While our business mostly deals in shells and accessories – we do get lots of questions about how the things we sell fit into certain coastal design concepts. And one thing we notice that our customers get confused about regularly – is the difference between certain beach design themes – most notably coastal design style and Hamptons design style.

That being said, it’s pretty easy to do. The two styles share a lot in common. But when it comes to the details and overall feel – the two are worlds apart. Today, we’re going to spell out that difference for you so you know the difference! Let’s jump right in.

Florals and botanicals

Florals and botanicals is the one area of design where you’ll notice the most distinct difference between the two design styles. In a Hampton home, lilies and white roses are almost always part of the package – both inside and outside. Coastal homes are marked with more lush plants like snake plants, palms and succulents. As we progress, you’ll see that Hamptons Design relies on more traditional colors, smoother tones and a more traditional, wealthy and dignified look. Beach themes are more Earthy, natural, casual and laid back. The floral patterns and botanicals, well – they fit that description for both.

Accent colors

Neutrals are almost always the basis for both Hamptons and Coastal style homes. The difference comes from the accents, highlights and colors that pop. Coastal designs like both the laid back and lively aspects of beachfront living. Colors like yellow, coral and turquoise are a staple in this design family. Hamptons, go for more of a stately approach – with darker tones like Navy and stone featured prominently.

Textures

When it comes to coastal homes –think rough, rugged, but also laid back. Things like shells, driftwood and natural elements are almost always the focus of the feel of these homes. Think of laid back, as-it-is beach front living. Hamptons designs are more of the high life on the beach. Here, you’ll see things like dark, polished and smooth finishes like walnut and rosewood. Even when it comes to accessories, you’ll notice things like polished shells and stones and a more ‘put together’ ambiance.

Patterns

By now, you’re probably noticing a theme – of formal vs. casual and as you’ve probably guessed – that holds true here, too. In coastal-designed homes – expect more casual. In coastal homes it doesn’t matter if you swap out a scatter cushion for a bright colored accent cushion and some trendy prints. On the other hand – traditional patterns are more the norm in Hamptons style homes – patterns like paisleys, geometrics and brocade. One tells you to unbutton your collar and sink deep into your sofa. The other tells you to get ready for a snazzy, beach front social hour. Either way – you can’t go wrong!

Hopefully you’ve got an idea of what the differences between the two styles are. And don’t come to us looking for a preference – as we think both look incredible! Whichever route you choose, we can help you find accessories that help take your design to the next level. Give us a call today and we’re happy to talk. Good luck!

Simply put – a home is not a home without some art! That being said, people do tend to get a bit nervy when it comes to both designing, identifying and decorating with it.

We’re here today to tell you that you don’t need to be a museum curator to incorporate fantastic looking artwork into your home’s decor and we figured that today we’d pass along some advice for turning your coastal home into a gorgeous display of art and using it as a foundation for your interior design. Let’s jump right in!

Inspiration

Art is at its best when it serves as inspiration. There’s no shame in matching the color palette of your room to your favorite piece. In other cases, you don’t need to use the colors of the piece at all. Sometimes, it’s just the tone of the piece that helps set the stage for the room. Whatever it is, roll with what the piece gives you and design with how the art makes you feel- not just by what it looks like.

Creating focal points

Art is a great way to create focal points in a room. Every room has some sort of visual anchor in it and those visual anchors can bring up the look and feel of any space. For example – a dynamic, attention-grabbing abstract painting can turn up the temperature on any white wall.

Galley spaces

We’re big fans of creating your own art gallery in your home – specifically in spaces that are pass-throughs and walkways. It could be as simple as a row of paintings by an artist you collect, perhaps some cool thrift store finds or even better – a wall of photographs of you and your family. Whatever it is – keep the gallery style tight and for maximum impact and keep the style uniform.

Using it as an accessory

While it works great as an accessory – art doesn’t have to be a focal point or put on display like it’s in a museum. Sometimes art works as a simple compliment to everything else happening in a given space. Leaning a few paintings on the floor or placing them on a shelf can help bring everything together – particularly when you’re looking to balance up empty space.

Whether it’s adding a unique shell lamp or a modern art masterpiece – hopefully these tips will help inspire you as to how you can use art in your home’s design. Good luck!

We talk about all things coastal on our blog- but the one topic we like to return to a lot is coastal design. Our business is clearly seashells and how they play a part in creating that coastal experience; but our real passion is the beach and that feeling of being away from all the things that distract us from what’s important.

Every year we like to return to the topic of coastal design and some trends and tips to help your home keep, maintain and really feel like a place that is a place where you can escape to. Where work and the unnecessary complexities of life are left behind.

Here are some cool tips we figured we’d share with you; tips that we think could help take your coastal design to the next level in 2020. Let’s jump right in!

Simplify the outdoors

If you’ve got that killer ocean view, you don’t really need to use a heavy decorating hand. Some chairs, tile and some chic tiles should be all you need to create an amazing outdoor experience.

If you don’t have the ocean view – the rule stands. Coastal living is all about simplicity and escape – not the complexities that hound us at work and our day-to-day lives. Keep it chi. Keep it simple!

Don’t be afraid of white walls

Much of today’s design trends feature interesting patterns and colors. Bright white walls are often the key to offering a breezy, more cohesive look for your coastal space. In homes without a lot of sunlight – white walls can come off as cold and stoic – but in coastal situations where there’s plenty of light – the shade can really make the rest of your space shine.

Encourage escapism

Like we said above – coastal living is about simplicity and escape and any opportunity you have to create those small spaces should be taken advantage of. Creating small spaces like reading nooks, hammocks and other places where a person can enjoy solitude only adds to the ambiance and creates a feeling of a place away from all the other places.

Keep it casual

Skip the chandeliers, the ornate rugs and the complex patterns. Coastal living is about coming as you are and relaxing – not blowing people away with wealth, complex decorations and the like. No matter what you decide to do, keep it simple!

There’s not better feeling than being able to make something that you’ve discovered uniquely yours. It’s just that sometimes – we all need a little inspiration! Today, we’re going to discuss some of the ways your can take seashells from your collection and turn them into unique, exciting pieces that provide you with the perfect coastal accessory for your home.

Let’s jump right in!

Desk Accessories

For larger shells like conchs and sea biscuits – you can use them as the perfect desktop accent. They’re practical, too – as they can be used as paperweights, containers and in certain situations – a place where you can store change, nick knacks and the like.

Frames

There’s no better way to capture your memories at the beach than with a seashell-decorated photo frame. Not only are these easy to execute, but you can also get creative! Your frame doesn’t just have to be a flat surface. Try to make them go 3-d with a class, a photo along the inside panel and some seashells to hold it up. Talk about making a simple snapshot special!

Useful dishes

Large shells turned upside down can provide you with a whole swath of interesting uses. Some like to use them as a bowl for jewelry, but if you want to be even more practical – they make a great splash bowl for your entrance way – a place to put keys, wallets, change and other hitchhikers from your travels outside of your home. They can take an otherwise hum-drum space and really help it pop!

The perfect shelve shell

Any room can have a coastal twist added to it – particularly if you have bookshelves. Seashells are perfect to put on top of book stacks, serve as book ends at the end of them or just act as stand-alone accents and decorations.

Hopefully these ideas will give you a little inspiration! With the beach season officially winding down, this’ll give you some things to work on, some items to create and some new ways to get inspired for when beach season rolls around again! Only a few more months!

Most people associate the beach with the summer but let us tell you – it’s a pretty fantastic place to be in the fall, too. In fact, spending time at the beach in the fall is – in a few ways – way better than spending time there in the summer depending on what your preferences are.

Especially when you visit some of the local communities that play home to our favorite places to relax – it’s amazing how they suddenly transform once everyone goes home and in many ways – they become a more organic, authentic – but altogether enjoyable experience. But whether your source of enjoyment is the beach itself or the communities they reside in – there’s still plenty to be excited about in the fall.

Here are a few reasons why you should hit up the beach this fall.

No traffic

Everyone loves the beach. Everyone hates the traffic. While the time spent in the car almost always seems worth it, imagine there was a way for you to make it worth it without having to wait. That’s basically the beach in the fall. There’s no getting stuck on a bridge on a boiling day. There’s no stress or meltdown Clark Griswold moments. There’s no ‘are we there yets.’ Just enjoyment.

Cool being cooler

Summer’s a great time if you want to load up on Vitamin D, but the cooler fall temperatures make spending time at the beach a little more enjoyable. The fall is a wonderful time to take a stroll or explore areas of the beach you might have otherwise ignored in the summer. And just by virtue of the time of year, there all sorts of things that wash up on the beach. And oh yeah – speaking of that…

Shelling!
You had to know this one was coming! Thanks to a lot of the storms you see in late August/early September, you’ll see a whole swath of treasures get churned out and washed up on the beach. It’s the perfect time of year to go out and go grab some killer shells! Be sure to bring a bucket or a bag because if you’re looking for volume – you’re sure to find it.

Empty beaches

Going to the beach in the fall makes it way easier to spread out along the shore – which is great. Overall, it makes for a more intimate experience. We go to the beach to find relaxation and it makes things that much more easy when you can recharge in solitude.

Save your money

While we’d like to suggest otherwise – a trip to the beach can get expensive if you’re not being careful. Some destinations might not even be financially realistic for you in the summer. In the fall however – prices drop substantially to the point where you can find some incredible deals, all inclusive packages and the like. Do some shopping and save some money.

While it might be a little cooler out, heading out to the beach in the fall is worth it – financially, aesthetically and in terms of your mental health. The beach in the fall is truly its own unique experience in and of itself.

Every year we like to take some time to do a quick rundown of all the best places in the country to go shelling. Every year, things get changed up a bit, but this year we’re excited to bring to you the crème de la crème of places you can go to find incredible shells.

Are you looking to get out there this year and find some shells for your next project? Look no further than these places! Let’s jump right in!

Fort Myers, FL

In our opinion, the best shelling beach in the US is Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding islands. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise to most shell heads – as this WAS the place who came up with National Seashell Day, after all! But in all seriousness there aren’t a lot of ‘best places to go’ that live up to the hype, but this one is for real, folks. And it’s not JUST the shells themselves, it’s how seriously the whole place takes shelling as an actual thing. There’s Sanibel Island, Captiva, Cayo Casta and oh – if you’re staying on Sanibel, there’s even the National Shell Museum. We swear to god, that’s real.

Ocracoke Island, NC

So what’s cool about this place is that it’s not only the shells, but it’s the entire experience of going here that makes it worth it. The island is only accessible by boat and separated by three inlets and a bunch of barrier islands. And quite literally ALL of them are good for shelling and for whatever reason, they’re ALL magnets for different kinds of shells. In terms of sheer variety and a feeling like you’re on an adventure, it’s hard to top Ocracoke Island.

Cumberland Island, GA

If you want to find a beach that looks practically untouched and is almost totally pristine, then it’s Cumberland Island, GA. It limits its visitors to no more than 300 a day and it’s status as a Barrier Island might make it the most pure shelling experience in the US. It’s low traffic, so you’ll be able to not only find the shells you’re hoping for, but you’ll also get to experience as natural and authentic an experience as you’ll have anywhere.

Shipwreck Beach, HI

Finally, the Pacific Ocean gets some love, and this one is can’t miss. Shipwreck Beach is only accessible by foot our four wheel drive vehicles and covers an 8 mile span of coastline unspoiled Lanai. Some of the most unique shells in the world are found here. That being said – BE CAREFUL. This isn’t a swimming beach with good reason. The tides are incredibly strong and the trade winds there are no joke. It is beautiful though and on a clear day – you can see Molokai.

Stinson Beach, CA

You didn’t really think we’d have a list without some place from California on it, did you? For our money, Stinson Beach is the #1 place to shell on the west coast and should be on the ‘must see’ bucket list of any shell head. It’s about 30 minutes north of San Francisco and is included in the Golden Gate Recreation area, making it easy to access. The north end of the beach is where all the shells are, particularly at low tide. You’ll see plenty of sand dollars and you’ll almost 100% see a Seal at some point. The south end of the beach is nothing to sneeze at too – but expect to see even more wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the odd star fish.

So there you have it – our list of the five best shelling beaches in the US this year. We hope you enjoyed!

We’re in the middle of peak vacation time and as such, we’re sure that you’re probably getting ready for your big beach vacation! Trips to the beach can be a ton of fun. After all, the memories we can create with the people who matter most can last a lifetime.

However, if you’re not totally prepared, that beach vacation will be, well… no day at the beach. Luckily, we’ve put together a few beach vacation hacks to help you better manage your time and do what’s most important: enjoying your vacation.

Let’s jump right in!

Tip #1: Keep a dust broom in the car

Look, we all like the sand, but sand has its place in the world – and that’s on a beach, not in your car. Buy a soft bristle dust broom and keep it in your car. You’ll be able to brush off feet, clothes and footwear before you climb into your vehicle. Trust us – this prevents a pretty big, ongoing mess from forming.

Tip #2: Invest in a sand-free beach bag

We 100% recommend you make the investment and get yourself a sand-free (mesh) bag for the beach. Just like with the dust broom – you’ll have important things you’ll want to bring with you – and you won’t want to have sand serving as a hitchhiker along the way. Mesh bags allow you to simply give them a shake and be sand-free.

Tip #3 Sit near the lifeguard

This is a great safety tip that can take a lot of the anxiety out of your day at the beach – for both you and your kids. Sitting near the lifeguard does two things: 1.) It keeps your kids within the primary line of sight of the lifeguard. God forbid anything happens – it’ll happen directly in front of the lifeguard. They’ll have a clear line of sight and path if the worst happens. 2.) For your kids, it gives your kids a market to figure out where you are. Kids get distracted and lost on the beach frequently. This way, they’ll have a market to identify where you are, making it far easier for them to find you.

Tip #4 Plan for hungry kids

When you’re at the beach the sun will be out, it’ll be hot and your kids will be using a ton of energy. Make sure you have a full cooler packed with drinks, juice – and yes, even food. We absolutely recommend healthy foods – cheese sticks, apples, oranges and grapes. IN addition, be sure to pack a little extra. Children are social beasts and will likely make some friends while they’re at the beach, so pack some food for them, too.

Tip #5 Plan your exit

If you want to save yourself dramatics when you leave, then we totally recommend keeping your kids’ expectations in line with your schedule. Tell them when you’re planning on leaving and give them updates. That way when 5pm comes, no one’s sitting there shattered in tears that they’re leaving the beach or worse yet – throwing that always fun end-of-day temper tantrum. Give them a 15 minute warning and begin picking up some of their belongings. You should be done in time to give them 10 minutes to romp around while you’re all set to go. Then once it’s time, everyone’s tired and ready to go home – fulfilled by a great day at the beach.

Hopefully these tips will help make your next trip to the beach a little more enjoyable. Have fun, wear your sunscreen, go shelling and good luck!

While we’d love to tell you that shelling was some sort of exact science, it just isn’t. Most of the time, it’s just about being in the right place, on the right beach at the right time. Some would call it ‘getting lucky.’

That being said – good shellers have processes and know how to – shall we say – increase their luck – when they go out. More often than not, shelling is simply a matter of practice and process producing good results cumulatively over an extended period of time.

Here are some tips some of the pros would give you so that you can find the best, coolest, most desirable shells. Let’s jump right in!

Tip-1: Go early in the morning

Low tide is the best time to go shelling – and low tide occurs in the morning. Like we said – finding good shells is a matter of being in the right place at the right time and the best time is almost always when the tide is out.

The other benefit is that you’ll be beating most of the crowds – so the competition for the good shells won’t be quite as significant. And oh yeah – not having the sun beat down on you while you shell is pretty convenient, too!
Tip-2: Take your time

An old adage in shelling is that you don’t find the good shells, good shells instead will find you. People often rush from beach to beach instead of just taking their time in one, specific place. Take your time sifting through that pile of shells. Comb that same 20 or so yards. Taking your time and paying a little more attention to the details is better than a speed run.

Tip-3: Go where others don’t

We’re not going to tell you to scale a dangerous cliff or anything, but we WILL say this is just like a business or a baseball game. In baseball you hit ‘em where they ain’t. Same in shelling. If you know one place is getting abused by mass waves of shellers, go somewhere where they’re not. When the shells zig, you zag. If you’re on a beach with lots of other humans, climb over the jetty and go comb where they’re not combing.

Tip-4: Go where it’s wet

You’re going to find the best shells in or below the wrack line on a beach. For those of you who are beach gringos – the wrack line is the wet area where the tide was the night before. Usually, it’s the wet area in the sand with all the debris in it. That’s where you want to be. You’ll find shells in the dry sand, too – but they’re usually pretty beat up – or they’re in an area where the good ones have all been picked out. Stay where it’s wet!

Like we said – shelling is an awesome hobby and an even better one-off beach vacation activity. Either way, the best things in life are always most enjoyable when you’re sharing them with the people who matter the most. Spend time with your kids and your family and make it a team activity. Have fun shelling and good luck this summer!

Going to the beach doesn’t and shouldn’t have to cost you a small fortune. You don’t need an all-inclusive, you don’t need to get on a plane and you don’t have to worry about draining your savings account to have your fun in the sun.

Today, we’ve put together some tips for you as to how you can plan an awesome beach vacation without breaking the bank. Simply put – here’s how to do the beach on a budget! Let’s jump right in!

Plan now

The most important thing is to add up what the vacation will cost you. Transportation, rental fees, gas, public transportation, shopping, food, entrance fees – add it all up. Once you’ve got a handle on what you’ll need to have an ‘ideal’ vacation, you’ll be able to start trimming back to what you truly need in order to enjoy yourself.

Avoid peak times

Major holidays and weekends are honestly a pretty terrible time to go to the beach. Yes, the weather is going to be a lot better, but the crowds will be bigger and the prices will be A LOT more expensive. If possible, consider a weekday getaway or at the beginning or towards the end of the season. You’ll save a ton just avoiding the masses and oh yeah – you’ll avoid the masses! That’s more of the beach to enjoy for yourself!

Air BNB is your friend

With all the options out there today – there is almost no reason to light a few hundred dollars on fire by staying at a hotel. You can rent beach homes – or any place that you need, really – on Air BMB or VRBO. Look for places near the activites you want to participate in. Trust us, you’ll spend about half (or less) of the money you normall would at a hotel.

Go off the beaten path

While the hot spots are fun, we’re big advocates of traveling off the beaten path. Not only will it save you money and help you avoid crowds, but you’ll also get the chance to have a much more authentic experience. While vacation is great for relaxation, you’re also traveling – and traveling should be an opportunity to experience some new things and create memories.

Find what’s free

Snorkeling, surfing, discount lessons and activities – they’re everywhere in even the most bustling beach towns. Bring your own beach toys and pack and go to places where picnics are permitted. Not everything needs to cost you an arm and a leg!

Beating the heat and enjoying the beach doesn’t have to be expensive. We hope these tips will help you plan out a more enjoyable and fun family experience this summer! Good luck!

In April and early May, we’re at peak rain season and for some of our most avid beach-goers, that can really dampen the mood if you know what we mean! But guess what? It shouldn’t. Even on rainy days, there’s a lot that can be done at the beach and there’s lots of fun to be had.

Here are some things you can do when the weather won’t cooperate and make the best of a less than ideal situation. Let’s jump right in!

Shelling!

Our bread and butter is shells – whether that’s making things out them, selling things made out of them or helping you find things involving them – we’re all about shells all the time. So take it from us when we tell you that the absolute best time to go shelling is right now when it’s raining. The sea gets churning and you never know what you’ll find of the beach. Some of our best finds are in this same sort of situation – so long as it isn’t lightning out – throw on a poncho, grab a bucket and go at it!

Take a walk

Folks, this is the beach we’re talking about. You’re going to get wet anyway – so take a walk and take in a new experience! No one is going to be there, so you’ll enjoy the solitude for one – and two – there isn’t anything quite like listening to the rain and the waves all at the same time. Pack a warm drink in a thermos and take a stroll!

Spread your wings a bit

The beach doesn’t have to be the only thing you spend your time doing. In almost every coastal town there are plenty of businesses, shops, restaurants and other activities dotted all along the shoreline and what better time to visit them than now? From old arcades, to boutique shops to a simple bar with the game on – there’s always something to do!

Family time

While most of your beach-side forays are likely to include time with loved ones, sometimes there’s just something to be said for curling up on the coach and watching a movie, playing board games or choosing an activity as a family. One of the deepest connections your family will have with each other are the memories they create and its times like these they’ll remember.

So if you’re on vacation and the weather won’t cooperate – don’t worry! You’ll be fine. Coastal living isn’t just what you do – it’s a state of mind. And taking it easy and going with the flow can help you get the most out of your vacation. Good luck!