The Great Escape: Decor by Destination

It's summer time and the heat is on...perhaps you're fleeing the daily grind by heading off to a retreat somewhere in the mountains, a breezy cottage by the sea or an oasis in the country surrounded by green pastures. Create a summer respite with furniture and accessories that reflect your lifestyle and surroundings, a place to escape, relax and enjoy family and friends. Take note of these insightful tips from talented designers to help you capture your own unique summer style.



First off, remember why you are there and make that the center of your design decisions. "Never forget why you bought your home or piece of land," says Dan Wallace, AIA of SALA Architects in Excelsior, Minnesota. "Whether it's the great kitchen island of the view of the mountains, accentuate your favorite part of your property with your decisions," he says.

Then as you create the look, consider one of the most important aspects -- lifestyle. "Always design not only for aesthetic, but also for function," says Christina Sullivan, co-founder of Tocar Design based in New York City. The way in which you live in your home is integral to the way in which it should be decorated. If little children are running about, breakable objects and sharp corners should be avoided. If you are by the sea, sand will inevitably make its way indoors, so floors and rugs should be durable and stain-resistant.

Sullivan notes, "You and your family are the decorative parts that move within an interior, so it's important to be aware of fabrics that will wear well, space planning that will allow you to walk freely and proper storage for all of your 'personal things.'" Wallace recommends living in a space before investing in redecorating, noting the value of "knowing how you actually live in a home versus guessing how you will actually live in it."

Once you've assessed the function of your space, find what inspires you. Look to unique objects as a starting point to your decorating scheme. In this way, you make your space personal and steer away from cookie cutter decorating schemes. As Wallace suggests, "inspiration should come from family lore." Even a country cottage look can be based around upon a treasured object such as a family painting, or a vintage camera collection.

"You could design an entire room around your favorite painting by extracting the colors and incorporating them into the room," hints Sullivan. A mountain home can focus upon a prized deer head from a memorable first hunt without letting the typical lodge look take over the decor. And a beach home's style, which will most likely contain natural treasures from the sea and sand, could revolve instead around a beloved red cupboard found at a tag sale. Whatever the inspiration is, make your space a reflection of personal style -- a place to surround yourself with the things you love.

While the typical color schemes of vacation spots by the sea, in the country or amid the mountains, are wonderful guidelines that reflect the natural surroundings of the home, they are not the rule. Above all choose colors that are cozy and comforting. "It's important not to overexpose vibrant colors with overpowering prints," warns Sullivan. Wallace suggests saving the choice for wall color until last. " There is always a wall color to match a fabric but not always a fabric to match a wall color," he says. "Picking the wall color last will also help in creating a unique décor because you may select a wall color you never would have selected at the beginning of the process."

So, where are you going?

TIPS FOR A COUNTRY COTTAGE

Mix and match by pairing the old with the new, the rough and the polished, the rustic and the romantic. For example, a weathered painted metal garden carrier works wonderfully as a plant holder on a table next to simple gingham upholstered chair.

Display collections and store oft use objects on open shelves. A row of cowboy boots or Wellies, are both useful and decorative when set out neatly in a row in a mudroom.

Baskets and wooden bins are wonderful storage vessels that can be stacked and used as furniture, or tucked into a corner.

Painted finishes in soft but playful colors bring a casual charm and tie mismatched fabric prints together.

Add whimsy and quirkiness by showing your personality. Perhaps you found an old ceramic bust. Give it a coat of white gloss spray paint and set it in a window with a cowboy hat atop.

Choose pillows and fabrics in a variety of prints, mixing stripes with polka dots and florals. The fabric need not be matchy-matchy, but carry through on the overall color scheme.

Add romance and softness with lace-edged pillows and white accents.



TIPS FOR A SEASIDE RETREAT

Incorporate natural elements into all aspects of the home. Shells can be used as checkers, paperweights and place cards. Driftwood makes lovely sculptural art pieces

Collect and display. Fill the bases of candleholders with sand or shells or make a wreath from found shells.

Beach finds make wonderful accessories. An abandoned buoy can decorate a newel post or headboard. An old pair of water skis can be easily fashioned into a towel hook.

Ship models and replicas make striking display pieces.

Bring in texture with natural fiber carpeting and woven rattan furnishings.

Keep fabrics light, airy and washable. Sheer window treatments allow the cool sea breezes to flow.

Bring in the color. A few simple pieces can make a great impact. A painted chair can be used as a table between twin beds. Colored glass bottles reflect the light when set in the window.

Get in touch with your inner Picasso. Paintings of the landscapes, children's drawings and simple sketches can instantly evoke a treasured memory. Even the ones picked up at the local antique shop.

Keep towels on hand in baskets instead of in the linen closet.

Use your favorite activities as a decorating tool. If sailing is high on your list, use nautical accessories in your decor like boat cleats as hooks, anchors as art, and a ship wheel for a coffee table.

TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN DECORATING

Bring the outdoors in. Twig chairs, wood tables, and earthy accents bring the woods into your home.


Keep extra bedding, sweaters and blankets out and accessible.


Make a mudroom area for sports equipment and its related clothing and accessories.


Use typical plaids sparingly and opt instead for texture. Include needlepoint pillows and velvet or Ultra suede curtains


Layer area rugs throughout the space combining patterns to optimize the color scheme


Designate an area for the TV and for games. Don't make the TV the focal point of the room; instead tuck it away so it is less likely to be turned on. Keep lots of indoor games and activities on hand.


Accentuate a great view or a grand fireplace by arranging furniture around those areas.


Use baskets for storage of gloves and mittens.


Make decorations or furniture out of old equipment such as cross-country skies, poles, or snow shoes. Even lost mittens and gloves framed in shadow boxes and grouped on a wall can work as art.


Choose different lighting for different tasks. Overhead lighting is necessary when cooking, but while hanging out floor and table lamps keep the atmosphere warm and the glow soft.