{Outdoor Living} Ideas for your Beach Cottage

Spring has FINALLY arrived and the Washington coast is enjoying a bit milder weather. Even with all the spring rain yet to come, we are thankful that the flowers are beginning to bloom nicely around our cottage.

Our dream is to cover our back deck (keeping fingers crossed for this summer) so that we can enjoy more outdoor living time.  There is nothing better than eating dinner al fresco during the warm months of the year, don’t you agree?

Here are some favorite outdoor living ideas that hopefully inspire your creativity (or a bit of daydreaming).  Kick off your shoes and enjoy!

“Comfort, the beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living: these are the cornerstones of Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic® brand 

Outdoor living with Rachel Ashwell

“The house offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor living, including a terrace with a pergola. “As much as we enjoy this house, we prefer to use the exterior spaces as much as possible,” says Erin, Traditional Home Magazine

Terrace with Pergola ~ Traditional Living Magazine

“The seascape steals the show in this indoor/outdoor space. When the transition is seamless, you can enjoy storm watching and stargazing from a box-seat perch.” ~ Coastal Living Magazine

Photo by Claudio Santin ~ Coastal Living Magazine

“The courtyard deck provides a sheltered gathering space. The outdoor fireplace is finished in concrete, as is the fireplace in the living room.” ~ Architect Ken Tate, Traditional Home Magazine.

Courtyard Deck ~ Traditional Home Magazine

“Neighbors have something good going on? Incorporate it into your landscape, as with these trees spilling over the wall.” ~ Cottage Living

Cottage Living Magazine

When building their cottage, the Barwick’s, left room for an octagonal gazebo where they read, relax, and entertain. “The small dining table with wicker chairs is a perfect place to enjoy morning coffee or a light lunch overlooking the water–and they can be easily moved in or out of the sun as needed.” ~ Barwick Beach Cottage, Traditional Home Magazine.

Beach Cottage Gazebo ~ Traditional Home Magazine

The Barwick’s gazebo has a ceiling painted in a soft robin’s-egg blue, which contrasts with the brighter all-weather-fabric striped curtains that include a dash of sunny yellow.

Beach Cottage Gazebo ~ Traditional Home Magazine

“Go ahead; be more daring with outdoor pillows than you would be with indoor ones. These bright coral, blue, and green ones pack a punch of energy and cheer.” ~ Coastal Living Magazine

Outdoor living space with pillows ~ Coastal Living Magazine

“Can you double your living space without adding a single square foot to your house? Absolutely, as Yifat Oren and Jonathan Cutler’s Los Angeles garden shows.

Changes ​in levels and materials help carve five distinct “rooms”—each laid out in a neat geometric shape and accented with the same hot colors—from the couple’s unused back and front yards.” ~ Sunset Magazine

Tiered outdoor deck ~ Sunset Magazine

 We have a favorite, do you?

Today’s coastal article brought to you by…

• Cottage Coastal Store – providing handcrafted cottage & coastal home accents
• The Seashell Collection – Beach-Inspired Home Accessories
• Ocean Offerings - Unique and Distinctive Gifts & Jewelry Inspired by the Sea.