Going coastal

Maybe it’s the refreshing air conditioning we now have at the condo, or the beautiful sky blue views we see from the window.  Whatever the reason may be, I am definitely loving Coastal Living décor.

And I definitely think it's fate that our kitchen backsplash totally looks like ripples in the ocean.

If you are wondering whether or not you can pull off this beachy look while living miles away from water and surrounded by concrete, have no fear.  Tim Clarke, interior designer in Santa Monica, California confirms that we can infuse inspiration from the coastal lifestyle and essence of the "perfect beach house" into any space, regardless of size or location.  

I'm completely attracted to his signature style of "coastal modern" and how its simple, clean lines are softened by organic shapes and textures to create an airy, calming and fresh environment.

It's perfect, really, since the bones of our condo are just that - clean, modern and fresh finishes in crisp white, sea blue with dark floors and counters to ground the space.  Some organic textures are just what we need to soften things up.

Here are some images which have been inspiring me....

This kitchen from Better Homes and Gardens gives me shivers.  I love the white cabs (obvi) and that fresh robin's egg blue in their built in shelving is so fresh!

These pretty blue chairs around the pedestal table is feminine in a not too frou-frou way.  

They clearly have a gorgeous view of a lake or something, but I think the blue glass vases seen here around the top of the room would complement our view pretty nicely also!

I love the combination of styles in this room: white washed walls, antique looking chairs, industrial chrome lighting and the painted table.

So, I think we are at a good starting point in our condo, with finishes that will create a beautiful base for the coastal décor that is about to come.  And - surprise!  The decorating has already begun!  

Last week, I forced Derek to agree on purchasing a wood/rattan trunk off of Craig's List.  This is something Derek has difficulty with because he really likes to think things through.  We all know that Craig's List does not offer this luxury and after passing on a couple other pieces I had fallen in love with over the internet, he let me have this one.

And we're both so happy he did!

Please forgive the grainy photo of our just-moved-into living room.  But there she is - a beautiful, large trunk which will act as our coffee table while at the same time adding that ever-so-important organic texture to my modern coastal vibe.  And did I mention how much she stores!?

For $100 I am one happy camper sailor.

And yes, her and Cedric the couch are getting along very well :)

I have some DIY plans this August long-weekend to fix up our brown laminate book shelves. 

You remember these, right?

Well, the laminate faux-wood look isn't really in sink with my vision.

Here is an inspiration photo to give you a hint!

So what do you think about the coastal living look for an urban condo?  Do you think it's a nice change or a bit of a tease?  I absolutely love it and can't wait to see things take shape!

In the mean time, I hope everyone enjoys a lovely long-weekend.  I am so excited to have extra time to spend in my new home!

Don't forget about Craigslist!

As we count the days until we move into our new condo, I day dream (and night dream) constantly about furniture placement, wall colours, wall galleries, how to hid the television cables, if we will have enough storage....etc, etc, etc.  I roam furniture stores and browse online for inspiration, re-work our budget if I see and love something more expensive....you get the point.  I'm obsessed.

Recently, I decided to check out what furniture was being sold on Craigslist.  I've purchased some great pieces off of Craigslist for my previous apartments, and even sold some items when moving.  I think it's a great resource.  

Unfortunately I don't usually seem to find many great deals - UNTIL TODAY!  

And I think I've figured it out.  People who have quality items to sell post strategically (like Friday afternoons - the day before people are planning to go weekend furniture hunting).  I get it now.

I've pulled together a few of my favourite Craigslist finds.  I'm not necessarily in the market for all of these items, but I think they are great deals and someone better take advantage of at least one of my stellar finds!

This charming hutch is selling for $300 (or best offer).  It looks to be in pretty good condition while offering plenty of storage and shelves to display whatever your heart desires.  

If I were to bring this baby home I would absolutely paint it out a nice, crisp white (maybe leave the natural wood detail like they did).  Ooooo, doesn't this one look beautiful?

However, I'm not sure how I would decide on a backing.  I love the light, robin's egg blue in the hutch above, but I think wall paper would also be stunning.  Honey Sweet Home did a beautiful job restoring her used hutch find.  I love how she picked up the gold detailed wallpaper with gold hardware.  It's so luxe.

This Victoria style couch may not appeal to everyone, but I think it's pretty cool.   And for $400 for the couch and matching chair, I'd say it's a decent deal!

Especially when you can funkify it into something like this awesome love seat by reupholstering it with some colourful, geometric fabric.  I can totally see it working in a kid's playroom or an entryway.  

This $175 vintage dresser had nice lines and great storage.   

It reminds me of John and Sherry's from Young House Love.  I'm not sure if you would be able to remove the stain, but if so you could do a great wood base with white top like they did.  

This one from Design Sponge is pretty awesome too.  I love how they used it as a television console.  

Or you could go all out and paint it a bright and cheerful colour like Erin did at Domestic Adventure for her nursery.  I love yellow in a nursery and her numbered knobs are the cutest thing I've ever seen.  (I should also mention it was her first Craigslist purchase and was only $10 - can't you believe that!?!?)

I found this great looking couch which looks to be in excellent shape for $600 (OBO).  With a few colourful accent pillows you're golden!

Anyone in the market for any (or all) of the above-mentioned furniture?  If not, maybe it has inspired you to look a little further on Craigslist?  

Which one is your favourite?  I can't decide between the hutch and the vintage dresser.  I want both!  

Happy Friday the 13th everyone - I hope you all have lovely weekends!