The Asian Influence In Coastal Design

  The Asian influence  has mainly been associated with a traditional style decor and design, in the western world. Weather it  is the Japanese  minimalist ,or the use of bold earthy colors of the Chinese, the Asian influence is one that is supposed to create serenity and tranquility in a space.When it comes to design There are general  rules and guide lines that should be adhered to.In my opinion, some  rules are meant to be broken.Your home is one that reflects your  own style and what make YOU happy. Generally if you live on the west coast, you will see the furniture tends to be on the dark side with  an Asian influence for coastal decor. On the East Coast the furniture is lighter in color with pops of bold color.Here are some examples of the Asian influence in coastal design.

This bold Asian Fabric would make a beautiful  statement as fabric covered headboard, drapes or pillows.

The combination of the Asian fabric headboard and geometric pillow look beautiful with a grass cloth wall covering.

These traditional  Asian ginger jar lamps are  perfect in this bedroom.

I love this oriental wallpaper ! nice cottage look.

A combination of Rattan and Bamboo  .

A Japanese sunken soaking tub is a serene addition to this coastal bathroom.

Adding a bamboo curtain rod is a nice  accent to draperies.

A couple of Asian inspired pieces on a coffee table.

Japanese fishing floats are always a great addition to any coastal decor. A large on in an outdoor space., or several grouped together look great.

Chineese  Garden stools can be used as a coffee table or as extra seating.

These Asian inspired headboards are perfect!

Add bamboo blinds for texture paired with draperies, or alone.

A faux bamboo in silver is a nice touch.

Blue and white ginger jars pop in this white coastal kitchen.

 I love fish in any room, but especially love this Koi fish water color. Beautiful coastal colors!

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Living in the northeast most of my life, I don't believe I EVER ate a Sweet Potato, let alone a Sweet Potato Pie. I   have a new found LOVE for sweet potato's!, so I thought.I would share with you another southern favorite.Sweet Potato's are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A and C.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces butter, softened
• 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 small can (5 ounces, about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 prepared pie shells, unbaked

Preparation:

Mix butter, potatoes, sugar and evaporated milk until well blended. Add vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon; mix well. Pour into the prepared pie shells. Bake in a 350° oven for about 1 hour, until set. Makes 2 pies.

The Spin On Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are an absolute  necessity  here in the South. Fans, were, and still are thought of  as no no" as part of interior design and decorating, by some .They are a  fundamental part of the coastal living life style. Not only are they functional, but they   help reduce air conditioning costs, as well as offer us a respite from the blistering sun and heat in the summer I don't know what I would do with out mine. Although if I didn't need them I don't think I would have them..What I don't like to see, is ceiling fans  that are not being used properly or to their full potential in a space. Here are Some things to keep in mind if you are going to add a ceiling fan  to a room. What are your feelings on ceiling fans?

1. Size does matter! The larger the space, the larger the fan,the smaller the space the smaller the fan.

A  good  rule-of-thumb for fan size is as follows:

• Small rooms up to 64 square feet - 29"
• Rooms up to 100 square feet - 42"
• Rooms up to 225 square feet - 52"
• Large rooms up to 400 square feet - 56";60" or two 52" fans



2. For Optimal  placement , have the fan between 8 and 9 feet from the floor in the center of the room. Minimum height is 7 feet above the floor for maximum comfort, circulation, safety  and what is pleasing to the eye.

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3,If you are installing a ceiling fan in an outdoor space, make sure it is an outdoor fan ,and the fan blades are going to be conducive to your living environment.



4. Take into consideration your design style, choose something that compliments your space and is aesthetically pleasing., These vintage inspired fans look great with a cottage look.

5. A perfect blend of sleek and  modern with this seaside space.

6. Fan blades come in a large variety of colors and finishes. If you are artistic paint the fan blades to compliment your decor, or  you can  purchase them already  painted. with different motifs. Something painted  might look cute in a child's room.

7. Choose a tropical blade if you are going for the island or coastal  feel.

 

8. This industrial and modern fan compliments this work space well.

9. A ceiling fan should compliment your space, not over take it. This is simple and understated.

 Last but not least, for your fan to work optimally  make  sure the fan blades are spinning in the proper direction.During warm weather, set the fan so the blades spin counterclockwise. This will blow  air straight down, which  will produce the maximum cooling effect. In cooler  weather set the fan blades in the clockwise position to draw warm air down from the ceiling.




























Patty Anderson A Beach Inspired Artisan

  I intended to write a post about something totally different  today, but sometimes material presents itself and you have got to go with the flow. I received an email very early this morning, with a lovely compliment about my blog.The note read  " Great style, I love your blog, Thank you!! Much to my surprise it was from Patty Anderson! I  am ashamed to say I had never heard of her. I immediately went to her website that was on her email, to check her out and WOW!!! I am ecstatic! Her line of belts, sandals and jewelry is to die for!!! I especially love her touching inspiration behind her work.. I don't want to give too much away about her story, because I would really like you to read it yourself. What  I would like to do is show you  some of her beautiful things Please visit Patty Anderson Jewlery. Oh....... and Patty, you have GREAT style and  I love ALL  YOUR  products and THANK YOU!! I will forever be a loyal customer!

Dolphin Love

My love for the Bottle Nose Dolphin began when I was 6 years old.when our family went to Sea World .I became enthralled and mesmerized by this playful, and gentle creature that had a perpetual smile on it's face. Back in the 60's at Sea World there was a  Dolphin tank that was chest level to me with no railing. I  just had to touch one and  I  put both hands in . Needless to say my father proceeded to quickly pull me away.When we took our own children, and boy! things had changed, no open tanks! Imagine that! Living where I do, the Inter Coastal Waterway is my open tank, and still put my hands in the water to feel a Dolphin. Or when I am swimming, I try to get as close as I can to them.
Over the years I have accumulated several beautiful pieces of Dolphin jewelery, and decor. As far as home decor goes, Dolphin decor for the most part is, let's say pretty tacky! I thought I would share some of my dolphin love with you

One of my favorite. stores Cottage Coastal Store has this adorable wooden sign.

I love these hoops of mine

 Dolphin charm. My bracelet is almost finished, and is all seaside and beach inspired, from  Pandora.

This beautiful Chrystal bowl is fromNautical Luxuries,

Brass door knocker from Amazon

These beautiful ornaments I think are great all year long. Hang them in the window or on a cabinet knob.Nautical Luxuries

 Wildlife Wonders Napkin ring

Cabinet pulls

Some of the most fun I have ever had.!

Help save the Dolphins in Japan .Dolphin Project

Helping to save the Dolphins  close to home.. Adopt a Dolphin or donateThe Dolphin Project

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A Seaside Collection

If you love decorating  with a coastal  flair ,you will love Pottery Barn's current catalog. The seaside look is exploding everywhere. So much so, Pottery Barn has dedicated  it's current catalog issue to just that. One of my very first posts was How to Achieve the Seaside Look .Check it out if you missed it.. On practically every page of the catalog  there is something for everyone  who is a lover of the sea. .

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