Summer Decor: Surf's Up - iVillage

30 Design Ideas for a Beach-Inspired Home 0 chimes

Just because you can't get away this summer doesn't mean you can't spend time in a beautiful summery home. Get ideas, tips and tricks for making your home feel like a warm-weather destination every day. 

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Summer Decor: Surf's Up

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Getty Images

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Getty Images

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Red Cover

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Red Cover

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Red Cover

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

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Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

Erin Renzas on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:00PM

40 Bright and Cheerful Rooms We Love
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Summer Decor: Surf's Up

If you don't live in a tropical local, fret not, you can still create a backyard space that's so relaxing, you'll feel like you're on a Hawaiian getaway all year long. Mix lush, leafy plants, comfortable chairs and natural elements (like this drift-wood rail and bamboo fence) to bring the beach to you. Vintage or used surfboards can be purchased for bargain prices in even landlocked regions.

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Summer Decor: Seaside Hangout

Mix woven neutrals with pops of bright red and turquoise for a modern spin on a nautical living room design.

Baldwin sofa and piped slipcover in Bark Twill, $1,319 at Ballard Designs. Similar chair: Seagrass wingback armchair in Honey, $449 at Pottery Barn. Peekaboo clear console, $349 at CB2.

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Summer Decor: Seaside Accents

 A white-on-white collection of beach finds adds character to a mantel. 

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Summer Decor: Nautical Nod

A blue-and-white paint job gives hardwood floors rustic character while concealing imperfections in the wood.

Summer Decor: Shower Style

Patterned cement tiles add a graphic element and are an interesting alternative to traditional tiling in an open bathroom. The funky pattern and cool palette make for a space that feels like a hip resort.

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Summer Decor: Earn Your Stripes

The classic combination of blue and red-stripes paired with a sizable model ship makes this room decidedly seaworthy.

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Summer Decor: Palm Beach Prep

Pink and green stripes are a perfect match with resort-inspired textures like rattan and bamboo.

Similar bed: Padmas Plantation basket weave headboard in Natural Antique, $689 at Bedroom Furniture. Similar tray: Two-tone lacquer serving tray in Fuchsia/Lime, $44.50 at Pearl River. Cabana-stripe window panel, $64 at Pine Cone Hill.

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Summer Decor: Ocean Hues

Casual and comfortable, this room feels like the perfect space to sit back and relax after a long day at the beach. Even if your home isn't seaside, the easy mix of over-sized furniture in whites and blues will make this a favorite space to friends and family to hang out in.

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Summer Decor: Shore Steps

This modern home features a prominent staircase, reminiscent of those found leading down to the shore in many beach-towns. Combine natural woods and white walls and the space will feel instantly beachy.

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Summer Decor: A Burst of Color

Sometimes all it takes to liven up a space is a bold shot of color. Here, bright blue patio furniture and tableware turn this spot into an exotic oasis.

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Summer Decor: Sunroom Chic

A simple white table, cherry-red stools and a striped bench make this sunroom a cheerful space to start or end the day. This same look works well in a breakfast nook or reading corner.

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Summer Decor: Out to Sea

Bright white, honey-toned wood and deep navy provide a natural backdrop for a nautical-themed room.

Similar bed: Walden twin bed in Honey, $799 at Land of Nod. Similar rug: Diamond Denim/White indoor/outdoor rug, $134 at Dash & Albert Rug Company. Similar artwork: Two Fifes: Tuiga and Moonbeam III print, $25 at Art.com. Similar pillow sham: Navy Color Frame sham, $58 at Serena & Lily. Similar lamp: Harbor Tugboat lamp, $99 at Yessy.

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Summer Decor: Set Sail

Boat oars make whimsical curtain rods, and nautical flags make a room look seaworthy.

Italian Hotel Satin Stitch White Twin Duvet Cover, $179, and Standard Sham, $69, in Navy at Restoration Hardware. Nautical Code “Whiskey” and “Golf” Flag Pillows, $38 each at Home by the Seashore. Distressed Wood Oars, $29 to $69 each at Pottery Barn.

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Summer Decor: Simple Centerpiece

Show-off those summer beach finds. Here, found seashells arranged casually in a shallow basket create a simple, elegant centerpiece.

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Summer Decor: One Step Ahead

Shelves and a file cabinet tucked under the stairs are an efficient use of a tight space Rustic white furniture makes this space feel light and beachy.

Antonius shelf, $7 each at Ikea.

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Summer Decor: Hang Ten

A boldly-hued surfboard is perched against the wall. The pop of orange gives this simple living room a unique spin.

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Summer Decor: Comfy Corner

Create a casual lounge in your home. This deep couch and the mix-and-match pillows offer the perfect refuge on a hot summer day.

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Summer Decor: Into the Blue

Who wouldn't adore this bold take on ocean decor. Envelop neutral furniture and floorboards in clean blue walls for dramatic effect.

Blue Mosque paint at Sherwin-Williams. Similar crib: DaVinci Rozanne 3-in-1 convertible crib in Antique White, $259 at All Modern Baby. Similar life ring: Life ring in Mirror Blue, $33 at Nautical Supply Shop. Similar table and chairs: Latt table and two chairs, $20 at Ikea.

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Summer Decor: Cabana Canopy

Feel like you’re on vacation every morning when you wake up under this deckchair-striped fabric.

Similar bed: Wildon Home Twin Lakes canopy bed in White, $499 (full) at Bedroom Furniture. Deckchair stripe fabric, at Fabrics and Papers.

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Summer Decor: Round-A-Boat

Vintage life rings and a mirror which mimics the feel of a port window give this space a nautical feel.

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Summer Decor: Natural Order

A subdued palette and organic textures—baskets, stones and wood—hold this entryway together.

Natural-stone lamp, $375 at Granny’s Country Store. Similar Console, Carved Wood Console, $749 at Wisteria.

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Summer Decor: Weathered White

A neutral palette won’t fall flat with a mix of white wood surfaces, cream-colored ceramics and glass canisters.

Similar island: Boos Gathering Island, $1,295 at Williams-Sonoma. Italian whiteware large deep serving bowl, $30 at Sur La Table.

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Summer Decor: Hanging Out

Hammocks aren't just for the outdoors. Select a hammock made of a heavier fabric to keep the look chic.

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Summer Decor: Make Waves

An all-white room with small colored accents is decidedly modern.

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Summer Decor: Sweet Dreams

This rather formal bedroom gets a summery twist with the addition of a breezy bed net and porch-light-style sconces.

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Summer Decor: Light Wash

Sheer curtains and a coat of white paint keep rigid wooden furniture and an architectural bench from looking too heavy.

Village Maremma white side chair, $199 at Crate & Barrel.

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Summer Decor: Special Effect

Long striped textiles lengthen the appearance of this petite dining room.

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Summer Decor: Toile Story

Using natural textures like whitewashed wooden floors, sisal rugs, linen upholstery and shell accents creates a bucolic look.

Heathered chenille jute rug in Natural, $499 at Pottery Barn. Similar sofa: Shabby Chic Dover sofa in Antique White Linen, (price available upon request) at Cottage Chic Store. Delices des Quatres Saisons toile fabric in Black, $85 per yard at Pierre Deux.

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Summer Decor: Shell Shelf

To create a beach-inspired home, you need not go all-out. Little touches, like the addition of shells or coral to a bathroom shelf can go a long way in bringing a that summery feeling home.

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Summer Decor: Balinese-Inspired Sitting Space

For a look inspired by beautiful Bali, look for dark pieces made of dark wood with graphic carvings. Accent those pieces with chic white fabrics.

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