Island Living

When most people think of island living, they often conjure up images of deserted beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and balmy year round temperatures, but island living happens all over the world, in all kinds of climates.

For one lucky Maryland couple, the dream of living on the water became a reality when they designed and built their beautiful multi-story home on a small local island.

I've already introduced you to one of the homeowners, my friend Julie from Frosted Trash!  Along with her husband Larry, they have created an island home that is as extraordinary as it's awe inspiring setting!

Nestled on a lot which boasts nearly 360 degree water views, it truly is a sanctuary for this very busy couple.

And the rural nature of this small island, means that so much of what we all crave about waterfront living has been preserved!  Wildlife abounds and so do friendly neighbors!

From the moment you venture up the front steps and enter this unique home you feel like the stresses of every day living have suddenly slipped away.

Much of that has to do with the soothing color palette, comfortable furnishings, and coastal inspired decor that Julie and Larry have chosen to use throughout their charming home.

Seagrass rugs, painted pieces, and antique furnishings add color, interest, and texture while continuing the casual beachy vibe.

Cottage style furniture, like this beautiful green chest just inside the front door, pairs perfectly with the soft gray wall color.

Neutral slipcovered chairs provide a comfy place to sit and enjoy the gorgeous views!

Color is introduced throughout the living room with pillows, throws, artwork, and other fun accessories.

A pebble fireplace surround and unique architectural finds add texture and interest while providing plenty for visitors to look at besides the wonderful views outside!

I love how Julie repeated the golden yellow color found in the stained glass above the front door throughout the living room.   She painted the backs of her bookcases this great color, used an old quilt draped on the sofa with the same golden hued pattern, and then found pillows which are the perfect shade to create continuity in the space.

From every angle this is a space you want to kick off your shoes and spend time in!

And if you tire of relaxing inside, you can always step through the french doors to take in the expansive water views which await you outside!

Can't you almost smell the salty air and taste the Old Bay on those freshly steamed crabs?  Who wouldn't want to eat dinner out here?!

The open concept of Julie's home makes it ideal for entertaining, something she and Larry do frequently with close friends and family.

The peninsula, which separates the kitchen and living room, provides the perfect spot to eat an afternoon snack.

A budget conscious girl after my own heart, Julie created this stunning kitchen using Ikea cabinetry!

A large farmhouse sink, glass fronted cabinets, dark charcoal gray countertops, and a colorful braided rug all add charm to this wonderful country kitchen!

Julie also loves to collect vintage kitchenware like this beautiful platter, marble lazy susan, and antique pottery.

More yellow ware bowls can be found atop the cabinets, while the glass fronted cabinets below are ideal for showcasing her extensive Jadite collection.

Glass fronted cabinetry on the opposite side of the kitchen is used to hold more of Julie's wonderful antique finds!

Of course you know I was tempted to walk away with that lovely white starfish serving bowl...isn't it pretty?!

I wouldn't have minding walking away with this breathtaking view either!!  Cooking with that kind of view wouldn't be work at all!

Located just off of the living room and kitchen is a lovely dining area.

A simple black table and chairs help ground the room, and I love the large drum shade chandelier which really makes a statement in the space.

Ironstone platters surround a porthole window which brings extra light in from the screened in porch area.  A small chest painted seafoam green provides and ideal spot for showcasing some of the couple's one of a kind accessories!

Large windows let in plenty of light which is magnified by this large wooden framed mirror.  I adore the hand carved mermaid floating gracefully above the mirror!  

A white buffet and stepped wall provide more room for Julie and Larry to display some of their treasured mementos.

And just in case you were wondering if this room also sports a lovely water view, well here it is...and it is just as heart stopping as those from the living room and kitchen!

Rounding out the main level of the house are two guest rooms and a full bath.  The nautical theme of this guest room is perfect for visiting grandchildren and other visitors alike.

Upstairs is a large master bedroom suite.  Julie chose a muted color scheme and filled the room with antiques to create a cozy and restful retreat.

An antique pine dresser occupies the small dressing area.

Windows on nearly every wall provide plenty of natural light for Julie to create her wonderful jewelry in the studio which is attached to the bedroom!

Imagine waking up every morning or falling asleep each night to the sounds of the waves lapping the shoreline!

Or you could stroll out each morning in your jammies and have a cup of coffee or tea on your private balcony overlooking the water!

I could learn to get used to this pretty quickly couldn't you?!  Julie is a better person than I am, if I had this balcony to sneak off to, I'd never get any work done!

I love how Julie incorporated a mix of vintage finds, classic elements, and folk art throughout her bedroom.  

The master bathroom also boasts amazing views and has a spa like atmosphere.

Getting ready to go to work takes on a whole new meaning when you have a view like this!

The top floor, often called a crow's nest, is where Larry practices his music and gets caught up on work.  A small kitchen in this space makes it perfect for visiting guests as well.

The view from the top floor balcony pretty much says it all about this wonderful beach house!  I hope you've enjoyed the tour of this lovely one of a kind beach house, and I want to thank Julie and Larry for opening up their home to me so that I could share it with all of you!

If you haven't already, be sure to enter to win the giveaway for some of Julie's beautiful Seaglass jewelry...that's her bowl filled to the brim with glass she finds along her beach!  

Just click HERE to enter to win these gorgeous earrings!  And be sure to visit her Frosted Trash Etsy Store to see more of her wonderful sea glass jewelry, including beautiful sea glass Troll Beads!!