I'm a beach lover, in every season. There is something special about a winter beach. The emptiness and silence is like a blank slate. There's room for thought and space. It sort of just lets you be. This is sort of how I want December to feel in my home. I want it to be a place my family and I can come home to and just be during this time that seems to run at double speed.
This feeling is subconsciously woven throughout my home, and during the holidays, I like to complement this aesthetic with more traditional, cozy touches. For you other beach lovers out there, I've put together a quick road map with items from some of my favorite local and retail vendors that can give you the same vibe. All items are linked below it.
1. Felicia at Blue House Summer makes beautiful, hand painted signs out of upcycled wood. I love this piece in particular because it can really work with year round decor in a casual space. She can also make custom signs tailored to your requests. Check out her facebook page or website for more examples of her work.
2. I am addicted to new pillows from Homegoods. I swap mine out throughout the year seasonally, or depending on my mood. Just ask my husband. At this point, I've taken to keeping the pillows I have and replacing just the covers when I can. I'm personally ordering these green velvet covers from Nora Quinonez's Etsy shop. They're definitely pricier than picking up a whole new pillow at HG, but they're handmade here in New York, and that kind of quality is hard to beat. The green can also be a nice transition to spring later on.
3. If you have a special beach lover on your holiday shopping list, or you're looking for a piece of artwork for a prominent place in your home, Eileen McKenna' shop is a must visit. She is a local artist whose muse is the constantly changing beach. This print, entitled, Light reminds me of a winter beach and Eileen captures it all so realistically. Be sure to check out her thoughtful blog where she shares her inspiration and process.
4. I came across this pretty wreath on Etsy. I love that it could be used for Hanukkah, or winter, or really everyday if you're a blue and white lover like me.
5. One of my favorite shops to frequent is Anchor & Co. in Amityville. Liza is a master at breathing new life into vintage and upcycled furniture, and adding her signature coastal flair to affordable decor. These ornaments are a great gift for friends or family who've relocated out of state, or as a keepsake for your own tree.
6. This menorah from West Elm reminds me of the most elegant driftwood. It's a lovely modern and artistic update on a classic menorah. It just sold out in silver, but may still be available in person and is still available online in gold. (Pier 1 has this more traditional version in a similar style you might like too.)
