Monday, March 28, 2011

Beach house chic

Who wouldn't love a cozy beach house right by the sea or a charming lake house with views to rival the setting from "On Golden Pond". I know I fantasize about one day buying a small place by the ocean and know exactly how I want it to be decorated. It would first have to be welcoming, inviting and calming...after all its a getaway and the whole idea is about entering a new space, a true oasis away from the rat race. It would have a soft and light palette, with pops of color in some rooms but overall a soothing and light neutral feeling is what I envision.
 It would have to have a killer kitchen, not a huge one but one big enough for clambakes and preparing dozens of bbqs and hosting smores parties,etc.....you get the picture. And then the views...ah, the views, very important. It just has to have that "welcome home" feel that I think is the hallmark of a successful interior/home. So what about you? If you had or if you have a beach/lake house.....what makes it so wonderful? What would you do to it? Here are some inspirational beach/lake house interiors...that made me wish for one sooner than later. Do you have a favorite?


This is where I would host my elegant beach house dinner parties, R.Stern
Gorgeous coastal bathroom...neutrals always work, M Elle
This would fast become my reading nook!
Does a  beach house entrance get better than this? I don't think so.....
This is the perfect vibe for a beach house master bedroom.....stunning! Taylor Hannah
My  this bedroom would be my oasis.....love the window bench! Robert Stern
This could easily become a favorite spot to relax, Kendall Wilkinson
Afternoon cocktails would be served oceanside....love this spot! Robert Stern 
Perfect seaside bathroom....love those mirrors...M Elle
The soft blues against the whites are always a winning combination by the shore, Coastal Living
Love this beachside kitchen by Victoria Hagan
Beautiful Seaside, Fla home, Robert Stern....superb architecture
Pretty white slipcovered furniture always looks great in a coastal home, Coastal Living
Kendall Wilkinson went with stronger colors for this elegant high in the sky lakefront home
This would be the ultimate living room for my beach house, Tracery Interiors
Another view...the colors are so soothing
Elegant beach house dining room as interpreted by Victoria Hagan, love it!
Love the kitchen, casual without sacrificing elegance
Beautiful oversized white hutch to house all my extra dishes for my clambakes!
This is fun....love big open room to take full advantage of the views, Elle Decor
The soft neutral colors here are just perfect for a beachside home, Tracery Interiors
The bathroom does not disappoint either....so classic, Tracery
Even in smaller homes, done right..they are just as inviting. Coastal Living
Sweet coastal guest room, waiting for your visit, Victoria Hagan
Gorgeous master bedroom in soft muted colors with breathtaking view, Victoria Hagan
Perfect guest room.....awaiting your visit! Tracery Interiors
Soft colors are perfect for a coastal bedroom, 
Love the soft linens here, so bright and airy..you can almost feel the ocean breeze
Love weathered shingles and white trim for a coastal home
The nautical look always works
Cozy reading nooks are a must!
Love blue and white with the wicker and warm tones of wood.....
Neutrals work well because they allow the focus to remain on the views, Arch Digest
This would be my magazine reading, wine sipping nook
More neutrals...love the little starfish pillows, Arch Digest
Yep the living room from Somethings Gotta give, the quintessential beach house living room!
I like blues for a coastal home, so soothing
Love this room, neutral, calm and elegant
Such a great color/vibe for a seaside bathroom....this is KathySue's bathroom from Good life of design
Love banquette seating for a coastal home..to house all those informal get togethers but looks so chic and put together at the same time....
What is it about bunk bedding like this that is so inviting? Love it and its so practical for a coastal/vacation house since you know you will always have guests! Coastal Living
A perfect place to infuse some fun coral color.... a coastal bedroom! Coastal Living

So are you ready? Does this excite you as much as it does me? Would love to know and of course if you have a favorite! Hope you have an enchanting day!

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64 comments:

  1. Melissa @ Veranda InteriorsMarch 28, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    YES!!! We are counting down the days till we can head to our cabin for some heat & humidity, so long Great White North, LOL!

    I'll take any room my Tracery, any room at all. Love their work.

    Enjoy your Monday!

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  2. AnnMarch 28, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Yay for gorgeousness...
    love those rooms and spaces...
    so lovely and relaxing ♥

    Gotta start saving for a beach house someday ♥

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  3. Alex {Things That Sparkle}March 28, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    I love every single image here. You always have the most amazing collection of images! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous

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  4. MaryanneMarch 28, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I love your blog! Beautiful...am going to look through your other posts. This post is so pretty- we own a very small lake house and my goal is to redo it this summer. I got a lot of great ideas and inspriations from the pictures above...so many pretty ones! Hope you get your beach house too.

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  5. black tag diariesMarch 28, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    love, love, love. now i just need to go to the beach... so many beautiful spaces!!

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  6. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I dream of owning a beach home! And, I love all of the photos above. I'd basically just put all of these in my inspiration file! Soothing colors, big, open kitchen and lots of windows, looking out onto the ocean. Dream big, right?!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  7. Mary Ann PickettMarch 28, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Robert Stern is amazing! And slipcovers are so practical.

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  8. Anne-Marie @ 10 RoomsMarch 28, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    One of my life goals... that screened in porch (pic 3) is perfection. Just the spot for morning tea, lazy book-filled afternoons, evening card games.. ahhh...

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  9. The Preppy PrincessMarch 28, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    This *so* makes me wish I was beachside this very moment, with my toes covered in sand and face covered by a floppy hat!

    That Kendall Wilkinson room has to be my favorite, it has the perfect ambience. I also like the Coastal Living rooms, very comfy and still chic.

    Thank you for a nice start to the week!
    tp

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  10. Mona ThompsonMarch 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    I'm ready for the beach. I'll go for any one of these lovelies. The Tracery Interiors home is my favorite though. This was a great way to start my day. I'm definitely inspired. Thanks.

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  11. Acquired ObjectsMarch 28, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Same as you that livving room by Tracery interiors would have to be my favorite. Elle decor did a spread on Meg Ryan's Nantucket beach house that is to die for as well.

    http://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-homes/articles/inside-meg-ryan-beach-house

    I love the mix of antiques, industrial with the beach, it's elegant simplicity!

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  12. Brandon @ SouthgateMarch 28, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Well after seeing these, I need to get Tracery to work on my house STAT! Love their style!

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  13. Luciane at HomeBunch.comMarch 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Hello Tina,

    I want to thank you so much for your comment. Thank you so much for your support. You have no idea how happy I am!!! It's really exciting, isn't it? Wow! :-)

    I loved your post today. I live by the sea (river front, but only one block form the bay) and this is the kind of post that makes me feel "at home". Great images, Tina.

    I hope you can find your dream beach home someday.

    Have a wonderful week!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  14. AnonymousMarch 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I think beach houses ought to incorporate blue in them. It works well. In your photos above, I love the simpler ones that are white with blue as an accent. I also adore the living room from "Something's Gotta Give." One of my all time favorites. A lot of panache without being fussy.

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  15. AnonymousMarch 28, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Oh, and the bath with the black and white floor and those fabulous mirrors rocks my world!

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  16. JeanetteMarch 28, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    I especially love the Robert Stern home, the relaxing look of the bedroom, the small balconies on the side of the home and the veranda's The roof architecture and columns of the veranda coming from the bedroom above is wonderful.
    You were so right about the SedaFrance candles, found them at the gift mart, they smell fantastic!

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  17. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassMarch 28, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Love Robert Stern's work. I am familiar with his homes. I love the outside room here!
    Victoria Hagan turns everything into a beautiful home.
    So much eye candy here, Tina.
    Have a great day.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  18. Barbara@HausDesignMarch 28, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    This was a really amazing post. I am going to have to go over it a few more times and save some favorites for future reference! I already had a few but you have helped me to add many more - wonderful post!!!

    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  19. Naomi@DesignManifestMarch 28, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Love that Taylor Hanna bedroom. The light fixture... wow!

    What a perfect escape :)

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  20. annechovieMarch 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    What beautiful, beachy spaces! Have a great week! xx

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  21. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Gorgeous. I'm ready for a vacation! Actually a vacation home! Love Victoria Hagan's work. Beautiful images.

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  22. Vær våkenMarch 28, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I love that first image!!! I would love to invite friends for dinner there :)

    xoxo

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  23. Vær våkenMarch 28, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    And I'm so glad I made you dream a little...Have a lovely day!!!

    xoxoxo

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  24. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    I love the fact that you're planning you beach home before you're finished with your current project. I swear we are soul-mates!

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  25. Dining Room Furniture FanMarch 28, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    How could you not fall in love with this beach home. Everything is stunning!

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  26. pve designMarch 28, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I'd be happy to follow you around sweeping sand, picking up wet towels, just to have a view of the water to paint by!
    Makes me yearn for summer.
    pve

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  27. La DolfinaMarch 28, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Oh, you are so speaking my language here!
    I love all these images you've gathered up :)
    I see you've included one of my good friend Kathy Sue's Bathroom!
    Thank you for your input on the Mid Century chair debate. I do think you and several others are right and I so appreciate your input. It's amazing how much it helps sort things out in your mind.
    A wonderful highlight of blogging and blogging buddies like you!
    I'm also adding you to my sidebar as well.

    Thanks again!!

    XO

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  28. KathysueMarch 28, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Oh to live in any of these images would be a dream come true. I have always wanted to live by the ocean and I love the soft blues and greens with crisp whites. I am going to go and look at the images again. Terri from La Dolfina told me you had an image of my bathroom sink. Thank you for including me in this fab line-up,I feel so honored!!! My bathroom is the one with the vessel sink and mosaic tile. If you come to my blog you can see it on my sidebar. Now if I could only have the other rooms to go with it!! Happy Monday,Kathysue

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  29. Karen March 28, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Good thing that you can't get cavities from eye candy or I'd be making a beeline to the dentist. I'm in love with the rooms with white slipcovered furniture.

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  30. Party ResourcesMarch 28, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    I love coastal spots and these are stunning! Happy Monday! xx

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  31. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Tina,

    Beach houses are romantic and will forever lure our hearts to the seaside where we cast our cares into the ocean and delight in messages from the seashells collected in daily adventures. Wine, great food, family, friends and lots of great memories. Summer will be here sooner than we realize.

    Bette

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  32. Carrie @ Hazardous DesignMarch 28, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Hi! I found you via your comment at Strictly Simple Style and thought I'd say Hello. Beautiful blog. Looking forward to following along :)

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  33. PamelaMarch 28, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    How dreamy are these inspiration pics!

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  34. Divine TheatreMarch 28, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Every time you post photos I upload at least two to my "idea file"!

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  35. Amber B (Simple Dwellings)March 28, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Gorgeous post! The spaces are amazing- what beautiful, restful retreats! :)

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  36. Susan @ Real Girl DesignsMarch 28, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I would love to have a beach house, and I love “coastal themed” decorating. Although I live in north Texas, the subdivision I live in are nicknamed “the Cape Cods”, because the houses all have a cape cod feel to them; they are done in pastel tones, and they are more cottage style than the brick homes in the surrounding subdivisions. I have decorated my home in blues and whites to go with the coastal theme.

    My in-laws live year round in a resort community on Lake Michigan – the houses there run from weekend shacks to million dollar+ homes; some of them are year round residences, but many of them are weekend homes for people who have their permanent home in Chicago.

    When we first moved back to the US from living in Australia, we lived at my mother-in-law’s place for a few months, and there was nothing more relaxing than listening to the waves on the shore to put you to sleep at night.

    I don’t know if I’ll ever get to live on the shore, but if I had a choice, I would love to live in Seaside, Florida.

    I love all the images you have shared – it is definitely hard to pick a favorite, but I love that living room from “Something’s Gotta Give”.

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  37. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    I'm blown away by these stunning beach houses. So many amazing photos it's even difficult to just pick some fav. Lovely post that makes me dreamy :)

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  38. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    Oh my God, I just found your blog.

    I'm speechless... so inspired... amazing, amazing photos.

    I literally want to right click and save every single one.

    What a wonderful blog, now following.


    ♥
    www.blithelyunaware.com

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  39. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Another Queen of the long blog post! Thank you for popping by.

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  40. The Buzz BlogMarch 29, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    You had me dreaming of summer days at the Cape! Some of these images remind me of a house we stayed in on Mustique - a simply heavenly place with views of the ocean from all windows. Thanks for taking me away for just moment today!
    xxoo

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  41. anitaMarch 29, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Ahhhhh....the beach. Any beach will do.
    I love the calm whites and creams mixed in with blue.
    You're right -- the perfect entrance to a beach house should look through right to the water! Gorgeous.

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  42. UnknownMarch 29, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    What an incredible round up of beach side beauties...some of these are my all time faves! And, those views...omg, those views!

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  43. Amy Vermillion @ Martineau Vermillion Interior DesignMarch 29, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Hi Tina!
    Another beautiful post! I am kind of in love with the living room from Tracery Interiors…
    Would love to have a beach house some day :)
    Hope your week is wonderful,
    Amy

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  44. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Sensational post. Makes me miss the beach house we sold 2 years ago to buy an apt. we never used and are now selling. Bummer, such beuatiful beachy interiors, makes me want another one...one day soon, I hope.

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  45. jvw homeApril 11, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    i need a vacation , so that I can scroll through all your amazing photo selections...
    love Tracery Interiors...

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  46. LisadeeApril 18, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    Wow .... perfection all the way - thank you

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  47. CarolineApril 27, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Dearest Tina-Frist off congratulations!!....I've become an Enchanted Home addict...I look so forward to your journal appearing in my *in-box* every morning..so much so...I eagerly await with coffee and silence in hand. Ive chosen to share with you that my favourite segment was beach house chic. My parents moved from South America to Canada 40 years ago and left behind them the ocean. Never realized however the beach was deep inside us...and although we only see it once a year when we visit, I always say my decor of choice would be beach house chic..My husband and I and our nutty 2 year old are currently looking for a home...and in my now 1 year search, my heart stronlgy desires one that will inspire beach house chic to keep me close to the family I dont have, the smell of the ocean and to always feel like Im on vacation. I often refer to it...to remind me of what I am searching for....Thank you for words every day.....PLEASE Dont stop...its my only peace, quiet and inspiration in the mornings!!

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  48. Doug DavisMay 24, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    so sorry to just now be seeing this--and goodness, thank you so much for including our work so prominently in this post...we're flattered! since our company was born at the beach (though we know practice all over the country) coastal style holds a special place in our hearts. we're glad our interpretation of it has resonated so strongly with you and your readers.

    best wishes from all of us at Tracery!

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  49. decor de provenceJuly 10, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    My kind of post!!! One of my dreams as well and these images are a tease! I'm leaning for towards m.elle and Tracery interiors! They are by far my favorites these days!!

    Best wishes to you pretty lady!!

    xx
    Des

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  50. home insurance orlando floridaAugust 14, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Lovely photos. I dream to own a beach house too. :)

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  51. UnknownSeptember 27, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    Thanks for sharing information on The enchanted home, i have visited your blog great post....................
    Roofing Alpha Qld













    ReplyDelete
  52. UnknownNovember 16, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    These beach house interiors definitely passed the three requirements. All are absolutely welcoming, inviting, and calming. My favorite would be the 6th photo. I love the openness of the patio, and I love how close the seawater to the area. The atmosphere is very soothing, and I just bet anyone can feel the cool breeze once he/ he stays there.

    Katy Desroches

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  53. New Launch CondoMarch 14, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    The style are very unique and fascinating! It’s really attractive to the viewer. Thanks for sharing some great ideas.

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  54. UnknownMarch 15, 2013 at 3:18 AM

    What should I choose???? All are good! Oh! Not just good but perfect! Very awesome place and nice view!

    Smart Color Paint

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  55. Patrick TanMay 6, 2013 at 3:58 AM

    There are a lot of ways to interpret a single theme. Beach houses can go luxurious. You can also do a laid back vibe. Colors are usually brighter and cleaner. Ohhh! beach and resort properties are really dreamy!!!

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  56. Susan 30A EATSJune 12, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    Just updating my Seaside, Fl home and found your blog! Great post! If down my way, my blog is 30AEATS.com. :)

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  57. The Fitted Bedroom CentreJune 26, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    Great blog and photographs, thank you for sharing. Here at The Fitted Bedroom Centre we have lots of great ideas and inspirations to create your dream look bedroom. We love to learn of your readers' own design inspirations too - our very best wishes to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Alexis SchwarzJuly 5, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    I really love the pictures on this blog! Thanks for sharing these photos with us! Indeed a great read and picture. Keep us posted!

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  59. SandyJuly 7, 2013 at 1:43 AM

    Just discovered your blog and love it! I'm decorating my home with a sort of coastal farm house style. I love the beach and I also love nature and birds. I hope to updat my blog when I'm finished with my living room. Getting new neutral furniture pieces but keeping my red floral couch. Love all the inspirational photos too.

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  60. UnknownAugust 9, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    This is a great article. I love the beach houses and all the interior design ideas. The light colors really go with everything, especially the blues and the whites. My husband and I just bought a beach house so we are in the process of decorating and adding some home improvements. We decided to have a Spiral Staircase that connects the back deck to the patio. It looks really nice and fits great with the original floor plans. This way we can just go right upstairs to our bedroom when we come back from the beach. We also incorporated some of these same colors when designing our spiral staircase.

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  61. Hilary KimbelOctober 3, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    This is seriously so gorgeous! Now I really want to find Sunny Isles beach homes for sale... It would be a total dream come true to live in one!

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  62. jacob aneeshOctober 9, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    i could feel the vibe of all the rooms from your pics......warm and nice.

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  63. JohnJanuary 29, 2014 at 11:12 PM

    It seems superb architecture...........
    John Phanchalad CEO JP Digital Tech have a very good track record in digital media marketing. To know more about Mr

    Phanchalad and latest updates on business promotion you can contact John Phanchalad http://johnphanchalad.com/about

    ReplyDelete
  64. UnknownJanuary 30, 2014 at 4:05 AM

    nice bedroom style with amazing color scheme thanks for sharing.Bedroom Furniture Online

    ReplyDelete

Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!