Byron Bay Beauty

Byron Bay is a beach side town located on the east coast of Australia just south of Brisbane and well north of Sydney.  With an eclectic mix of surfing, sophistication, and a big dose of bohemian culture, a thriving design scene has recently emerged.  One of the most notable additions is the hip but laid back Byron Bay Atlantic,  ”a unique coastal estate of three original beach cottages that have been transformed into Caribbean styled plantation houses and joined by meandering sun bleached paths.”

Art plays a big role throughout the property with graphic prints in blues and greens.  Even a wooden bowl filled with pineapples makes a tropical statement.

The simple white guest room features an ode to Old Hawaii with its breezy tropical pillows.

The central theme of bright white is punctuated with simple modern furniture and tropical foliage.  Accordian-style doors lead to a patio for dining alfresco.

Swim fins, a shell necklace and a beach bag add to the sophisticated casualness of the Atlantic.

The kitchen’s island has a modern, graphic design and hanging woven pendants.

A focal point is an artistic display of Pelligrino water.

The patio off of one of the rooms has a cabana striped awning. A pale blue surfboard adds to the charm.

White washed furniture mixed with colorful pillows grace the bottom floor patio.

Byron Bay has no shortage of eclectic boutiques and eateries.  The city hosts a surf festival in October, spring in Australia.

G’day mate!

Countdown to a Coastal Christmas

With only a few days left to fulfill your friends and families’ wish lists, check out these original beach-inspired gift ideas.  If you’re done with all your holiday shopping and you’ve been nice (and not naughty), go on and get a little something for yourself.  You deserve it.

For the stylish party animal, the Beach Set glasses courtesy of Sisters of LA and available from Kitson.

For the retro/modern collector, how about some bright-colored dinner or serveware from Bauer Pottery (who happens to be having its incredible end-of-year holiday sale going on right now).

If you’re looking to upgrade the home office, consider this vintage cane chair reupholstered in Hollywood at Home owner and designer Peter Dunham’s Starburst fabric as a good start.

If your plan is to spend the holidays lounging around the house watching movies or trying your hand at the kids’ Wii, check out this original floor pillow in a navy tropical pineapple pattern.

A giant bean bag or two covered in these adorable Aztec birds would be a great addition to a little girl’s room.

You can never go wrong with original art.  Especially if it’s from San Francisco-based fine artist Jorey Hurley who has a collection of outdoor-inspired digital prints like her Surfboard Fins just waiting for a new home.

For the nature lover, this giant clamshell makes a creative gift when filled to the brim with small, strategically placed succulents.

If you can’t make it to the beach this Christmas, at least you can pretend with this shell-filled beach globe.

If jewelry is on her list (and it always is), this stunning deep aqua green chrysoprase pendant from Southern California native Susan Tyssee of Charmed Jewelry will more than satisfy.

This whimsical mermaid on a string infused with garnets, also from Charmed, will definitely make someone’s day.

Make sure you wrap your gifts up nicely.  Ecojot’s festive jellyfish wrap would do the trick.

Even though this adorable wrapping paper is described as zebra print, it could certainly pass as waves.

Be sure to top your hand-selected, precious gifts off with a personal gift tag like this “whale of a tale” card with matching wrapping paper from New Zealand’s Toodles Noodles.

May your holidays be as peaceful as the ocean on a calm day and warm and bright as the summer sun.

Dining In

It’s cold outside but why go out when you can grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa with the kids and enjoy a little down time in your own slice of paradise?  These days it’s out with the formal (and stuffy) living room and in with the casual eat-in kitchen/family room.  Make the area where the family congregates for breakfast, snacks and even homework a cozy and stylish nook by incorporating a banquette (built-in bench).  Have fun mixing and matching chairs with interesting upholstery to reflect your own personal chic style.

Aerin Lauder uses a breezy blue geometric patterned fabric on her chairs and banquette and personalizes the space with art and personal photos.  Photos courtesy of Elle Decor.

This eclectic eat-in area pairs a pink table base with a rectangle wood top.  The pillows blend interesting stripes and patterns.  The vintage rattan lamp tops off the nook giving it a beach-inspired vibe.

This cozy corner is brightened up with contrasting bright fabric in the form of pillows and upholstered chairs surrounding a vintage Saarinen Tulip Table.

Pink and a faux zebra stripe work well in this French-feeling breakfast nook.

This built-in bench with a soft velvet upholstered cushion and pillows is a great place to curl up with a book.

These rattan chairs and pendant lamp from Ikea create a coastal oasis in this kitchen.

Serena and Lily’s yellow, gray and black patterned pillows on this banquette give it a modern look without being too stark.

This large banquette is totally surfer chic.  Photo courtesy of Coastal Living.

Fun stripes are always sunny and fashionable and vinyl means easy clean up if young kids are eating here.

If you can’t commit to a built-in, Ballard Designs makes the moveable Coventry bench in different sizes, configurations and can be customized using their many fabric choices (or get creative and upholster with your own choice.)

West Elm also has the Elton upholstered bench with tufting for a more sophisticated look.

And World Market now offers the Hayden dining banquette bench at a bargain price.

Better hurry before the relatives get here.

Criss Cross

Those classic vinyl webbed lawn chairs from the 60s and 70s bring back great memories of  lazy days at the beach and the good old family barbeques by the pool.  But you can take inspiration from them to incorporate some summer nostalgia into your home with a more modern take on the classic chair.

This glossy white kitchen in Rye, New York features these sophisticated but fun white criss cross leather chairs.  Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.

The leather and white Zuo dining chairs have clean lines and a beachy look.

They also come in an office version.

This leather woven sitting chair is similar in design to the Barcelona chair and makes a statement in the corner of a bedroom or as part of a seating area in the living room.

For a more affordable version, Ikea makes the Poang chair (left) which looks a lot like the classic Knoll of the right.  It also comes in natural.    Photos courtesy of Apartment Therapy.

Happy Shopping, er Thanksgiving.

The Art of Reupholstery

Reupholstering furniture takes fine motor skills and a love of textiles.  It is an old school trade that requires the right tools and a good amount of patience.  If you have always loved grandma’s wing back chair but not its weathered blue fabric or you discover a well-made piece of furniture at the flea market that just needs a little freshening up, all it takes is a little vision and a few necessary tools (perhaps even some simple sewing skills) and you could have the most interesting chair on the block.

 

This faded green game table chair originally from Vegas with remnants of a shiny maroon fabric was found at a vintage store in San Pedro, CA.

A staple remover like this will help ease out all the old staples.  They can be found at an upholstery supplier or online.

The chair was first spray painted a shiny black.

Then a new plywood seat was cut and two-inch thick foam was attached to its top with spray adhesive.  On the open back, fabric is stapled to the back, dacron layered on top and two strips of webbing to keep it in place.

Next, foam is cut to fit into the back window and attached on top of webbing.

Back to the base, dacron for padding was stapled over the foam using a staple gun and upholstery staples.  Pneumatic staple guns attached to a small compressor work better than a manual stapler.

Now the fun part; picking the fabric!  Two complementary John Robshaw fabrics like these contrasting patterns make for an adventurous chair. The fabric is stapled to the base and back carefully.

Double welt cording is made on the sewing machine and hot-glued to cover your staples for a more finished look.  A dust cover is attached to the bottom and the entire seat is then screwed into the base.  And voila!

This chair went from sad to stunning.

Here are a few other transformations:

This $20 red vinyl ottoman was reupholstered in a vibrant blue ikat pattern.

This flea market antique caned chair was refinished in a dark expresso paint and reupholstered in Tommy Bahama’s colorful palm print.

For more information on how to reupholster yourself, consider taking a class at your local community college or technical/trade school.  While they are few and far between, there is nothing better than hands-on instruction.

Or invest in a good “how-to” book such as the Complete Guide to Upholstery.

All furniture available for sale at Open House Modern Beach Design on Etsy.

Pin it

If you often fantasize about your dream home but don’t know where to start, consider exploring the design-friendly web site, Pinterest.  Even if your budget is a far cry from allowing you to purchase designer tiles, custom upholstery or even new bedding and pillows, all the design pros agree its best to do your research to understand your taste by collecting images of what you like in a notebook or file folder.  Pinterest is a tool for creating your own virtual inspiration board.  So come on — dream a little.

It’s really simple to use even if you’re a techno-phobe and still don’t even go on Facebook.  Create an account and start to develop “boards” such as “kitchens”, “bedrooms” and “backyards”.  When you see things you like online, simply look for the magic “p” button (most sites now include them) and start to “pin” your faves on your boards.  Before you know it, your bank account will be flush and you’ll have your entire dream house designed.

Sometimes it’s fun to just be a voyeur and peek at other people’s boards.  Or, you can search for specifics like “white beach kitchens” or “bohemian bedding”.  Here are some ideas to start.  (Click on the links to see the Open House Modern Beach Design boards):

Beach Kitchens:

My Favorite Fabrics:

Beach House Furniture:

Desert Modern

You get the idea.  Happy pinning!

Falling for Pink and Wine

The calendar may say October but don’t let that force you into a color scheme of brown and orange.  Equally rich but not nearly as expected is the pairing of pink and wine.  Like a great cab served with a perfectly seasoned filet, spice up your fall with this interesting and autumnal candy-colored combo.

David Hicks for Lee Jofa’s La Fiorentina fabric is a great geometric pattern for pillows like this one from Arianna Belle on Etsy.

It makes a striking statement on a french sofa like this one from former Domino Magazine editor Ruthie Sommer’s house.  Photo courtesy of Domino The Book of Decorating.

John Robshaw’s Abu round pillow is done in a bright pink print with embroidery on top.

San Francisco-based artist Kendra Lock of Urban Creative creates modern and sweet ombre art in light honeysuckle to magenta.

A magenta damask wallpaper from Garrendenny Lane adds a touch of elegance to a girl’s bedroom.

Think pink (and wine) or go home.

Small Wonders

Just because boys love cars and trucks and girls gravitate towards princesses and pink doesn’t mean their bedrooms have to reflect that. Designing a child’s bedroom in good taste from the get-go will allow them to make the transition from terrible twos to tweens and even teens without spending a fortune along the way.  And better yet, their rooms will flow more naturally with the rest of the house instead of looking like something out of Romper Room.  Have some fun creating a haven for the little ones with all the amazing choices out there.

There’s nothing wrong with pink as long as it’s done sparingly like this aesthetically pleasing girls bunk room courtesy of Coastal Living.  Curtains in Raoul Textiles‘ Amijao in sea.

Bunk beds can be space savers especially when you need to accommodate siblings with limited space.  This beachy bunkroom relies on ocean hues to create a fun atmosphere for slumber parties.  The aqua painted floor is a perfect play area and bunk beds allow for lots of friends and family to sleep over.  Interior design by Andra Birkerts.

This neutral bunk room is stylish and gender neutral and the flowing curtains give each resident some privacy thanks to the mother-daughter team of Southern California’s M. Elle Design.

A playful bunk configuration in a room clad in white board walls and woven accents is pure class.

Industrial bunk beds from the new Restoration Hardware, aka RH, are sleek and modern — a far cry from the Brady Bunch days.

Their industrial cart platform bed is a clever idea and the walled storage is a great way to organize toys.

With many older homes lacking adequate storage, shelves over the bed serve an important function of displaying books and special toys.  Arrange in like colors for an artistic twist.

A window seat and built-ins are a good way to take advantage of the wall and provides extra seating.

Hable Construction makes underbed storage boxes and hampers stylish and functional.

Designer Jenni Kayne’s Los Angeles playroom is simple with neutral tones and a fun teepee for secret playdates.  Photo courtesy of Architectural Digest.

Bedding can also instantly help define the decor of the room.  Serena and Lily makes colorful sheets in interesting patterns.

Their cool, blue Celadon scale sheets give a bedroom a coastal vibe without overdoing it.

Interesting accessories can also keep your child’s room from looking like pre school.

How about throwing the dirty clothes in this industrial hamper from RH?

This canvas tent from RH looks vintage and would make a great hideout or sleepover quarters.

Retro artwork like Roy Lichtenstein’s Girl With a Ball adds a little bit of playful sophistication.

Or California counties reinterpreted by CaPOW on Etsy would make a statement in the playroom or over the bed.

Stop playing it safe!  Let the kids grow up with good design.

Naturally Chic

If you’re looking for the perfectly designed beach house, there’s nothing more inspiring than the outdoors.  Take cues from nature and bring elements of the outside in by incorporating shells, wood, plants and woven accessories into your dream home.

A fig leaf plant in a woven planter adds tropical flavor.  Photo courtesy of Coastal Living.

For a more streamlined and modern look, try planting an indoor palm in a sleek, rectangular, white planter box for a dramatic entry like this in celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe’s house.  Photos courtesy of Richard Powers and Heart and Design.

Succulents are easy to care for and look underwater-worldly when placed in a giant clam shell used as a planter. Place it in a fireplace for an unconventional beach-inspired look.

It also makes a great centerpiece for the dining or back patio table.

Reclaimed wood incorporated into the canopy bed and exposed beams adds warmth to this bedroom.

Wood is also a great accent to this Bahia, Brazil living room.  Photos courtesy of Casa.  See more in the Style Files.

A driftwood orb chandelier from Ocean Offerings makes a dramatic statement above the dining room table.

Anthropologie never ceases to amaze with their unique furniture designs like this Manzanita bench inspired by fallen tree limbs and twisted roots.

Now get outside and get back to nature.

Let’s Talk Shop

Labor Day weekend is one last excuse to hit the stores and snap up some last-minute summer goodies for yourself.  If you didn’t have the nerve to take the plunge and buy that eenie meanie bikini, how about some pretty dressing for your house?  Here are some favorite places to shop ’till you drop.

Surf Bazaar located at the Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY, curates “the best of local artisans, designers, vintage finds, and all items that are inspired or inspire us of our surrounding environment.”  In addition to gauzy tunics by brands such as Lemlem, the store carries Turkish towels and beach blankets exported from Central America.

Beach House Style in Fairfax, CA is all about a happy-go-lucky lifestyle.  It’s vintage charm meets beach chic with a blend of cottage-style antiques, modern pillows and bohemian textiles and clothing.

How about this distressed dresser from Beach House Style in the dining room for linens and platters?

This 70s style woven hanging chair and heart pillow from Beach House Style would have a great home on the porch.

Interesting wire pendants add vintage charm to a beach house and are probably very affordable.  A little bright white paint and lighting kit from Home Depot would transform them into functional art.

Beach House Style also sells dainty, coastal inspired jewelry.

Marea at the Terranea Resort in LA’s picturesque Palos Verdes is stocked with pretty beach clothes, delicate jewelry and beautiful home decor items including coral.  They also carry custom furniture designed by Coastal Modern designer Tim Clarke.

Tim Clarke’s Crystal Wingback Chair with its antiqued grey finish and natural linen cushion can currently be seen in the store or you can visit his coastal modern design store Tower 20 on Main Street in Santa Monica where he stocks John Robshaw pillows and other textiles.

Located in downtown Manhattan Beach, Waterleaf Interiors is the brainchild of good friends Jill Johnson and Suzanne Ascher.  While they are interior designers with a great coastal aesthetic, they also operate a beach chic retail spot in the Metlox Plaza.

Waterleaf carries accessories for the home including unique local South Bay artwork and furniture that can be purchased right off the floor.

They have a great selection of bohemian pillows by designers such as John Robshaw.

Best of all, they have a wide assortment of designer fabric samples that can be custom-made into pillows, curtains, bedding or even used for reupholstering furniture.  Above three photos courtesy of South Bay Home Magazine.

Calypso St. Barth began in 1992 with its first store in the gorgeous Leeward Island of St. Barth.  Since then, it has grown from a resort-wear boutique to a luxury lifestyle brand.  The home line, Calypso St. Barth Home, opened in 2006 and now has a presence throughout the U.S.

They carry beach chic accessories for the home from exotic locations around the globe including India, Morocco and Brazil.

This white chain link basket would be great for towels, toys, or magazines and can be used indoors or out.

This beachy white, woven day bench is on sale for 15% off.

Or how about one of Heidi Merrick’s stylish and colorful Corsica bolster pillows?  (It’s an extra 50% off.)

Better get out there and get ‘em while they’re hot!