Making a Splash Down at the Lake with New Nautical Decor

Nautical Cottage Decor

Easy lake house vibes

We are in the last month of Summer and I am soaking it all up! After traveling for the whole month of July I finally got a chance to get away to out beloved lake house for the weekend.  We had rented the lakeside cottage on Honeoye Lake out three times when we were away and it’s always nice to come home to find the cottage in perfect condition! I’m sharing some new nautical decor additions that make our visitors feel a bit more pampered! We have been busy! If you’re looking for fire pit patio ideas we just completed ours and love the way we don’t have to move the furniture to mow the lawn. 

Finger Lakes Air BNB 

Our small but cozy cottage has become an AirBNB so-to-speak this Summer and I am neurotic about keeping it neat, clean and of course charming.  Last February my father had rented a ski chalet A-Frame in Vermont for our family. It was so inviting from the outside but once inside everything was so tired and old. And when I say old the bedding was from the 70’s.  No joke! I vowed never to let that happen for any of our friends who stay with us! 

Small on Space, Big on Color

In a small space like this I tried to pack as much color when decorating this 745 sq. foot cottage. My color inspiration came from our favorite ikat patterned swivel chairs. You basically see these chair from everywhere in the cottage! This past weekend I headed to HomeGoods to freshen up the pillows, bedding, and kitchen accessories. 

Fun and Playful Coastal Accents

I added some playful green and white striped Kate Spade down filled pillows and festive Summertime decor like candle votives, candles, wall art and tabletop accessories. 

Lake House Decor Color Scheme

When choosing new decor I stay within my color scheme so that I can change things around still while keeping the decor looking fresh and well thought out. I have had these needle point pillows for 4 years now and they have become a reminder of what our time at the lake is all about. Having fun and winding down! 

I Brake for Yard Sales

On my way to the farmer’s market I passed a huge yard sale and I slammed on the breaks. They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and I ALWAYS find something that I desperately need. LOL! At this sale I purchase two vases: one small bud vase and this beautiful periwinkle blue drip glaze vase. And the best part was that they were just one dollar each. I also scored a collection of white shells that were on the FREE table. It was my lucky day. I placed the clam shells in each of the rooms and bathroom for rings and earrings. 

Summer Breeze

I opened all the windows and let the lake air come on in. I couldn’t wait to play around with my new pillows and add Summertime touches with fresh flowers and bright decor! 

Carefree Weekend Menu

No one, I repeat no one likes to be stuck in a kitchen on the weekend. Our weekend menus tend to mostly consist of grilling outside with quick and simple menu options. When it comes to drinks and food its a “Make yourself at home” approach. 

The overall pallete may be light but there is no shortage of pops of color. The window valance was made from a vintage tea towel and I used press on numbers and letters to personalized the year we started this journey. Ross and I did all the tiles work using barn sale Mackenzie-Childs white long subway tiles and sandwiching in a row of white 3 by 6 tiles to make up for our shortage. 

Mason Jar Beverage Container

I am constantly searching for unique and colorful additions to our lake color scheme. We have a fun navy colored cooler out on the porch that we fill up with ice cold beer and canned soda. I just added this large mason jar beverage dispenser and filled her up with cold brew iced tea so that everyone can help themselves. I also added some new colorful mugs, pretty dish and hand soaps, and crisp new dish towels.

Peach Tea is my go-to Summertime drink!

A Fresh Start with Decor & Bedding

As I mentioned earlier I have been scarred by sleeping in beds with old and tattered linens. I am a freak about keep our place clean and fresh. I headed out to HomeGoods and purchased a new white quilt with white tassels on each corner. The harlequin patter gives just enough interest without competing with the  new pillows and navy anchor sheets. 

Crisp white Euro quilted pillows, two new down filled navy lattice criss-cross accents pillows and a turquoise chevron throw blanket round out the new bedding ensemble. 

Adding New Nautical Decor

Making A Nautical Splash

I’m sure it’s no surprise to you that I have a nice little stash of lake themed pillows at the cottage and often change them out for a fresh new look. 

If you follow along on my Instagram page you might remember when I hit the jackpot at a yard sale last month and scored a slew of original artwork for $75. The original watercolor located at the bottom if this trio was just $3. I happened to have the frame stashed away in my studio at home. It finished this grouping of beach landscapes perfectly. 

DIY Reclaimed Wood Headboard

If you are new to the blog or would like to see how my father and I made this DIY reclaimed wood headboard using floor boards from an Ohio mitten factory click here. The top pieces are from a church pew that I found on the side of the road and the top crown piece that was part of a vanity mirror from a junk yard find. 

The last few weeks of Summer are winding down and Fall is just around the corner. Fall is my favorite time on the water. The cool night breezes and the fall foliage is so spectacular. It’s now time to tackle the next project. What will it be? Stick around to see. Until then we are soaking up August and sharing our itsy bitsy cottage and new nautical decor with friends and family! Time for our annual Clam Bake. You’re all invited!

Happy Sailing,

Amie