Shake it Up

Be yourself, decorate with the things you love, find the joy...shake it up and live a little!

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!!

What A Crazy Week and A Giveaway

Since last Wednesday my life has been topsy turvy to say the least!  On top of Ms. M's stroke, a dear friend's father passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly due to a heart attack!  

With everything going on at the moment it will be a little while longer before I'm back to my regular blogging schedule...real life has crept in to remind me that life doesn't always revolve around the internet!

Last night before collapsing in to bed, I went out and just stood on our dock for awhile and watched the full moon rise above the water.  It was nice to just have a quiet moment to reflect on this past week's craziness and to stop and be thankful for family, friends, and good health!

I had promised you all that I would show you a gorgeous waterfront home, and I haven't forgotten!  When life slows back down a little I'll be sure to show you more of this lovely home...you won't want to miss it!

And along with a fun house tour, I'll also be introducing you to some beautiful bedding that will be in stores this fall.  I know you all will love it, and here's a tiny sneak peek at just one of the collections!

But because life has been so crazy, and I haven't been around to work on my own blog, reply to your wonderful comments, or visit anyone else's blogs...I thought a wonderful Giveaway might tide you all over!

You may remember a while back when I featured a giveaway of some beautiful beach glass jewelry made by my friend Julie of Frosted Trash.  Well she has kindly offered me these stunning earrings to use for another great giveaway!

I love everything Julie creates...I'll be showing you a pair of earrings she gave me recently that I LOVE and have already worn almost daily!  Once again Julie has outdone herself by designing these gorgeous earrings that combine pale turquoise sea glass with crystals and pearls to create something you'll want to wear every day too!

All you have to do to enter to win the earrings pictured above is to visit Julie's blog Frosted Trash 

1.  Then come back and tell me which pair of earrings (that she has featured in her latest post), you can't live without!!

2.  For a second chance to win let me know that you are a follower of my blog, or Julie's (I know she would love to have a few more friends and followers of her blog!) and you'll be entered for a 2nd chance to win! (Be sure to leave a separate comment)

3.  And for a 3rd chance to win, blog, tweet, or post on facebook and then leave a 3rd comment for yet another chance to win!

The contest will be open until Tuesday, August 2nd at midnight PST and is open to everyone!!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and understanding!  I hope to be back to blogging full time very soon!  See you then my friends!!!