Shore Style

We here at Coastal Living have always been big fans of colorful decor. What says laid-back beach fun better than a splashy Maine Cottage sofa or Hable Construction throw pillow? But now even more manufacturers are jumping on board so you can fully outfit your home in style. From bold reds and bright pinks to seafoam greens and ocean blues, color's not confined to paint anymore. Lately I've been finding it everywhere—on major kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, cabinets, counters, and more. If you're as bad a painter as me, you'll recognize this is good news.

I particularly love this vanity from Russell & MacKenna. It would look killer in a beach house or a kids' bathroom. And I'm secretly dying for a fuschia oven (or at least a lime green mixer!). I know there's one out there somewhere...

So if you had the choice, where would you add color next? And if you already have a technicolor home, what's the most unusual place you've put it? I'm always looking for inspiration ...

While there are some things that do not belong in the backyard – the Trans-Am on concrete blocks, astro turf... an outdoor shower can be a refreshing addition. I recently gave one to a friend for his birthday. He put it together in a jiffy, attached it to the garden hose, and set it up below his deck. Never has he come out of the yard smelling so clean. The affordable kits make a perfect rinse-off station after a day at the pool or the ocean. The dark stained wood and silver piping makes this shower an attractive addition to any deck or side alley. Or, why not? Put it right smack dab in the middle of the yard, assuming you have a privacy fence...

I purchased the shower from Target (available online only).

For an upgrade, check out LL Bean’s deck and dock shower.

Here some products that every gardener will love:

These canvas gardening gloves made from 100 percent recycled material protect hands while digging in the dirt.

Limit landfill waste with Felco prunners, which come with a lifetime warranty and replaceable parts.

Keep this flexible tub made from recycled tire rubber on hand for removing leaves and debris.

The CobraHead has a handle made from recycled plastic and a thin, sharp blade for digging up weeds.

Spiky sandals make it easy to aerate your lawn.

Roots need oxygen to absorb nutrients. The Enki watering system boosts oxygen levels 150 percent, compared to 30-90 percent dissolved oxygen found in tap water.

I now introduce you to the raddest kitchen sink ever: The Avado "Accent" by Elkay. This stainless steel commercial-grade drop-in sink series has a sleek modern design and comes in several different bowl configurations, so you can have one large bowl, side-by-side, or front and back bowls. The best part—the accessories (aren't accessories always the best part?). With custom-sized cutting boards and collanders that fit right into the sink, you can make the most efficient use of time and space—great for guesthouses or second homes with small kitchens.

I did a little research, and found some great products that keep yards eco-friendly and looking good.

My list continues with more gas-free tools.

The Garden Groom electric hedge trimmer shreds and collects clippings for easy cleanup and minimal waste.

The Ryobi 18-volt, string trimmer/edger features a cordless design, with a pivoting head and multiple height adjustments.

This Mantis electric tiller loosens soil up to 10 inches deep, and comes with an edger attachment.

This light-weight, deluxe shredder recycles fallen leaves and debris into mulch (great for composting).

Stay tuned for Essentials and Accessories every green gardener will love.

I did a little research, and found some great products that keep yards eco-friendly and looking good.

Switch to electric, and eliminate the hassle and air pollutants (not to mention $$) of gas-powered equipment.

SunLawn mowers and trimmers/edgers are gasoline-free and emit zero emissions; Manual and electric-rechargeable models available.

An updated version of the basic push reel, the Razorcut 38 manual mower by Brill is quiet, light-weight, and durable.

The high-powered Toro Ultra 235 easily switches from blower to vacuum, and features air control up to 235 mph.

Stay tuned for Trimmers and Tillers

I just got back from the annual Kitchen and Bath Show in Chicago and I must admit, though I thought I might never be able to walk again after a long day beating the aisles of the convention center, I love kitchens and baths and everything that goes in them. There's just something about a sleek new oven that looks as good as it cooks, or an entire wall of designer tile that looks more like a work of art, or even a bathroom sink that eschews white porcelain conformity to make a statement.

I may be getting a little worked up here, but you get the idea. This week I'm going to highlight a few of my favorite finds from the show, so keep checking in for new products.

First up, the Damask Remix Collection vessel sink from Wells Sinkware

The design is sandwiched between layers of tempered glass, so you can view it from any angle, and provides just enough drama for a small powder room. Though they call it damask, I think the pattern has a fun, beachy feel. It would make a great accent in a vacation house, where you want a splash of color. The gold and green are my favorites, but it also comes in red on creme and black on gray. There are several different shapes to choose from as well, so you can get a great, custom look.

By the way, these sinks are BRAND NEW, meaning you won't be able to find them in stores yet. So keep your eyes peeled, or give the folks over at Wells Sinkware a call and find out when they're coming to your area.

Create a fun and festive bar. Find a used table or potting bench, and paint it a bright color like this one in Olympic Paints’ Sail Blue (A54-4). Install a curtain rod to conceal extra supplies (if planning to keep the bar outside, make sure to choose an outdoor fabric like the Sunbrella Wonder Weave fabric in Mist shown). Stock it, and you’re ready to party!
Share your favorite cocktail recipes and bar essentials with us by clicking here.

From the Atlantic to Pacific, the Gulf to Great Lakes, what homeowners consider appropriate coastal décor covers a wide range, and what works in one part of the country can look out of place in another. In the magazine, we try to strike a balance between glossy and rustic, new and time-worn, shell-encrusted and slightly sandy. Over the years, we’ve noticed trends in the different regions:

New England’s typically gray-shingled coastal homes have a sophisticated style with an emphasis in nautical and blue-and-white décor. Sometimes elaborate mansions and sometimes spare ocean-side shacks, most of these houses have a long history—and if they don’t, they’re built to look like they do.

The Mid-Atlantic has a cozy Lowcountry feel with deep porches and a touch of rustic flair. Exposed wood is a plus here, as are vintage photos, hammocks, and homemade quilts. Wicker and retro gliders suit this environment to a T.

As you move farther south and curve around to the Gulf, the colors get bolder inside and out. Whether they’re small cottages or stilted plantations, they have a relaxed air about them, with lots of white slipcovers and bold painted accents—from exterior trim to mounted fish. Seashells appear in abundance.

The islands have a similarly vibrant palette, but residents tend to combine it with oriental rugs, cane furniture, ornate antiques, and bold patterns. Often elegant and full of history, they always feel inviting.

California has a wide range of looks—from retro seaside bungalows to palatial Mediterranean villas. Furnishings here tend to be more streamlined, and neutrals abound. You’ll also find more tile flooring in this area than in many other coastal regions. Of course, this is a big state with countless different styles and personalities, so its particularly hard to categorize.

And finally, the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes have a look that’s more rugged-coastline than sandy-beach. Often built with warmer wood tones and stone, these homes have a rustic quality that would feel equally at home in the mountains. Particularly along the Pacific, the houses often have a more modern architectural edge with large amounts of glass to maximize views.

These are just generalities of course, but we’d love to hear what you think. Am I missing the boat? Are you a Gulf Coast-soul dwelling up north? Let us know what you think defines coastal style in your area.