Guest Groups: Dreaming of a Casual Summer Cottage

With the Fourth of July round the corner, I would wager that summer cabin daydreams are hitting their annual peak. In this ideabook, I piled up a couple of summery pieces which would be essential for my fanciful shack by the sea — believe twists on tradition with weathered wood and sailor stripes, salvaged materials and handmade heirlooms, all with a dusting of Provencal sensibility. — Jenn from Department of the Interior

The Loaded Trunk

Mexican Embroidered Pillow Covers – $60

I love mixing and matching artisan fabrics from around the world, and whimsical Mexican bedspreads are among my favorites.

Here, Roni from Loaded Trunk discovered these conventional themes hand-embroidered onto pillow cases by the Otomi Indians in Mexico.

Anthropologie

Bodhi Desk  – $798

I think contrast is essential to a home that’s warm and modern all at once. The worn-in quality of the wood and minimal layout is the perfect pairing.

Terrain

Leather & Canvas Weekend Bag – $288

Lovingly salvaged from 1940s ticking fabric, this bag was made to be full of a new farm rack haul. Imagine it overflowing with sunflowers and ears of corn.

petit-bateau. us

Petit Bateau Striped Terrycloth Towel – $60

This adorable towel from iconic French brand Petit Bateau will make you feel like you’re sunning from the Côte d’Azur — even in the Jersey Shore!

Urban Outfitters

CoCo Cabana Chair – $189

These no-fuss, casual seats are ideal for a post-swim lunch; recycled steel and a cotton chair might easily stand up to damp-toweled bottoms!

HORNE

Cobalt Large Jug with Handle – $59

I’m completely obsessed with this tiny pitcher in Design House Stockholm. I am pretty sure it was constructed for twisting alfresco chats with friends over lemonade or fresh-brewed sour tea.

Wisteria

White-Dipped Barrel Baskets – $59

These simple, beachy baskets are perfect for corralling all your summer essentials in a well-trafficked entryway — from beach towels into sand castle molds, spare sunscreen and flip-flops.

Anthropologie

Windsor Love Seat – $1,498

This ombre-lacquered Windsor seat is just too cool. Such a brilliant twist on a occasionally stodgy classic.

Brook Farm General Store

Maplewood Cheese Board – $37

Delightfully unpretentious, this curved maple cheese board looks like it’s been passed down for generations.

Anthropologie

Luscious Langoustine Dinner Plate – $24

I’m a massive fan of French artist Nathalie Lete’s whimsical designs. This witty snacking summertime plate is almost too cute to eat off of!

Terrain

Lafitte Pendant – $148.95

Nautical done right. I adore the filtered light beaming through this jute pendant.

Brook Farm General Store

Beeswax Tea Lights – $10

These simple beeswax tea lights are a sweet, rustic take on a summer essential.

Calypso St. Barth

Zig Zag Jaipuri Rug – $275

This hand-loomed runner from Calypso St. Barth has just the right amount of graphical punch to liven up a boring hall or entry.

Terrain

Engineered Glass Sconce – $373.50

I really like the patina of the recycled glass sconce from Terrain. Picture it transports you from a porch on a foggy, moonless night.

Etsy

Botanical Drawing No. 6007 by Kari Herer – $30

Kari Herer’s photographs of her original drawings layered with real flowers are consistently jaw-dropping. Hang one anyplace you need to feel inspired.

shop.girlscantell.com

Botanical Tea Towels – $24

Are not these flour sack tea towels that the ideal hostess gift? They’re made by Sara Selepouchin of Girls Can Tell.

Rifle Paper Co..

Gold Painted Stripes Thank You Card $4.50

No, we can not all have beach homes (womp womp), but we can thank the folks who let us stay at theirs with style! I happen to believe Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. is the very best stationer around, along with the metallic stripes here don’t disappoint.

herriottgrace.bigcartel.com

Cloud Cookie Cutters – $20

No one likes getting rained out to a beach day, but these cloud cookie cutters from Herriott Grace offer a silver lining. Everyone knows that fresh-baked biscuits make any stormy day better. True story.

Traditional Duvet Covers – $202

Inspired by a favourite set of PJs, this weathered duvet from Coyuchi (completed with coconut shell buttons!) Is ideal for beach home guest rooms. I really like the sign of a menswear texture, too.

lafcony.com

Santa Maria Novella Rosewater – $50

From Italy’s earliest”farmaceutica” that this rosewater, sprinkled or ironed on sheets, will give one of the most restorative sleep imaginable. An amazing treat for guests or you — yes, even you!

Next: More guest blogger merchandise selections

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