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)
Holly Ann says
his name should be Wallis. Wallis the whale.
sharon garofalow says
That whale bookend is fantastic!! I love the patriotic updates in your room. So festive and charming!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you! It’s fun for Summer and the 4th, for sure 🙂
Jacque says
Mr. Whiskers hehe no just kidding. I’m fond of Bertha!!!
Kara says
Gorgeous room and great giveaway!!
Kelley says
Love this site! Thank for the printable !!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
You are very welcome!
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
Awwww…he is so darn cute.
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says
I say name him Ahab for a twist on the Moby idea!
Cheryl Martin says
He’s so adorable.
How about ‘Bishop’ the blue whale.
Keeper of all good books.
Heather says
I’m no help with the naming idea because I’ve only had one cup of coffee this morning lol!! All I can think of is ‘Moby’ but hey I think that whale name has been taken already perhaps??? 😉 So cute and love your living room Shan!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
hahaha… love the only one cup comment 😉
Diana says
Well after much consideration ( and because some of the other names are so good ) I have decided on Bloop.
The ‘Bloop’ sound was heard only once, out in the Pacific Ocean, it featured on a television program about mermaids, and everyone has always tried to figure out what the sound was. There are many theories including whatles. Since he looks a one of a kind .. I say … Bloop !
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Well that was a interesting little tidbit!!
Jennifer says
I love whales! My son’s name is Jonah and we have whales all over the place. I know it isn’t technically correct, but I think you should call him Jonah.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Good a reason as any!! (I like it)
Kimberly Conover says
I love him! And I’ve named him Renard {which is french for fox 😉 }.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Ah. Smart cookie. I like that one too!!!
Gloria McAllister-Roop says
My hubby and I have been sitting in the Emergency Room for 4 hours and it was such a nice diversion to find your contest. I’d like to name him….but I’m just too tired to think.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Oh you poor thing! I sure hope everything is OK and you are home safe and sound. Blessings XO
August says
My son’s nursery is done in whales JUST like this one. I have had no such luck in finding any so the majority of the ones we have were handmade by my hubs. I’d absolutely love to add this one to the collection. Therefore, I dub thee, Bartholomew. Because I can.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I am falling in love with the Whale images, and no see them everywhere. Funny how that happens right? I just painted on tonight, and hope for some sun so I can snap some pics and share. Love the name suggestion.
Rosie Garcia says
This nautical theme is so pretty! I have a coastal theme and you have given me a few ideas. My dad used to have an old Impala which he named Old Blue. That car was as big as a whale so I think that would be the perfect name.