A Life Preserver? 9 Ideas for Coastal Decorating!

When you grow up around boats in the Puget Sound, life preservers don't always translate themselves into a good idea for "nautical" home decor.

Or in this case a fashion shoot! (don't you just love the stripes too?)

You know, a lot of grime, dirt and more than a few barnacles don't really look that appealing.   Now that I am "grown up" (sort of!) I have a new appreciation for how they might look, in all kinds of coastal homes, from a cottage look to more of an upscale room.

I found these pretty multi-colored examples at the Alameda Flea Market!   Kicking myself for not buying them for our online store, just could not figure out a good way to ship them...

Take a look at all of the other ideas that I've found for inspiration.  Enjoy! 

Vintage desk - love the typewriter and globe.  Absolutely need that chair!

From Tracery Interiors

Outside seaside porch from my new blog crush - Karnas Hus!  

Sexy Black and White "Miami" life preserver discovered on Pinterest by my friend Lynda Quintero-Davis.  Also another fabulous design blogger - FocalPoint

Cute vintage cottage, complete with vintage elements - love the nautical chart art.

Pretty beach "shack"!  Can't you just imagine a day on the beach?

From Three Potato Four - a very cool vintage shop!

Outdoor Cocktail Bar idea from Pottery Barn

Like this look from Coastal Living with the river rock fireplace and oars.

Discovered at Houzz.com -like the shell chandelier combined with the turquoise "framed" 

life preserver art.  Unique idea! 

Hmm... now where can I incorporate this idea into my house?  Will definitely be on the look-out for the right life preserver!  Thinking maybe an white one with a little bit of blue for my beach cottage bedroom...

I am mad at myself for not grabbing this one - I really like the "Oakland".  Dang it, next time...

(P.S. I also found this life preserver at the Alameda Flea Market, one of my absolute FAVORITE places to go for inspiration!)

Here's a few ideas from our online to store to help inspire you too.

3-Life Ring Pillow

The starfish on the side of the life preserver is a great addition! 

Ship Shape Area Rug - comes in several sizes

Don't forget about fun dinnerware too!

Great for decks, boats and picnic baskets!
Life Preserver Dinnerware