TRANSFORM A SUMMER RENTAL

So you found the perfect weathered shingle cottage to rent. The outside is charming---climbing roses on the freshly painted wood gate. However, the interior is bare and sad, but for the wide floorboards stained just the right shade of honey. What to do? The answer: throw pillows for the sofa, switch out the table lamps, put fresh cut peonies on the dining table, throw down a rug and change the art over the mantle.

Photo courtesy of All Posters
Fairfield Porter knew just how to capture a summer day--still, serene and idyllic. Get your own from All Posters

Photo Courtesy of Artaissance
Artaissance.com provides endless options to fill your walls, like Kikka Wild Mums#1 Item #: 1121614 by New York Botanical Garden at Artaissance

Surround yourselves with family, silho portraits from Cut Arts add graphic punch a la artist Kara Walker's work. Cut Arts



These prints from The Art Farmer reminds me of what art was like on Nantucket in the 70's block printed fresh, summer motifs hung unfamed are not fussy and look crisp The Art Farmer




Photo Courtesy of Flavor Paper
Children will love the pop art nature of this wild scratch and sniff wallpaper from Flavor Paper. My sticker collection used to be full of them, so this is a nice flashback to the early 80's. Get panels made with firm backing or frame them and hang them. Then at summer's end they can come with you for the playroom at home. Check out the other riot of color papers Flavor Paper


Photo Courtesy of Reflecting Designs
Bright white keeps things crisp, the convex mirror keeps it current. Great, surprisingly lightwight mirrors in a variety of frames from Reflecting Design

Photo Courtesy of Rugs Underfoot
Cotton rugs, like this Rugby Stripe Cotton Rug, can be thrown in the washings machine and look great. You won't mind sitting on this to play a heated Scrabble game. From Rugs Underfoot


Photo Courtesy of Curran Online
Easy to clean and nice to walk on, this Bolon Woven Vinyl rug from Curran Online is easy to bring home at summer's end



Cotton throw pillows with sealife bring some zest to the sofa. Shown here and below is a selection from Dermond Peterson

The detail they capture in the block printing is amazing

Don't get in a tangle with this guy! He looks pretty real...


Blue and white, one of the best loved color combinations, is a surefire way to bring summer inside. Also from DP


If natural curiousities are not for you, embroidery is another option. Ankasa, a company leading the way in fashion forward color palettes and appliques, takes Palm Beach brights and Lilly-like details to dress up your bed or bridgewater chair. Go to their site to see their incredible collection at Ankasa or, stop by their NEW store that just opened in New York City at 135 East 65th Street and get ready to be amazed. There will be more on this shop soon.



And finally, silk pillows from Thomas Paul. His patterns capture trends in the market, Ethnic global and stylized floral influences done right. Buy these from Pillows and Throws



Designer Eric Cohler did a stunning collection of lighting with Visual Comfort. This lamp will work with a sisal rug and is a nice addition to a home by the water. Available through Circa Lighting, where there is no shortage of chic offerings Circa Lighting

This lamp has strong geometric lines and the black finish keeps it visually interesting. Also from Orbit through Lighting Universe


Inspired by the simple lines of a Giacommeti, this lamp would work bedside or chairside. Also from Orbit.


Always a safe bet, the gourd lamp! With a good price and wide color choices this is the gourd to get. Find it at Gracious Home

The Silver Bamboo lamps from Jayson Home are a sleek and sophisticated option.

Long and lean, this lamp brings height to a sofa table available through Jayson Home