Beach days and design dreams

Lanaby Lana
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In Decorating How-To, Explore NC

I know I’m not alone in this — there’s just something about the beach that resets my mind and stirs my creativity like nothing else. I’ve heard that the negative ions in the salty air have a calming effect. I know the vitamin D from the sunshine boosts serotonin. But for me, the real magic is in the scenery: the endless horizon, the watery colors, even the quiet movement of boats drifting to and fro. I love it all.

THE PLAN – At the beginning of each year, we make it a priority to book all our weekend trips to various drivable beach towns. These getaways usually include an overnight stay at a waterfront hotel, plenty of beach time, and interesting local food. In a visual field like interior design, the investment in boosting creativity definitely pays off!

Fortunately, living just outside of Raleigh means we’re within a 2 to 3-hour drive of many charming beach towns. This year we kicked off summer at Wrightsville Beach. Here we are at the end of the pier after lunch at the Oceanic Restaurant.

THE WHY OF IT ALL – Why such an investment in the beach? Maybe it’s the way time slows down — how a walk on the sand clears the clutter in my thoughts and helps me see beauty in simplicity. Or maybe it’s the color palette: soft, weathered driftwood, sea-glass greens, creamy sands, and that endless stretch of blue sky meeting the water. Whatever it is, I always come back from a beach trip feeling refreshed and full of ideas.

On our recent trip to Ocracoke we spent the day on a natural, uncrowded beach.
On that same trip, we drove up the Outer Banks and had lunch at Miller’s Restaurant in Nags Head. The upper deck had 180 degree views of the waterways around Manteo.

THE RESULTS – I’m sharing this not just because I love the beach (though I truly do!), but because I want to encourage you to find your own creative escape. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just an afternoon in nature, giving yourself space to soak in beauty is a true gift — and it can absolutely shift how you feel in your home.

What if you could bring the mood-boosting energy of your travels into your everyday space? Could it lead to a meaningful increase in your sense of well-being? I believe it could — in fact, I’ve built my business around this very idea!

Above and below: These lovely clients also make regular trips to the beach in their camper and wanted to capture that feeling at home. See the whole project here.
Rustic sea-life inspired accessories bring beach vibes to echo the handmade pale jade vases running down this client’s new dining table. Rattan and cane dining chairs offer a third nod to the seashore. See the whole project here.
The coastal vibe continues in the dining room and foyer. See the whole project here.
This client’s new living room has a charcoal palette that is enlivened with coastal accessories. See the whole project here.

If your space could use a little of that breezy, soul-soothing energy, I’d love to help you bring it home. Let’s create something that feels as good as a day at the beach.

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