MARK CUTLER STYLE GUIDE: The Perfect Beach Cottage

Well summer is almost over, but there are a few good weekends left. I am off to Montana for a well-deserved break, but my heart will be at the beach. An old friend of mine is toying with buying a home in the Hamptons, so I am preparing for what promises to be a great project. As part of my research, I came across this image of a cottage I did at the beach in California a few years ago, and it captures a lot of the elements that I think are great about beach living. What I love about this room is the easy, casual style it has. Simple decorative gestures and an eclectic mix of furniture are enough to create the style I am looking for.

My first idea was to go with a strong pastel palette, so the walls are actually a fresh periwinkle. Then I accented it with the bright, happy watermelon. I didn't want to do the standard blue and white beach thing; instead, I wanted to use the color of the coral reef as my inspiration. Using a few marine-inspired accessories gives it a beachy feel, and every time I see that oversized seahorse, I can't help but smile. In this sort of design, you are trying to create the most style for the least amount of money, so often times you might come across a well-priced object that by itself is not enough, but in a group is perfect. That was the case with the mirrors that I used to spread the light around the room. Hung like this, they almost become like another set of windows.

Instead of an overly decorative rug, I used a straightforward sisal one. I love that extra texture that it brings to the room, and it's not so expensive that you have to be concerned.

So that is the beach room that I have done in the past. Hopefully this time next year I can be sharing my images of the Hamptons house.

Mark Cutler
Interior Designer,
MarkCutlerDesign.com