Ikat Love: Finding color inspiration for the Itsy Bitsy Lakehouse Cottage

Often at the beginning of a job I began with an inspiration picture, artwork or piece of furniture that I use that as the diving board for the rest of my design.  Last year, I came across these super fun  Lakeside Swivel Chairs ( yes I said swivel! Click on the link for all the great details) at Raymour and Flanigan. They were so incredibly comfortable, versatile, and overall playful. They added just the right pop of color and design to the cottage. I particularly loved the fresh ikat patterned fabric that they were slipcovered in.  Once I sat on one I knew that I had to have it for the cottage living room. I loved it so much that I had to buy two. The perfect balance to the sofa and accent to the fireplace and lakeview behind. Both little AND big kids fight over who gets to sit in them and spin around.

The Inspiration

From these chairs I pulled out the navy blue, turquoise, green, and bright chartreuse yellow colors. I dressed up the windows with navy and white striped nautical inspired panels found at HomeGoods. My husband Ross and I whitewash the ceiling, painted the walls Offshore Mist by Behr Paints and tackled our own DIY fireplace makeover. We accessorized the TV cabinet with the turquoise blue Anthropologie glass knobs, nautical decor such as rope covered storage boxes, wooden and metal orbs and a boat motor that was purchased for $4. at a flea market in Newport, Rhode Island.  Wicker baskets house extra blankets and a twine and aluminum side table from Target accompany these colorful swivel accent chairs. The right amount of nautical decor and the perfect relaxing spot to be “On Lake Time!”