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)
Minda says
How about Spout? It’s super cute!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
OH THAT IS SOOOO Cute.
May have to use that one 😉
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Loooove it, Shannon! I would name him Old Blue.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I like that one Jen.
I may have to start a collection 😉 hahaha
Kimberly says
Sailor, Moby, Naughty, Noah, Sam.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
You guys are so creative!
Lorrie Langdon says
I think his name is Richard. 😉
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I love your mater of fact statement!
Jaclyn Reynolds says
The name Arthur just popped into my head. Seems like he would enjoy supporting some good books.
Rose Marie coons says
I. Would call him or her happy. I love the song and looking at the graceful creature makes me happy.
Amy Anderson says
Moby Richard. I like the formal version of Moby Dick. haha
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Ha!!
How clever you are.
Keiry DePaolis says
How about Wanda the Whale! Love your decorations for the season and how it inspires me to do some decorating too. I like the denim looking pillows with the tan trim around them. I got one just like it but in white and was curious where you found yours?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I bought those at ROSS.. or HomeGoods. I can’t recall right off hand on those ones. Sorry!
Keiry DePaolis says
How about Walley… not as clever as other names I read in other comments but I’m sticking by it. Btw, I love your decorations for the season. It really inspired me to do some decorating too!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Keiry. Thanks for playing along, and for the nice comment 🙂
pj says
Wini[ford] the Whale is a winner in my book! Or for my books ! [= Adorable give away!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Loving the names. A male or female version. Smart!
Yvonne says
I showed the family his picture and my daughter immediately said he looks like an : OSCAR. So that’s what we picked. I’m in the process of adding the flags and some seashells over the weekend. Good Luck everyone! Love the beachy, summery, Americana décor Shannon!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
My mom voted Omar. Your suggestion is really close!
Amy says
His name should be……Preppy
kristin says
Love the room, especially the whale 🙂
cassandra says
His name could be Edgar
Roseann says
I think you should name him “Bloggy” the whale.