Thursday, October 3, 2013

{31 Days of Coastal Style} Formula for a Coastal Entryway [Buy or DIY]

Hello, and welcome to Day 3 of 31 Days of Coastal Style! I woke up early this morning just so I could take the rest of the pictures for my home tour (in hopes of finally sharing it today)-- only to be greeted by what seems to be the rainiest, darkest day of the year! LOL... So I'm praying that it will clear up later so that I can take the pics for tomorrow's post! 

 In the meantime, I thought I'd share a fool-proof formula for a welcoming, coastal-style entryway, whether you like to Buy It, or DIY It!


1. Table it.

Whether you use it as a dropping zone for your keys and mail, or just a place to hold decorations that make you smile when you come home at night, an entry table is a must. (If you don't have room for a full table, hang a narrow shelf that's long enough to serve the same purpose!) Bonus points if it has room underneath to stash those pesky shoes and bags! For coastal style, pick one with a weathered feel:

 If you want to BUY IT:
Sources: Ebay; Wayfair; The Classy Home
If you want to DIY It:
Sources: Ana White; Take the Side Street, via Scribd; A Heartful Home

2. Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

An entryway mirror is handy, not just for reflecting light, but also for checking your face for that stray brownie crumb before you leave the house! (What, you've never left the grocery store after shopping and then realized you still had a dark smudge around your mouth from lunch earlier, making you look like the "Great Bearded Woman"?) 

 When it comes to an entry mirror, I am a firm believer in "GO BIG OR GO HOME"! Pick a mirror that is at least 2/3 the width of your console table (but no wider than the table). For true coastal style, choose one with a touch of imperfection, be it weathered wood, or antiqued glass.

 Buy it:
Sources: Wayfair;  Horchow, via Ebay; Wayfair
DIY it: 
Sources: Design Sponge; The Wood Grain Cottage; View Along the Way

3. Glamorous glass.

Whether it be a lamp, a vase, or an oversized lantern, glass adds sparkle and shine, just like waves sparkling in the sun! Bonus points if your glass is green or blue (like seaglass!) ;)

 Buy it:
Sources: Shades of Light; Seaside Inspired; Wayfair
DIY it:
Sources: Eclectically Vintage; Miss Kopy Kat, via Amanda Jane Brown; Sand and Sisal

 4. Add texture, naturally!

For the finishing touch, don't forget to add plenty of natural beachy texture with rope, wicker, or weathered wood! (Sisal or wicker baskets are great for serving a duel purpose-- corralling loose shoes or bags, and bringing that perfect seaside texture!) Ahhhh, do you smell that salty air yet? ;)

Buy it:
Sources: Pottery Barn; Etsy; Ballard Designs
DIY it:
Sources: Sand and Sisal; Creative in Chicago; Completely Coastal

5. Creatures of the sea.

Oh, I almost forgot! If you're going for an obvious coastal touch, tuck a starfish, seahorse, or piece of coral into your entry display, and there you are! (If you like to keep your look more subtle, stick to #'s 1-4 for a textural, "I live by the beach" feel!)

A stylish table + a rustic mirror + glass + natural texture + sea creature = a beautiful coastal entryway!

Here are a few of my favorite coastal entryways. Can you see spy the different elements in the formula?

House of She
BHG
Ciao! Newport Beach

All this beachy beauty makes me swoon! What is your favorite element to include in your entryway? Are you a "buyer" or a "DIYer"? Or a bit of both, like me?











Did you miss any of the other 31 Days of Coastal Style posts? Check the list out here!
P.S. Check out the rest of the "31-Dayers" over at The Nester's blog!

Parties I link to:
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
at
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