Using Coastal Theme Lamps and Lighting To Accent Your Beach Cottage Decor

As anyone up on the latest trends in home decorating knows by now, “the coast” is making an appearance in many homes. Sand and surf, water and sun are being incorporated into living rooms and bedrooms by the hippest design teams. Do-it-yourselfers can also easily incorporate elements of coastal life into their own redecorating projects.

Lighting is an often overlooked element of any home design. We all know that the right lighting can change the look of a room entirely. It can make a small room look bigger, or a dull room brighter. But we often forget about the role that “theme” lighting can play in re-making a room. Unite the hot trend with the important principles of light, and you will find that it is time to start thinking about coastal theme lighting.

A helpful lighting retailer or home design coordinator can show you numerous lamps and other lighting to complement your coastal decorating motif. While lighthouses are a tried-and-true reminder of the coast in many homes, how many times have you seen a lamp in the form of a fully functioning lighthouse? These are now available from many manufacturers. Another fresh look in coastal lighting is the floor lamp designed to look like the famous streetlights of the boardwalk’s heyday.

If you haven’t considered a coastal theme in several years, it’s time to take another look. The innovations in lighting are something you will want to explore. The appropriate selection of coastal theme lighting will invigorate your memories of the fresh ocean breeze, and make your home the relaxing sanctuary you deserve it to be.

Calling All Beach Lovers! Help Protect Our Mighty Oceans

Oceans form a major part of the hydrosphere, covering nearly 70%of the earth’s surface area. The five major oceans of the world are under a potential threat due to incessant pollution and other harmful human activities and their repercussions. The home of millions of aquatic plant and animal species is being destroyed by humanity for their own selfish ends.

Ocean beds were exploited for oil long ago yielding fabulous opportunities. However, major oil spills have polluted the waters, killing many aquatic animals by cutting off oxygen levels. Huge amounts of toxic solid waste including fertilizers and pesticides disposed into rivers eventually reach the oceans, degrading the water quality. Global warming, dumping of industrial effluents and sewage discharge are other factors causing immense damage to the marine ecosystems.

Environmental conservationists have been predominantly working on terrestrial and air pollution, but degradation of the oceans and marine diversity has received far less attention. What we need is to start massive programs to spread awareness about ocean conservation among people and organizations.

Marine species need to be protected, and fisheries should not be exploited above their yield. Biodiversity in oceans needs to be conserved for sustaining our future. Laws protecting threatened and endangered species should be enforced with strict vigilance. Habitat destruction should be stopped by controlling coastal development activities. Above all, humanity should realize a moral sense of responsibility to protect the environment and develop a strong ethic for ocean conservation.


Various organizations such as Sea Around Us Project, Oceana, The Marine Conservation Biology Institute, The Surfrider Foundation and The Marine Fish Conservation Network are dedicated to promote conservation, preservation and restoration of marine habitats to promote sustainability. To protect our future, we need to take action now.

Show Off Your Surfer Style At Home With Vintage Beach And Surf Tin Wall Signs

Surf style, for the last few decades if not longer, has been one of those sorts of things that the public has just generally regarded as cool. Whether it be in clothes, or in overall appearance (the classic tanned surfer body), or just in attitude (laid back and without a care in the world). But as things become more homogenized, and as every market strains and pushes to co-opt every type of self expression, it's clearly becoming harder and harder to find unique and interesting things anywhere, let alone in the surfer style.

This is especially true with regards to beach home decor, and other elements people might use to express themselves in their own environments. The market is just absolutely flooded. So what to do, where to turn, when you're looking for a way to make a statement about the surf lifestyle? The answer seems to be in vintage surf tin wall signs.

Going vintage, which seems to be a trend before a trend. When most of the home decor market (if the home shows and other sorts of "experts" would be our guide) seems to be going for sparse and modern, going vintage seems to be a way that people are using to differentiate themselves. And surfer tin wall signs have just that vintage feel, and just that laid back sort of surfer attitude that has made surfers, and California, and even the entire west coast, so legendarily cool.

Whether it's pretty girls in vintage pinup poses or sepia toned and nostalgic beautiful views of piers, or old model cars against shimmering blue skies, beach and surfer tin wall signs seem to be the new perfect way to get a surfer attitude across without all kinds of gimmicks and stunts. Because like one of the most popular signs says, "Life is a beach," and there's no reason that sentiment has to go away, or be drowned out.

How Tropical Or Coastal Theme Bedding Can Bring Out The Best Qualities In Your Room

Tropical bedding is a great way to add some color to your bedroom and bring a little nature indoors. If you have a large bedroom, using bold and colorful patterns can help make the space feel more intimate. You can go wild with all over patterns in hot colors.

Get a tropical theme quilt and look for accessories in complementary colors. You can mix and match patterns such as foliage and birds. Get lots of pillows in different shapes. You can even coordinate your tropical theme bedding with other accessories such as lampshades, rugs, and all kinds of knick knacks.

Even if you live in smaller quarters, there is a way to make coastal or beach theme bedding work for you. If your bedroom is small, you may want to avoid large prints that could make it look even smaller. Still, you can use some accent pieces to enjoy tropical bedding wherever you live. You could get a solid colored comforter and just add pillow cases with a tropical theme.


One of the best things about this kind of bedding is the color scheme. You can indulge in warm colors such as browns and yellows and reds that will naturally make your surroundings look more intimate. Or you can choose to decorate in the cool ocean-inspired hues of blue, green and white that will give a very relaxing feel to your room.

Tropical bedding can suit any coastal decor whether you live in a big house or a small apartment. Plan ahead to get the look you want. You will love what beach inspired bedding can do for your bedroom.

Key Lime Strawberry Daquiri

How DELICIOUS does this sound? 


Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz light rum
- 3 medium strawberries
- 1 oz key lime juice
- 1/4 oz triple sec
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 cup ice
Garnish: lime, strawberry

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with lime wheel and strawberry.

Bring The Scent Of The Shore Into Your Home With Ocean Scented Candles

What are the most important things when it comes to your own personal space at home? Certainly having peace and quiet, and having your own time to Zen out and relax and stretch, not a care in the world. And what is one of the most beautiful things to think about when you're relaxing? A calm blue ocean and a setting sun and the cool ocean breeze, maybe?

New coastal scented candles seem to be just the perfect way to bring that calmness to your senses. To be able to so easily close your eyes in the bathtub and imagine the waves lapping lightly around you, as you smell the ocean smells this candle creates. Or to snuggle up on a chair with a book, and imagine that you're in a hammock on some sandy shore, and feel that amazing relaxing feeling.

Multiple studies have shown that our most powerful sense is our sense of smell. That a single small smell can transport us to any memory, or any little beautiful event that we've had in our lives. And what better way to take advantage of that than ocean candles?

In the blink of an eye, be brought back to cool nights with your friends on a warm beach, the fire going. In one whiff, be brought back to walking hand in hand maybe, with the person you love, down a windswept shoreline, leaving two pairs of footprints trailing way back in the sand behind you. You can take all that with you. All the smells of the ocean.

To see more ocean and tropical scented candles, visit www.oceanstyles.com.

Surfboard Furniture... The "Wave" of the Future?

There are many ways to express yourself in home decor today, many television shows offering tips and tricks, many experts now that make a living off of it. But surfboard furniture? It may sound a bit offbeat but yes, utilizing surfboards as everything from coffee tables to shelves to benches to display artifacts goes back a long way, particularly as a means of identifying oneself with the California lifestyle on the west coast.

Using an old surfboard of your own, or having a decorative one that has been emblazoned with all kinds of personal insignias and images and characters are just a few of the ways people go about this. It's an easy way to show others a piece of yourself, the idea goes. It is also an easy way to get a conversation going about old surf stories or about any of the number of small decals and little personal things the surfboard owner has applied to it.

Now, the next question would be, is this sort of thing confined only to surfers and to people on the west coast? Not at all. Home decor has become such a mixed bag, and all the styles pertaining to it have become so intermingled (Victorian melding with new age, African being combined with cottage, anything and everything), that putting a surfboard anywhere is a fantastic way to impart stylish beach decor in your home. So what else is there to say but..."surf's up!"

Coconut Shrimp

I love me some Coconut Shrimp!

"These crispy shrimp are rolled in a coconut beer batter before frying. For dipping sauce, I use orange marmalade, mustard and horseradish mixed to taste."

 Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup beer
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups flaked coconut
• 24 shrimp
• 3 cups oil for frying 

 Directions

1. In medium bowl, combine egg, 1/2 cup flour, beer and baking powder. Place 1/4 cup flour and coconut in two separate bowls.
2. Hold shrimp by tail, and dredge in flour, shaking off excess flour. Dip in egg/beer batter; allow excess to drip off. Roll shrimp in coconut, and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer.
3. Fry shrimp in batches: cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Using tongs, remove shrimp to paper towels to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Seashell Shadowboxes Are A Quick And Inexpensive Way To Add A Little Bit Of Beach Life To Your Home.

Nearly everyone has a handful of sea shells collected from a special beach vacation, whether it was last summer or many years ago. Chances are they are in a shoe box full of souvenirs, where they are never seen or appreciated. Why not display them, and relive the experiences and memories of the beach every day?

A shadowbox is the ideal way to do this. With a trip to your local hobby store, you will find an incredible selection of shadowboxes in every possible size, material and finish. Simply choose the one that best suits your own decorating style.

If you are the handy type, you can make your own shadowbox with a minimal amount of time and trouble. A quick search on the internet will provide you will plans for building one.

Now that you have your shadowbox, what do you do now? Experiment with your shells and other beach souvenirs to come up with the most attractive arrangement. Make sure you try a number of layouts to be sure you have something you will be really happy with. Do this before you start gluing, or you may be stuck with something before you have made up your mind.

Once you are sure you’re ready, grab a hot glue gun and fasten everything into place. Give the glue a few minutes to dry, and it’s time to decorate! Select a location where you will see your seashell shadowbox regularly. How about a place near a chair where you can relax with a cold drink, and spend a few minutes daydreaming about the beach?

Visit us at OceanStyles.com for more great beach theme decorating ideas.

Bamboo Furniture - Exotic and Eco-Friendly

When most people think of bamboo furniture, they often think of the inexpensive furniture imported from China that was available in stores many years ago. It often didn’t wear well or fell apart. There’s been a revolution in bamboo furniture in the years since.

There are many beautiful, durable options for bamboo furniture today! For a tropical-inspired living room, consider bamboo. You can infuse your living room with the warm, earthy decor of the islands.


Have you ever thought about a bamboo entertainment center? The wood and construction are more than sturdy enough to support the heaviest models of high definition television. The beautiful wood frames the most modern electronic device with the subtle reminder of the exotic islands halfway in the middle of the ocean.


Want to make a statement with your dining room? You’ll have the most unique conversation piece in the neighborhood when your neighbors sit down to dinner at a bamboo dining room table. There are literally dozens of beautiful finishes to complement any décor. Don’t forget to select bamboo chairs to complete the look.

Bamboo furniture is available in a variety of price ranges. For any budget, there is just the right furniture available for you! If you watch home decorating shows, you know that bamboo is coming back in a big way. What better way to bring tropical decor into your home.

Making a Splash Furnishing a Beach House

The first lesson for furnishing a beach house or coastal home is to take an example from someone who has naturally wavy hair. When that hair gets too close to moisture – rain, humidity, perspiration – it wilts. The same goes for the wrong beach-themed furnishings. Items that look great in the city or country – like white carpeting and fabrics or wood furniture – do not withstand the ocean breezes very well. You don’t want coastal furniture that wilts or curls up at the wrong time.

Many beach houses are furnished with nautical-themed pieces, including antiques. If a piece survived many years on the sea in a boat or was manufactured for sailing, it’s a safe bet it will stay the way you wanted it to look at the beach house.

People also appreciate the irony of a waterbed at coastal properties. Business executives who wouldn’t consider such a “hippie” leftover at their city homes buy mattresses, heaters, pillows, and other accessories to bring the water into the house until they get outside to enjoy the water.

Much of the charm of beach houses has to do with the light that freely enters to assure a spectacular view. Special care needs to be taken when considering colors. All that light will fade bright colors (and artwork), so choose fabrics and even art that can withstand direct sunlight.

Although beach home decorating can cost much more than a comparable house a few miles inland, the furnishings do not have to match that formula. The beach house is for fun and relaxation, and the furnishings should be comfortable, low-maintenance and able to withstand traces or sand or mud that will somehow make their way into the house. Make a big splash with the unexpected in beach furniture and accessories. Put your toe in the avant-garde water.

Transforming Your Bathroom Into A Tropic Getaway!

Many household bathrooms are run of the mill. Typical white floor, white walls, and white sink just drown out all the energy from the room. Ever find yourself tired or unsure how to change the look of your restroom? Why not try a simple coastal theme?

Transforming your bathroom with tropic decor is not only easy but affordable. This process will not only add to the style of your home, but is a fun project to undertake that will certainly impress your guests.

So one might wonder where to even begin? Well, the easiest and most noticeable change to your bathroom is a new paint job. Any color that reminds you of the beach will do. Try anything from light or dark blues, to sand like yellows. Painting or adding trim to the bathroom is also way to make your bathroom “pop.”

Next, buy a new shower curtain with a nice tropic flower print or design on it. Try to choose a subtle but attractive option if available. Chances are you’re old shower curtain isn’t going to do your new design any good, plus it makes your bathroom feel new.

While you’re shopping for a new curtain keep any eye out for any beach theme bathroom accessories or artwork. New tropic themed wallpaper is a great way to top the entire thing off. Furthermore, decorating your bathroom with a fresh new beach decor look is simple and inexpensive. It’s a wonderful theme that makes for a fun home project. Make the change and you’ll be glad you did!