Summer Cottage Nautical Home Decorating
A classic cottage bungalow decorated for Summertime in red, white and nautical navy blue. White walls, dark wood floors and neutral furnishing allow for simple décor changes to reflect the changing seasons.
Hello and happy Summer! We are loving our weather this season here on the coast. It’s been sunny, mild and pure heaven. The flowers on the deck are blooming like crazy and we’ve been working outside getting things ready for our 4th of July bash.
We’ve been working inside too! My mom is here visiting from Southern California and a few days ago we went and got all patriotic on my living room. With a pinch of nautical inspired by my new friend.
Isn’t he the cutest thing?
Can whales be cute? I think they can! I just love his fat little navy self. He is chunky and round and perfectly pre-weathered with his scuffed up deep navy paint.
When he arrived and I opened him, he was even better than I imagined.
My mom and I went out hunting last week and had a grand time looking for just the right books for him to hold. We came across some books that had dedications written in them… and even saw my grandmothers name, which is really rare! We settled on these for their unique qualities that spoke to us. Like the titles and the pages edged in red and navy.
And the low, low prices.
I’m no rare book collector, so it was all about the vibe.
I skipped a super cool one that was $30+
So, I’m thinking by now you have deduced that I got a set of book ends I didn’t need…
and then bought books.
To decorate with.
Yes.. it’s a little frivolous, but my house is kind of like my hobby and decorating makes me happy.
It always has. I’ve been fluffing and fixing as long as I can remember.
I do need to spill though, that as cute as he is, we did briefly consider drilling a blow hole in him so he could hold a flag.
Seriously, we did. hahaha…
We settled on a flag book marker instead. It’s a wee bit less invasive.
(he secretly thanked us)
While I was up in Eugene to pick-up my mom from the airport, we did a little shopping. You know HomeGoods was calling to me! Once inside, the pillow isle sucks me in. Every time. The red anchor pillow with the rope trim was a “had to come home with me” find. It’s so… festive and jaunty! Plus Jim was in the Navy, so nautical is always a little extra meaningful at our house.
Plus, I figured by the time I cut out 7 anchors, made a pillow and trimmed it with rope, I would be 947 years old.. so I went pre-made. My inner DIY’er thanked me… as did my inner pillow whore.
We all know I am, I can admit it.
My house is a bit hodge-podge. You might notice I’ll pair brand new, with a .50 cent thrift store find. I buy what I like. No rhyme or reason… just things that make me smile, catch my eye… or interest me.
Sometimes I buy things and don’t use them right away, but tuck them aside until I’ve got a few things, that when put together tell a story or evoke a feeling.
My Copper pots are a perfect example! I had no idea what I’d do with them when I got them… but they were shiny. Another pick-up that happened when my om was with me. Also at HomeGoods.
My mom must be my “Home Goods Luck Charm”.
We are all ready to celebrate and looking forward to some fireworks and fun!! xo, Shannon
SOURCES:
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Whale Book Ends: similar [click here]
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Red Anchor Pillow: HomeGoods
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White Lanterns: HomeGoods
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Red Paisley Pillows: Ross
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Vintage Flag: Estate Sale
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Copper Pot: HomeGoods
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Red, White & Blue Bottle Brush Trees: Leaf’s Tree House (Coos Bay, Or)
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Everything is gorgeous! I love your style. I would name him “Tiny”. Awesome giveaway!
I think his name should be Nemo!
I would name him Humphrey
I love whales and think they are the most incredible creatures. One of my friends and I went on a whaling watch in New England and were lucky enough to see a mom and her sweet little calf. It was one of the most amazing sites ever. She came right up to our boat and blew her blowhole (major halitosis) and she and baby swam under our boat to the other side. One of the most fun trips I’ve ever had. If you ever get the chance, you must do this. Until you see one up close, you just can’t imagine what incredible creatures they are. I think “Willy” the whale as in free Willy. Thank you – I hope I win. Good luck to all.
That sounds like a wonderful adventure! I’ve seen them from the shore when they come by but never close like that!!
Everything looks great Shannon! LOVE the Moby bookends!!
Yea I thought of all the names from the book, but the first thing that popped into my head was his color and the name Grayson. Has nothing to do with the sea, or whales or the book, but it sounded like a good name for a whale! Or Mel (short for the authors name -Melville) Lol! Have fun with the naming! And thanks for the opportunity to win this cute item!
While the whale is adorable, I really love the red paisley pillows. Did you buy them/( and where ) or make them? ( and where did you purchase the wonderful fabric?)
Those Paisley Pillows were a two pack, from HomeGoods. Very recently too!
I like the name Walter. I would love to have this navy whale for my recently redone nautical living room. He would match perfectly with my navy, aqua and coral decor!
Sound CUTE!! luck to you 😉
How about Liberty to celebrate this season? Otherwise Moby would be the obvious choice……..
I love him!!! I think he looks like a George. As in George Washington. He just looks regal!!!! Shannon M.
Whale is adorable and something about those widgets, I never get to get a comment in! So my idea for a name for him would be: baby blue….
I’ve never named a whale before, but then again I’ve never had a pillow whore for a friend either. Soooo, since he holds books I say name him Danno. You remember right…. Hawaii Five-O, Book ’em Danno.
OMG! Good One!!
He is the cutest thing ever!!!! Love the patriotic decor!!! I say “Humpback Henry” 🙂
I’m in love! How about name him “Birch”…so original 😉
He truly is darling! Since Birch Lane makes a Moby reference I can’t help but think and quote: “Just call me Ishmael,”
Fingers crossed. Thank you for the opportunity.
ahhh and thy whale shall be named” RICHIE BLU” …ahoy matyeys