Nautical Style from Brooks Brothers

So sorry about neglecting the blog the past few weeks!  I have been working with my son to get our new website launched, and have been chained to my computer for the past few weeks. Traveling between my office in San Francisco and my parents "office"  (can you say dining room table?) in the Pacific Northwest, this has been an overwhelming undertaking!  Every time I think we are close to being ready, we run into another glitch....

My coffee drinking habit is becoming sort of a problem, chocolate and peanut butter toast have become my food items of choice.... Let's not even start talking about my wine drinking issues!
(my favorite coffee cup courtesy of my adorable daughter Allison!)

Lucky for me, my friends James and Tim came to rescue me for one day to play in the city. James applied for, and received his dual-citizenship from Great Britain, and I was the designated tour guide in downtown San Francisco last week while we attended his "affirmation-oath" ceremony at the British Consulate.  Picked them up in the Mini-Cooper (she was soooo happy to have a spin downtown!) and we were off for breakfast in Union Square at a darling French cafe, Cafe' de la Presse,  and then a little shopping expedition.

Just have to show you what we found at the Brooks Brothers store on Post Street just off of Union Square.  Total nautical-preppy style!  

Loved it!

(PS you can find the cute sailers on our site - Forza Sailing Fleet)

It was so worth it to have a day away from the computer!

Best of all, I got to spend a wonderful day with James and Tim, celebrating James' new dual-citizenship ceremony.  I can't wait to see their next adventure in Scotland!

We finished off the day at the Cliff House with glamorous cocktails, gossip about our hometown, and a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Life is good.

P.S.  James has been my friend since 1996, and owns a fabulous salon in my hometown of Port Orchard, WA. Highly recommend it!  Sugar Daddy's Salon 

Now back to website editing....

Beach House Photo Friday - Nantucket Dreams

Yesterday, while having morning coffee with my friend Wendy at Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo I was introduced to a seriously dangerous blog,  "Little Emma English Home".   Really, her posts are an "Oh My"  moment. I only say dangerous, because I could get lost all day in her posts and photos!  In fact,  I was almost an hour late to get to my friend Maggie's house on Miller Bay.  Thank goodness Maggie is also a beach girl, and totally understood....

Nantucket,  definitely on my bucket list.  I am West Coast girl through and through, but I just can't help myself, I am drawn to East Coast "seafaring" casual interiors.  I love the blues and whites, the sailing ships, the whaling history, and the mix of nautical done right!

What do you think?  Here's a few things that you can add to your decor to get the look!

Start with a Seagrass or Jute Rug to "anchor" your space -

Great pattern and texture in this Aaron All Natural Jute Rug

Don't be afraid of color - this Blue Knotted Reed rug is one of our faves!

A Driftwood Bouquet - Spotted at RowHouseNest

A Driftwood Inspired Whale - We call him Mocha!

Welcome Guests with a Bright Lobster Pillow!

An Anchor Candle Holder or two... Love this re-emerging brass look! (new on our site!)

Sconce Lighting provides something extra special plus they are space saving in a small beach cottage.  These Rustic Swing Arm Sconces are one of our top sellers!

And of course, a model sailing ship is a must!  Love this red and black sailing beauty -

Have a week - and don't forget to stop by Little Emma English Home, you will fall in love too!

The Beach House - Nautical Details!

Classic Nautical  - Always a Popular Choice for 

Summer on the Shore!

Nautical is never a bad decision when decorating a beach house - classic blues, golds, scarlet red, crisp white... I can hear the ocean breezes blowing right now!  Crisp and cool with navy and white, sailing style can start with a white background, adding stripes in varying sizes and widths, then add a little wicker, rope or hemp.  (see my starfish garland!)  See how easy it is to put this all together??  Layer your new look with with nautical detailed pillows - anchors might just do the trick!  Then  finish off your new nautical look with a layer of old fashioned marine memorabilia. Think model ships, old world maps, oars, compasses, brass accents... scout flea markets, antique shops.  I think the fun is in the hunt! Looking for  just the right color, texture...   Take a look at one of our antiqued model Sailing Ships!

See how easy that was? Your Beach House now has a new "Seaworthy Style"!