Cottage by the Sea: A Coastal Love Story

summer room window seat with aqua wicker chairs

I love the window seat and the soft aqua wicker chairs

rust colored chairs in cottage living room

Gorgeous rust-colored chairs that warm the space

turquoise curtains and chandelier

A bright pop of turquoise curtains paired with a striking chandelier

living room summer slipcover

Fresh summer slipcover for an easy seasonal update

This cottage-by-the-sea styling, featured in Better Homes & Gardens, shows how small, thoughtful choices create a relaxed and welcoming summer home. The window seat invites lingering mornings with soft cushions and natural light while the aqua wicker chairs introduce a coastal color without feeling overly themed. Rust-colored seating adds warmth and contrast, grounding the palette and lending a cozy, lived-in feeling.

The dramatic chandelier combined with bright turquoise curtains demonstrates how mixing scale and color can elevate a simple room into something memorable. Bold accents like these bring personality and a sense of joy, while slipcovers provide a practical, seasonal refresh—easy to change and gentle on your furniture.

When decorating for summer, consider these approachable ideas:

  • Layer natural textures such as wicker, linen, and cotton to keep the space airy yet tactile.
  • Introduce one or two bold colors (turquoise, rust) as accents to energize a neutral base.
  • Use slipcovers for a quick, cost-effective transformation that also protects upholstery.
  • Balance statement pieces, like a chandelier or colorful curtains, with simple furnishings so the room feels curated, not cluttered.

These images highlight a relaxed coastal cottage approach that combines practicality with style—soft seating for comfort, warm tones for balance, and bright accents for personality. The result is a welcoming summer room that feels both fresh and timeless.