We just returned from another wonderful weekend in Maine. While we were away we experienced a spectacular July 4th fireworks display while lounging around barefoot at the beach. Watching the fireworks explode against the hazy dark sky, above the incoming ocean waves was an exhilarating experience…one that will stay with me for quite awhile, I’m sure. Prior to this amazing evening, we attended Bill’s uncle’s wedding which was actually the highlight of our trip. This wedding was lovely in every way with lots of family, friends, good food, music, etc. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home so I wasn’t able to capture any of these special moments. I’m hoping that the other wedding guests were better prepared so that I can beg some photos from them.
Although I don’t have photos to share from our holiday weekend, I thought you might like to see some other photos of our Maine place. For our getaway place, I wanted to create a more fun vibe by filling it with bright graphic colors and vintage pieces such as these:
I found this sunny yellow chair at a local flea market for 10 bucks.
This is my home away from home studio chair. And it also doubles as my vanity table chair until I find just the right table for our bedroom.
The vintage colors of these mini-chairs grabbed my attention right away when I came across them at a yard sale.
I found these two pitchers way back when I was single in my 20’s. I think I paid just a buck or two for each…crazy cheap!
More yard sale finds with a punch of color.
I like how a little blue can go a long way. This is especially appealing when you’re trying to decorate on a modest budget. For instance, I found this vintage iron crib for $12 at a yard sale (I used the head and foot board side-by-side to create a headboard big enough to suit our king-sized bed.)
I made this baby-sized bathing suit that hangs in our hallway in Maine using a bit of imagination along with some vintage red trim. This piece was published a while ago in Somerset Home (volume 4), but the issue is still currently available. If you’re interested in how to make my mini-bathing suit, I’ve included the directions in the article. This is a quick and easy project that can be whipped-up in no time, plus the materials don’t cost much – quick and inexpensive…I love this combination!
Our home in Massachusetts is very different from our place in Maine. The colors are quieter, the furniture is a bit more formal, but it’s still very cozy and comfortable. I guess that overall, Bill, Brook and I are casual people with casual tastes. We like things simple, easy and relaxed. What about you…how do you like to create a fun and/or relaxed environment?
11 Comments, Comment or Ping
I love the punches of color; Camp is always a fun place and needs a different vibe!
My home has nature’s color as the palette. We have a lot of taupe, almond, cafe latte painted walls, with brown leather couches, oatmeal taupe rugs, lots of blue and green touches. We have nautical items in our living room, even a ship’s steering wheel, light houses. Kitchen/dining room has a casual vibe, I collect tins, so there is lots of splotches of color, so any color can fit. I love to use flowers n’ candles, and thrift shop finds, to change the space. When the seasons change, so does the look….no more shells and sea glass on the coffee table, it will be switched to another color palette, usually inspired by nature. The only odd quirk is our bathrooms. We love Maine and Alaska’s unique beauty, so one bathroom is inspired by those states, a lot of brown, green and honey gold. The other one, is sunny and bright with the mood of Florida and Hawaii. I want to put clocks in the kitchen from every time zone we have lived in. I like neutral backdrops, so when I make the seasonal, holiday changes…it works!
Thanks for the cabin tour; I loved the color, it really does add a cheery
attitude!
July 6th, 2010
When I was young my family had a house up in Wells and it was furnished very similarly. We found awesome deals at flea markets, antique shops, and yard sales and refinished, altered, and left things as they were! It was such a wonderful little house all filled with treasures! I’m glad you had a great time! My parents are actually up there now – They went up last week and are staying until next weekend, so we may have to go up for a day this week just for fun!
July 6th, 2010
Love your blog and the gorgeous colors throughout. Our headboard is made from 2 pine headboards that were smaller than twins – just love taking something and giving it a new life. Thanks for visiting my blog – I will be back.
July 6th, 2010
bargains and beauty all at once! i have a denim couch with modern simplicity … comfort and ease is of importance
July 7th, 2010
what delightful finds! full of color & heartcharm!
love the collection. love the sampler of what sets your heart abeat.
lots of love & wishes that these continue to rock you sweetly.xo
July 7th, 2010
I love that headboard idea! So simple but really perfect for a summer cottage. Enjoy the blue waters of Maine.
Loribeth
July 7th, 2010
love those bright spots of color! And the headboard – brilliant!
July 7th, 2010
your home-away-from-home in maine looks just as comfortable, approachable, cozy, and creative as you are!! and i love your little touches of whimsy throughout…..your elvis pillow and humpty dumpty caught my eye immediately!!! xox
July 8th, 2010
i love the punchy colors! as you’ve probably already figured out, i LOVE bright colors. the headboard you created out of the crib is ingenious. our house is all about color. we live on the water in a key west style house. the exterior is a sky blue with white trim, pink porch ceilings and aqua doors. inside, our great room/dining/kitchen is a sunny terra cotta, with brightly colored original art everywhere (every time i go away to a show, my husband always begs me not to bring anything else home, but i tell him i can always find room… :-). our master bedroom is a light grass green, my girls bedroom is a buttery yellow, and our guest room is a warm lavendar. it’s a very happy place. 🙂
July 8th, 2010
Kelly, with all the bright colors that you surround yourself in…is this why you go by happy shack designs? I like how you’re so true to your nature.
July 8th, 2010
Hi Becky!
I love all your vintage finds! I especially love how you used the crib for a headboard, what a great idea. Your baby’s swimsuit piece is wonderful as always. I’ve so enjoyed “finding” you in all the Stampington magazines and reading your story on Crescendoh (whoops! spelling?!) of late.
Wishing you and your dear ones a great summer by the seaside.
Sally
July 8th, 2010
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