the home is too colorful, especially if the colors clash (with each other or with your decor), it can look a little tacky at times.

Use Area Rugs Instead of Carpet

In many homes across the world, carpet is used in everything from kitchens to living rooms. It is soft, comfortable and can help retain warm air longer. Unfortunately, carpet is rarely the right choice in a beach house. There is normally quite a bit of humidity, which can leave carpets quite musty and make them difficult to keep dry. Also, good luck getting all the sand out of the carpet that finds its way inside.

As a result, your beach house should stick to hardwood or laminate flooring. However, that doesn’t mean you are doomed to have plain hardwood floors all over the home. Instead of adding full carpets, strategically use rugs instead.

Area rugs can look incredible in front of your couch in the living room, by your entryway, in front of the deck or patio, and several other places. This can give you the same look and feel as carpet, without committing to a certain design, color, style and location forever.

In conclusion, we hope this article has been able to help you learn some amazing decor ideas that are perfect for your beach house. CLICK HERE to find your dream beach house!

This blog post was provided by Rebecca Alston

Best Beachside Cities in Florida

By: Ben Holdt

Spending a few days at the beach is a great way to get away from the daily stresses of life and relax. With over 8,000 miles of coastline, Florida is second to just Alaska for the amount of land they have touching, sparkling ocean waters. However, the Sunshine State has the upper hand on being near the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. While there may be a lot of towns and cities dotting the Florida coast, there are only a few that indeed offer the best quality of life. Check out the best beachside cities in Florida for your next beach getaway.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Rentals

Panama City Beach Skyline

With 27 miles of white sandy beaches, Panama City Beach is widely known for its ability to ease away any stress that you brought with you on your vacation. This famous town offers waterfront restaurants as well as plenty of scuba activities thanks to its nearby artificial reefs. Families will enjoy the many water parks in town as well as two state parks that offer an up close and personal look at nature. There are plenty of nearby amusements to fill a vacation at the beach when the sand castle building is all done.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach House Rentals

Cocoa Beach House Rentals

This popular surfing destination is just south of Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic Ocean. Cocoa Beach is known for the waves that descend upon its shores at the end of the hurricane season that offers a great opportunity for avid surfers. Check out local events to book a vacation with plenty of action out on the water as you soak up the sun from the beach. You’ll also find many things to explore in the area including tours of the Kennedy Space Center, the Dinosaur Store, and many fishing charters.

Destin

Destin Florida Vacation Rental homes

Destin Sandy Beaches

Located in Northwest Florida, Destin features plenty of sugar white beaches and sunshine. As a popular destination point for many Midwesterners, the area is well known for its wide range of fishing activities as well as shopping opportunities. You’ll find excellent fishing charters as well as plenty of events year-round to make your vacation unique. Local restaurants feature fresh seafood from the gulf, and you’ll also find plenty of golf courses in the area as well.

Palm Beach

This widely known beach is as far East as you can get on the Florida coastline. Palm Beach features beautiful palm trees along white sandy beaches and plenty of luxury. The beach sits on a 16-mile-long island that is just 0.5 miles wide with plenty of beach area all around. Many wealthy families choose this area for winter homes which have created a luxury experience in town. You’ll find the most excellent restaurants and upscale shops when you’re not enjoying the beautiful beach.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach House Rentals on the beach

Fort Walton Beach

The beautiful emerald waters along Fort Walton Beach are enough to attract plenty of visitors each year. Located between Pensacola and Panama City, the beach is in an excellent location for visitors to get to from other parts of the country. Fort Walton Beach has powdery white beaches and offers plenty for the family to do once a day at the beach is done. You’ll find golf courses, aquariums, and many other attractions that help make this destination a vacation to remember.

There are plenty of places to choose from when looking for a great vacation on the beach in Florida. White sandy beaches mixed with enough great food and nightlife to keep you busy after a long day on the beach is standard for many of these hot spots. Consider any one of the best beachside cities in Florida for your next vacation to the Sunshine State.

Ben Holt is a fresh air enthusiast and loves writing about it. Ben is always looking to make the most of a summer day, whether he is relaxing in his garden, hiking on an off-beaten trail or entertaining friends on his newly renovated patio.

5 of the Best Beachside Cities in California

5 of the Best Beachside Cities in California
By: James Witts

Every beachside area will have the same key ingredients: sun, sand, and water. It’s no wonder residents in SoCal move from city to city within California to experience these beachside towns. It is the charm of the local town or city that makes a beach trip great? Check out these best beachside cities in California for your next beach getaway.

1. Santa Cruz
Located off of Highway 1 in Northern California, Santa Cruz offers a laid back and retro environment. Step back decades as you stroll down the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and peruse the many vintage shops that line the way. You’ll see a historic carousel as well as plenty of good old fashioned family fun with coasters and arcade games. Santa Cruz is one of the best beachside cities due to its proximity to other forms of nature. You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of whales from the ocean as well as tour nature at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Wineries also dot the countryside near Santa Cruz offering their other version of perfection by the bottle. Rent a beachhouse in Santa Cruz here.

2. Carmel
Officially known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, this quaint little town sites on the south side of the Monterey Peninsula south of San Jose. It’s tucked in location offers a quiet and relaxing beach getaway. You’ll enjoy time on the white sandy beaches as well as the windy conditions of the Point Lobos State Reserve. The Mission Trail Nature Preserve is also located nearby with many trails to explore. The town of Carmel itself offers a more mature beach trip with streets full of galleries and fine dining establishments. Rent a beach house in Carmel here.

3. Malibu
There is a reason why this beach is so famous for both residents and visitors. Malibu is a beautiful beach that stretches out for more than 30 miles making this an excellent option for those wanting to take a long run along the water. Malibu is the prime spot for surfing and is well known as one of the significant places that celebrities and athletes call home. The ocean waves are well suited for both beginner and advanced surfers making this a great spot to learn more about the sport as well as see professional surfers in action. You’ll also find amazing fresh seafood dishes at the many restaurants that are located on the pier or right off the beach as well. Rent a beach house in Malibu here.

4. Catalina Island
If you’re a California resident looking for a vacation that is easy to get to but feels a million miles away, Catalina Island is the place for you. This island located just 22 miles off the coast of California feels like an entirely different world with its peaceful community and magnificent sunsets. There isn’t even a traffic light on the entire island making this a common getaway destination for many residents who spend hours a day sitting in traffic. Catalina Island boasts beautiful beaches as well as a casual atmosphere that is sure to put you on island time.

5. Venice Beach
Known for its eclectic style, Venice Beach is a favorite spot for those looking for some far-out beach time. You’ll find piazzas and canals much like its Italian counterpart as well as quaint little shops that line the boardwalk. Venice Beach is a great spot to be entertained by street performers as well as spend an afternoon watching all of the diverse people stroll by. Chic boutiques and food trucks are favorite stops for both residents and tourists alike as well.

California is full of great little beachside towns and cities that create the perfect backdrop to a beach getaway. From the laid-back atmosphere of Santa Cruz and Venice Beach to the surf-loving area of Malibu, to the peaceful getaways of Carmel and Catalina Island, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for your next beach vacation. Consider all of these best beachside cities in California for your next trip.

James Witts is an eco-conscious home improvement writer. He is constantly trying to find new ways to live off the grid while living in a tiny home with his wife, Andie.

Now’s a Great Time to Book Your Beach House!


Imagine this scenario – you’re planning a trip down to Florida, you’re excited to go during the summer months when the kids are out of school and your boss has finally granted you your week’s vacation, everything’s set for the trip, and then your opportunity is taken away from you as you realize that there are no more available beach houses in the area you were looking most forward to staying in. For those of us dreaming of being able to escape to warm, sunny climates during the most popular time of year, the best time to book a beach house is now! Some of the best and brightest locations tend to get booked sometime in the early/middle months of winter as more vacationers begin to take a good look at their cold surroundings and become motivated to move on to a brighter location in time for the summer.

Gorgeous Views!

Location, Location, Location
As we all know, one of the greatest obstacles is finding the right spot and deal once the official location for the vacation (city, state, country) has been decided. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have when it comes to getting your desired spot and housing accommodations as well! One benefit of booking ahead is having more options when choosing your beach house, and a better chance of scoring a home closer to the water, or one with an extra bedroom that allows friends from back home to visit you if and when they get the chance. If you book your summer trip now in January, you increase your chances of getting a condo with a nicer view of the gulf so that you can wake up every single morning and have breakfast on your balcony as you watch the turquoise waters settle down below. When you hesitate to make your reservations, you lose your opportunity to get the better deal. And when you’re late, even in the off-chance that you can get a spot in the general area you originally sought to stay in, the likelihood of being able to get the places with the better amenities diminish considerably; you’re usually left with something you probably would not have gone out of your way for in the first place.

You Can Almost Smell That Ocean Air!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
As important as availability is, another important thing to consider is transportation. True, many of us choose destinations that we end up driving to instead of either flying or taking the train. But imagine you decide to go out of your way for this one trip and venture out of your comfort zone as you head someplace farther and more exotic than the area you live in. A common mistake many first-time travelers often make is forgetting to coordinate their transportation with the rental dates. Whether this may be from one side of the country to the other or out of the country altogether, you need to make sure that your ride will get you there on the day you check in and take you back home the day you check out. Even more time is necessary if you need more than one seat! If you book last minute, you have a greater chance of not being able to get a ride over to your much awaited vacation destination and in extreme cases, you might even have to reschedule the whole thing on account of having mis-coordinating flight/rental schedules. Don’t let it get to the point where what could be the most enjoyable week out of your year is ruined because of poor time management!

Living in Paradise!

You’re in the Money!
As important as the first two categories are, one of the best features of booking ahead is the amount of money you get to save! You always go on vacation knowing that you will spend a certain amount of money which you automatically budget for. But have you ever considered how much more money you get to keep in your wallet when you take advantage of the rates available during the winter months? The lowest annual rates for any rental are always right after the holiday season. That way you have the opportunity to get that nice, big rental house right on the water for around the same price you would have to pay for the smaller, less convenient home farther away from the beach. Flight tickets also go down in price considerably after January 1st. And there you go! Your two biggest expenses cut down to nearly half just by taking care of things now rather than later. Makes the trip that much more enjoyable, doesn’t it?

So do yourself the favor and book now for your beach house sooner rather than later. Shouldn’t you have the best on your vacation? After all, for many of us working stiffs out there, it only comes but once a year!

Come see what Kiawah is all about!

Miles of beautiful beach and nearly nobody else in sight!

 

 

 

 

One of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets is beautiful little island 20 miles south of Charleston. Kiawah Island is one of the best places to book beach property rentals because it offers vacationers to relax in a place of quiet tranquility at a secluded, private beachfront community.

Kiawah Island, (pronounced “KEE-a-wah”) is a resort community 20 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. One of the happiest seaside towns in America, it offers 10 miles of pristine white, and warm beaches. With so much space to spread out and so few properties on the island you’ll never have to see another vacationer if you don’t want to. Kiawah is the perfect destination for honeymooning couples or families with small children.

Bike trails galore for the adventurer in us all

For those who want to do more than rest on the beach, Kiawah Island offers 20 miles of paved bike trails meandering through wildlife and nature reserves where anyone can see the local species Kiawah is designed to protect. Stop by the Kiawah Island Nature Center to sign up for one of its nature programs which include kayak and canoe rentals, guided paddling excursions, outdoor walking tours, ocean tours, an alligator adventure, island birding, nature photography, wetland tours, fishingand motorboat excursions, sunset cruises, and so much more. Learning to ride a bike? The white-sand beaches during low-tide are a beautiful and safe place to improve your skills or get your little ones going.

Kiawah Island oceanside vacationers love the outdoors and enjoy playing tennis at one of the many tennis courts, rollerblading around the island, and at one of the island’s many exclusive golf courses. The Ocean Course at Kiawah’s Island Golf Resort will be hosting the 2012 PGA championships.

 

What a beautiful place to play!

Freshfield Village, just outside Kiawah, features exclusive shopping, art shows, live music, outdoor movies, a farmers market and lots of other events. And if you are craving even more culture just make an excursion to Charleston which is a short car ride away. It’s the cultural heart of the South with lots of historic sites, art galleries, concerts, cafes and restaurants to explore.

Vacationers on Kiawah Island  can enjoy all the benefits of a modern, well-furnished beach home with exclusive beachfront access year round. Since many homes are in private or gated communities a vacationer can enjoy perfect privacy right between a boundless nature preserve and a beautiful beach.

Want to come and see what Kiawah is all about? Book now before it’s too late!

Travel Deal: Bayview Luxury, Fort Myers Beach, Florida

15% OFF January 2010 Bookings – Inquire Today!

A peaceful bayfront paradise. Whether you are enjoying the heated swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool or “sitting on the dock of the bay”, this 2-story 5 Bedroom, 3.5 bath home is almost sure to please any guest. Laundry facilities are located on both floors. Game room with pool table, bar, and TV to keep guests entertained if they get too much sun. there is even an outside shuffleboard court as well. Just a couple hundred yards to the nearest beach access, guests get the proximity to the beach that they want with the privacy of the bay that they need to relax.

In a house with 5 bedrooms, you almost need 2 separate living rooms. With the game room on the first floor and the living room on the second floor, guests can enjoy some quiet relaxation time while the kids are downstairs watching TV or playing games. The living room one of the largest rooms in the house with 3 sets of doors that open onto a screened lanai, an entertainment center with a 36″ TV, DVD Player, VCR and Stereo. Off the living room, guests will find the kitchen and breakfast nook, the formal dining room, the Upstairs Queen bedroom and a half bathroom.

The dining room is seldom used in a vacation home like ours, but you just never know when you are going to have to do some entertaining in a more formal setting. The table is large enough to fit 8 people comfortably, although it only has 6 chairs. Folding chairs for additional guests can be found in the master bedroom closet. It’s a perfect place for a holiday dinner or to entertain friends that live in the area or are vacationing nearby. Conveniently located directly opposite the kitchen, you don’t have far to walk to bring in the food or take out the dishes.

A luxury house requires a spacious kitchen. This house is no exception. With breathtaking views of the bay, the kitchen is the center of the 2nd floor. Guests will enjoy the extra elbow room for cooking on our center island. Staying in the house with a big group requires a lot of food – and we’ve got enough cabinets for you to keep a month’s worth. If you’re staying with just a couple of friends, eat a casual meal at our 4-seat breakfast nook or at the counter with bar stools off the living room.

The recreational/game room is where most children spend their time (when they’re not swimming in the pool, that is). Guests may enjoy our pool table, TV, bar with a separate sink and refrigerator, as well as a table for playing board games. Located directly off the pool deck, it is also a convenient place to relax if you need to get out of the sun for a few hours.

FortMyersBeachFlorida3The Master Suite: Truly the highlight of staying in this home. With a screened in lanaioff this spectacular bedroom, you can wake up each morning watching the sun rise over the bay, listening to the sounds of nature. A King-size bed seems too small in this extra-spacious room. A dresser and dual king-size walk in closets will be plenty of space for you to store your clothes in while you are our guests. A small sitting area with a TV allows you to unwind in private after a busy day at the beach.

The master bath is just as spacious, including double sinks, a shower/steam room, toilet facilities and a bath that overlooks the bay. Additionally, laundry facilities are located off the master bathroom. Enjoy a relaxing bath in our extra-deep tub overlooking the bay or maybe nice hot shower after a long day at the beach. The master suite has an oversized bathroom with luxury facilities like the extra-deep soaking tub, our steam & shower room, double sinks and vanities and laundry facilities. Fresh sheets and towels are included in all rentals.

By far the most relaxing part of staying in this bayfront home is the view of the bay as you relax by the pool. Unlike other houses on the bay, the view from this house is unobstructed and contains only what nature provides. The heated pool and outdoor whirlpool are very relaxing and perfect for families. Our bayfront dock has a boat lift, should you decide to rent a boat for the week or if you happen to have one that you’ll be sailing in on. Our pool deck also has a separate patio complete with seating for 6 and a gas grill for your enjoyment.