Memorial Day is only a couple of weeks away, which means that summer is on our doorstep. If you own a vacation home by the ocean then you will soon be enjoying gorgeous views, warm weather, and refreshing dips in the ocean. But before you sit in the shade with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other, take some time to update your home.
It’s always a good thing to bring in a few new pieces of furniture that will freshen up the old setup and will make the space feel up-to-date.
Rattan is always a good idea as it oozes a casual and natural vibe perfect for a summer home. An accent chair or a sofa made from wicker will instantly make your living room feel more beach-y without having to place seashells and starfish on every surface in the room.
And who better to give you advice on how to redecorate like a pro than a pro?! We asked four interior designers to share with us their seasonal shopping lists so keep scrolling and get ready to feel seriously inspired.
Fernando Mastrangelo Drum, Hunter Cement and White Rock Salt Stools
Designer Kati Curtis loves these ombré concrete stools that are not just beautiful but durable as well. She’d use a bunch of them as extra seating on her veranda where they can double down as drink tables as well. “They weigh about 40 pounds each, so [they] won’t slide if you put your feet up on them, and are stable enough to hold someone who’s had one too many Aperol Spritzes,” she says.
To buy: $5,000, 1stdibs.com
Elizabeth Pash Antiques Coral Chandelier
Talking about a statement piece! Even if you don’t like items that are too “beachy”, this chandelier would look so beautiful in a dining room with high ceilings. “I love that the coral takes on a sculptural look and makes you really look twice. This piece could work equally as well in a traditional or modern setting,” Curtis adds.
To buy: $15,000, 1stdibs.com
Serena & Lily Turnstone Rug
“I’ll use these in the sunroom off of the pool as they’re resistant to fading, water, stains and dog, cat or kid traffic. If someone spills a glass of wine you can clean the rugs with bleach and it doesn’t affect the color at all,” says Curtis. Resistant to bleach? We’ll take a couple, please.
To buy: $298, serenaandlily.com
Bonacina 1889 Manta D’Urbino Chair
For French-born designer Laurence Carr this rattan-and-cane chair is all about comfort. “Its ergonomics and welcoming shape invite you to relax and take in the scenery. I can see this piece [as part of] a matching set facing the ocean, or in a lush garden,” Carr says.
To buy: $2,340, artemest.com
Attivissimo Dima Centerpiece Table
Carr loves the geometric shapes and angles of this modern coffee table and the surprise element it would bring to a traditionally furnished beach home. “It’s definitely pushing boundaries,” she adds.
To buy: $1,680, artemest.com
Amara Kajito Bamboo Chair
What do you get when you put together yacht rigging, sails, and bamboo? The answer is this luxe deck chair/hammock. “As an eco-friendly durable piece, this chair is perfect for outdoor living and entertaining with guests who want to soak up the sun,” adds Carr.
To buy: $609, amara.com
Serena & Lily Venice Rattan Chair
“If you are shopping on a budget choose one better-made item for the room to elevate all the design,” suggests designer Barbara Schmidt. “This chair will be the visual focal point of any sun porch or coastal living room.” Blending Victorian Wicker with modern design, this piece will bring a lot of character to your home.
To buy: $498, serenaandlily.com
Maiden Home The Dune Sofa
“Comfort is a must when you are hanging out in the summertime,” says Schmidt, and who can argue with that? That’s why she has chosen this sofa crafted in washed linen—a fabric that feels comfortable against bare legs and arms on warm days. “This sofa is a great neutral for any accent color to change up for any season. I especially love the reverse seaming for a casual vibe,” she says.
To buy: $2,425, maidenhome.com
Winnetu Four-door Cane Console
“Natural caning is so on trend right now,” says Schmidt. “I’m so excited to see it used again in classic pieces such as dining chairs, ottomans, and case goods. This look feels Asian-inspired with the inside curve of the foot and upright delicate lines of the cabinet doors. I like how it feels as though it was collected on someone’s travels overseas.”
To buy: $2,000, horchow.com
Lowcountry Swing Beds the Peninsula Daybed Swing
“Hanging swings are so cool when you pair two facing each other, and what a wonderful excuse to cozy up after dinner and have a nightcap with your guests,” says Raena Albers of Raena Interiors. We have a feeling this swing bed will be the most popular spot in the house, aside from the pool of course.
To buy: $1,850, theporchswingcompany.com
McGee & Co. Madeira Bed
“If you are looking to keep it simple in your summer home, choose unique pieces that will emulate the less is more vibe. A canopy bed can easily become a focal point in any bedroom,” adds Albers. And your guests will love you for giving them the best sleep in their life.
To buy: $3,750, mcgeeandco.com
