Barbara Jacksier - Waterside Cottages

Looking through photos of homes that we considered for inclusion in this book, photographer Dan Mayers and I asked ourselves the same questions over and over again. Would arriving at the cottage make us feel like trading in our ordinary shoes for flip flops? Did the kitchen and dining areas give us a hint that fresh-caught lobster, shrimp fritters, or grilled catch-of-the-day might be on the menu? Were there any unique coastal cues in the way the living room and bedrooms were decorated?

In other words, was it possible to tell the home was located on the shore of a lake, river, or oceanwithout seeing the view from the window?

The thirteen houses we selected differ greatly in their decorating schemes, but all have the ability to instantly transport you to the waters edge. Some are centuries old and others were built recently. A few boast vibrant Caribbean colors or nautical hues, while others rely on an all-white palette for a sense of serenity. Some feature rooms filled with coastal keepsakes and accumulated treasures; others celebrate simplicity.

Whether they are primary residences, artists retreats, or weekend getaways, all of the cottages in this book offer their owners and guests a place to enjoy time together, to chill out, and to feel sheltered and protected from the raging sea and the world outside. We hope youll share our discoveries of new and creative ways to translate a love of waterside surroundings into successful decorating schemes using creative design solutions.

Barbara Jacksier

What is it that draws generation after generation to lands end? Nearly all who dwell by the shore will tell you the pleasures of hearing the rhythm of waves or watching the sunset over the water far outweigh any inconveniences.

Salt sticks in the shakers, humidity ruins porch furniture, garden roses wither from salt spraystill theres something irresistible about living by the water.

As if countering the vastness of mighty oceans, most of those who live on Americas coastlines have historically built homes of small proportions on snug lots. Although architectural styles vary greatly, these petite waterside dwellings are generally referred to as cottages or bungalows. Their exteriors are frequently painted in sun-reflecting whites, nautical blues, or whimsical colors.

The interiors of these houses likewise avoid formality in favor of a casual approach. For many cottage owners, the goal is to create the illusion that their dcor is somehow thrown together, albeit very tastefully.

Even in homes designed by professionals, theres always a place for found objects in a seaside home. Small detailssuch as sea urchins casually piled in an antique bowl or a bookcase display of sand pailsare what truly give cottages that elusive quality known as coziness.

Since old-fashioned summer cottages were often furnished with sturdy but past-its-prime furniture, todays cottage owners seek to replicate that spirit through flea market finds. Whitewashed antique four-poster beds or seating cloaked in washable fish print slipcovers can give any room the kind of atmosphere that brings back bygone days of childhood shore vacations.

To add to the summery mood, bare wood floors are often punctuated with sisal mats or hand-painted floor cloths. Windows are left undressedas long as shading from the sun is not required. When necessary, gauze panels or plantation shutters effectively filter the sun without blocking the view.

Cottages used as weekend getaways and vacation retreats spotlight design features encouraging residents and guests to relax and unwind. A croquet set on the lawn, boxes of old-fashioned board games stacked near a table, or a shelf of old books waiting for new readers all hold the promise of simple fun. These amusements offer a trip down memory lane for older generationsand a new kind of thrill for todays plugged in young people.

Shelves filled with colorful sand pails and hand-painted signs offer the promise of simple summer fun.

Waterside style need not beand often is notconfined to residences within walking distance of an ocean or lake. Several attributes define successful coastal decorating, and anyone, anywhere, can create a casual waterfront atmosphere, even when the nearest body of water is a thousand miles away!

Choosing colors compatible with ocean views; adding patterns to your furniture and walls that evoke the water or waterfront activities; keeping your decorating scheme simple; using materials associated with the sea; finding antiques that have aged gracefully; prominently displaying items, like seashells and sea glass, found on beaches; and collecting maritime memorabilia are all elements the owners of the homes in this book have successfully mastered.