This fisherman's cottage shows how coastal style should really be done – chic with a dose of whimsy

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

Coastal design style reflects natural seaside elements like surf, sand, and sky in home interiors through color and texture, offering a breezy, beach-like feel. This style, though often confused with nautical design, emphasizes peace and fun associated with being near the water and has a long history, originating on the Atlantic coast centuries ago. Its evolution means it's now less literal and more an interpretation of bringing the outdoors in, regardless of the home's proximity to a coast. The coastal aesthetic is characterized by specific color palettes, primarily drawn from water, sand, clouds, and the sea. Designers recommend using bright and airy colors with pops of navy, or various hues of blues and greens, reminiscent of sea glass, while neutrals also remain a safe choice. While bold prints are typically avoided, striped fabrics are often incorporated for a touch of pattern. Material choices are crucial, with wide plank white oak floors, rift sawn or quarter sawn white oak cabinets and furniture, and teak being popular options. For homes situated directly on the water, an "upside down home" floor plan, where bedrooms are on the lower level and living areas upstairs, is often implemented to maximize views and protect the structure from harsh environments. Lighting and texture are significant elements in coastal design. Wooden bead or capiz chandeliers and sconces with coastal elements are frequently used to create the desired ambiance and introduce texture. Beyond lighting, other textural elements include driftwood finishes on furniture and accessories, woven wood roman shades, sisal or jute rugs, and grasscloth wallpaper. The key is to mix and match these textures to enhance the overall look, creating a casual and relaxed vibe that evokes a vacation-like atmosphere. When decorating with coastal design, it's important to differentiate it from nautical styles; anchors, seashells, and cabana stripes lean towards nautical, not coastal, and can make decor appear kitschy. Art featuring water and clouds can effectively bring the spirit of the coastline indoors, even without a direct water view. For homes actually located by the ocean, fabrics and textiles should be chosen for durability and resistance to wear from elements like wet bathing suits and high traffic. A central principle is "seamless living," which focuses on blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing the soothing nature of the outdoors inside and creating a continuous flow, a concept that significantly contributed to the rise and popularity of coastal style. #CoastalDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignStyles #BeachHouseStyle #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #LightingDesign #NaturalTextures

The popular series 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' offers a masterclass in timeless coastal design, blending serene, sun-soaked aesthetics with elegance. This article explores how to replicate the show's aesthetic, which is characterized by a balance of relaxed coastal living and traditional elements. Peter Spinella, a broker with CENTURY 21 Guardian Realty, describes the fictional Cousins Beach style as incorporating bright whites, soft blues, and greens, along with open-floor plans that maximize natural light. Key features include sweeping porches, expansive views, natural wood siding, and light colors, all contributing to a feeling of calm and relaxation, inviting inhabitants to unwind. The show's interiors reflect the characters' personalities, with Belly's spaces filled with light and softness, and the Fisher family's home featuring elegant, traditional furniture and vintage accents. To achieve this look, Spinella advises starting with interior color choices, recommending darker tones mixed with light wood or gray wood finishes, while avoiding heavy woods like mahogany. He suggests affordable swaps such as nautical outdoor accents or adding plants to instantly transform a home's feel. The article outlines five signature elements crucial to capturing the show's design. First, weathered wood and whitewashed walls are essential, with classic shiplap or beadboard in crisp white or muted cream evoking beach cottages. These are paired with wide plank hardwood floors in lighter tones to enhance an open, breezy atmosphere. Second, natural fibers and textured fabrics, such as rattan chairs, wicker baskets, and linen drapes or slipcovers, add depth and a tactile quality. Layering woven jute or sisal rugs provides grounding texture without overwhelming the space. Third, muted coastal colors like seafoam, pale aqua, and soft sky blues, accented with sand tones, creamy whites, and occasional navy, create a fresh yet timeless color story. Fourth, incorporating vintage and antique pieces is vital for achieving an "old-money style" look. This means seeking out vintage mirrors, brass lamps, or weathered wooden chests that appear to have been passed down through generations. The focus is on character and heirlooms rather than flashy new furniture. Fifth, creating welcoming places to gather is paramount, as the show emphasizes lived-in spaces with personal touches. This includes comfy, oversized sofas and slipcovered chairs for conversations, alongside elements like vintage record players for a nostalgic ambiance. The aim is to blend style with comfort, making spaces feel both chic and casual. Outdoor spaces also play a significant role in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' aesthetic, embracing an easygoing summer spirit with string lights, Adirondack chairs, and weathered wooden tables. Spinella notes that in beach markets, location, waterfront access, and proximity to shore are key, alongside nearby restaurants and activities that create a complete lifestyle package. Simple additions like fire pits, hanging swings, or floral arrangements can elevate outdoor areas. The article concludes by emphasizing that this aesthetic can be achieved in any home by layering natural materials, investing in quality vintage or vintage-inspired pieces, and maintaining a soft, airy color palette, even without a sprawling beach house. #CoastalDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BeachHouseStyle #TheSummerITurnedPretty #VintageDecor #NaturalMaterials #ColorPalette #HomeStyling