![]() |
decorpad |
The house has an entrance “parlor.” If you’re picturing velvet-covered Victorian furniture, you’re right on the money. Pull down the sheers and bring on the light! This round table has a welcoming appeal and the upholstered furniture is much more the look we’re trying to achieve. Plus, a classic chandelier combines the old with the new.
![]() |
Liz Williams Designer Sitting porch? Yes, please! Coffee and crosswords are even better with a water view. |
![]() |
Anne Decker Architect |
If there’s one drawback to a home that hasn’t been renovated since the ’60s it’s — you guessed it — the kitchen. But, we figure we can grin, bear it, and count our blessings that it wasn’t last renovated in 1907!
![]() |
Elle Deocr |
Mom wants a bull in the kitchen. I’m on board.
![]() |
A formal dining room is great in a formal house, but we’re wanting fresh off the grill, (and out of the ocean!) lots of friends, and no dress code. This farm table, chairs and these great light fixtures are a fabulous combo.
This art is coastal, chic and just a touch refined.
![]() |
pretty stuff |
A built-in china cabinet doesn’t have to display the good stuff. We much prefer the eclectic coastal look of this set up.
![]() |
Jason Bell Design via House Beautiful |
An antique french bed painted white is light enough to be beachy but still fits the age of the home.
One of the most important considerations I always have is where my desk is going to go! One of the winning points in our latest obsession is that it has a perfect spot for a desk in the corner of my bedroom, in a window overlooking the water. Just think of all the blogging I could do! 🙂
![]() |
We love a look like this for baby Will’s room. It’s masculine, Hemingway-esque and could carry him for years. His new baby hammock would look great in there for now. Yes, baby hammock. Sometimes there comes a point in life when you and your husband look at each realize it at the same time: No matter what that d*&! sleep book says he’s never, ever going to sleep in that crib.
![]() |
Phoebe Howard Design |
We just love twin beds. They probably aren’t the most practical for guests — but we love the sailboats over the headboard!
![]() |
Life of Polarn Per |
Bathrooms can be tricky when you’re looking to maintain a level of certain historical integrity and make it look up to date. Mosaic tile and pedestal sinks are such a classic choice.
So what do you think? Are you more of a new house person or do you like a bit of a fixer upper?
Happy Monday, friends!

so cute ; ))
http://www.live-style20.blogspot.com
How exciting!!!!! We will all live our beach house dreams through you now:) A historical home sounds amazing and I LOVE your inspirations for it….keep us posted. I know its going to be AMAZING when you are done with it!
great inspiration and I love white decor with dark floors. The blue and white stripes instantly make me think of the seaside!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
I love older homes with character. They may come with their problems but are never bland! I love all your ideas here. I think you could create a fabulous home out of nothing if you had to! x Sharon
So inspiring! I feel like I would like a fixer upper, but not sure I’d want to do the fixing! haha
The search for a beach house — what a wonderful and fun adventure! I’m sure you will pick a place that’s simply fabulous … or you’ll turn make it so.
I am definitely on board with older/historical charms. This sounds like it could be the perfect retreat. Happy Monday to you too!
My parents own a coastal home in Mass. which is registered with this historical society in town, what they have done with it is amazing, they have combined the beautiful old world charm with modern day conveniences, dont’ think it gets any better. Good luck.
Love the spaces! Sounds like you get to make lots of fun decisions. To answer your question, I am a new house person so long as the new house is built with details that exhibit the character of older homes. I feel that character lacks far too often with new construction unless there is a talented eye to watch over the project.
A beach home that is also historic; what could be better. I love the light fresh feel of all of these images!!
Thought you would enjoy…Interview with Leslie of Segreto Finishes and her fabulous Book Giveaway!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Sounds wonderful. I would love to have a beach home. Cant wait to see how you will decorate it. Don’t forget to take pictures…
I’m definitely a fixer. My husband and I restored and sold (aka “flipped”) over 30 historic homes in Chattanooga. Love bringing them back to life with the old architecture. Good luck!
http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
It´s sounds like a perfect house!!
Good luck!!
http://www.tatianadoria.blogspot.com
Good for you! It is a lot of work with a second home, but when you enjoy it so much…it doesn’t seem like work at all. Have fun with this:) Let us know if you get it!
Since we live in a 222 year old house I would have to say they do come with a lot of charm and special needs. Be prepared to slowly dump a lot ofmoney into your new beach house but in the end trust me it’ll be so worth it. I’m on board with the bull in the kitchen and have been looking for one for a while now, I need a smallish one people. Great images!
XX
Debra~
What great news!
I am so excited for you!
The idea photos you have shared are so inspirational! I really love the direction you are planning to take with this project!
Look forward to future updates!
Have a great week
Donna
I’m kind of jealous…ok, really jealous! I love all of your inspiration pics. Beautiful!! I’m more of a new house person, but you can’t match the charm and character of an older home.
I love the charm of an older home and this one sounds absolutely lovely. I hope you get it – I think it would love to belong to a family with such wonderful taste! XO
Love this post and all of the beautiful images!
A historic beach home? Sign me up!! Yes, pretty please. I much prefer an older house….the one you are considering sounds very charming. I’d mix in contemporary art and furnishings in the decor. Keep us posted….fingers crossed!
xo,
Loi
Your inspiration is divine! I LOVE the look. TFS.
Love where you are going with this, you lucky duck!
I hope that you find the most perfect place! And I completely agree, historic places always have so much charm—there really is nothing like it! I would definitely choose one 🙂
Hope that the new week is off to a great start,
x
Sarah
omg the writing spot: BEEEEYOND lovely.
i recognize the navy stripe duvet covers in the phoebe howard bedroom as the annie selke/pine cone hill ones i chose for my son’s room recently only i did the color citrus. love!
michele
The kitchen, the bath, the desk! Wow, gorgeous and SO exciting!
leslie
http://www.trouverlesoleil.blogspot.com
How exciting for you and your family. I am in love with all of your inspriation picts. I call it beach elegance. I have a whole pin board on pinterest dedicated to this look!! Just gorgeous. If I were younger I would definitely tackle a fixer upper, but for now I would have to have it pretty much the way I want before moving!! Enjoy it, it sounds very exciting, xo Kathysue
http://pinterest.com/kathysue/beach-elegance/
Absolutely love all of your inspiration photos! The framed art panel walls is fabulous!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
I would so love to do a beach/lakehouse.. I am helping a woman who has been so gracious as to let us stay in her home when we go for treatments in Houston…
Lake Livingston is gorgeous and the water is so soothing.. I love all the rooms you have shown- especially the built in hutch by Pretty stuff and the twin beds with sailboats over them ! Also really love the sitting porch by Liz Williams! A refreshing, clean but elegant sitting area. Great..
Diana
I have always wanted a beach house – partly simply because I love the ocean but also so I had the chance to decorate in a completely different, relaxed style. How fun for you both! I love that dining room – it’s one of my all time casual faves!
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Fixer every time please! Our current home is 1976 and that is new enough!
The only exception is if I had the chance (and BUDGET) to build a new custom.
Cheers!
Love all of these rooms! Makes me want to redecorate!
Given the option, I would choose the historic home. Good luck with that. The images you posted today are such fabulous inspiration.
Best…Victoria
Historic house all the way! Such charm and grace and based on all these photos I am ready to move in any time!! This is so exciting for you … I can’t wait to follow your design adventure!!
Love the dining room, everything about it. Living on the Texas coast (Houston) I can say this is the only way to go. Have fun, no problems.
xx’s
Good for you. It sounds amazing and I am in love with every single inspiration pic. XO, Mona
nice idea.. thanks for sharing.
Love the sun porch. So southern.
I’m changed from following by email to following your blog. Didn’t want you to think I didn’t like you any more when you see my unsubscribe (smile).
Sam