I spent many lazy summers by the lake while growing up, so I have acquired a passion for boats, water and beaches. The cabins that my family owned have long ago been sold, but the feelings that being there invoked are a permanent part of me. I don't know what it is, but just put me on a boat or a beach and I am completely content! Now, as a homeowner, I set about decorating my home with touches of nautical and beach decor to duplicate those good feelings.

The lower level of my home is completely dedicated to this decor. Here are some of the things that I have done:

-There is four inch wide pine wood planking on the ceilings of both the guest room and the guest bathroom, the bedroom ceiling painted a clean, glossy white (which simulates the deck on a boat), and the bathroom left in a natural finish (it also looks like a boat deck) for variety.

-Three of the walls in the bathroom are painted a crisp white, while the fourth wall behind the pedestal sink and white framed mirror is a pleasing shade of nautical blue as a focal point. Bronze light fixtures are on each side of the mirror (which has a ledge on it that holds a few seashells), and they have bronze "ropes" that bridge between the base and the white swirled glass that encases the light bulb. (Home Depot!)

-A white, free-standing waist high cabinet has a blue and white striped linen place mat, and a hurricane style lantern on top. For accent touches I added a deep red hand towel and candle in the lantern. Of course, I also have a boat photo on the wall!

-A miniature boat oar is mounted diagonally on one wall, it's pegs are perfect for hanging towels on. Add a large striped rug in shades of blue, and a wooden ship's wheel that stands in the corner to complete the nautical look.

The shell's, oar and ship's wheel are really the only "nautical" accessories - the rest have only a suggestion of the theme so that it isn't too overwhelming or busy.

That is the key - add your favorite influence, but don't overdo it.

It's all about surrounding yourself with the things that you enjoy.

Now for the guest room:

-I have already mentioned the white pine planking, to complete the description picture soft, sandy beige Berber carpeting and a pleasing shade of the palest baby blue paint on the walls. To bring in color, the bedding set is in stripes of bright blue, lime green and white. (Think sand, water and sea grass)

-There is also a couple of hurricane style candle holders that accent the colors in the room.

None of these things cost very much, especially if you can do the painting yourself. Paint and the right bedding set can transform a room all by themselves. Throw in a seashell or two, ocean wall decor or beach themed candles and you are set!

-Throughout the rest of the lower level, I have a collection of Ocean, Boat and Beach themed art. There is a ledge that wraps around the main living area, and all of my pictures rest on the ledge one after another.

When I walk through these rooms, it never fails to relax me.

These are just a few ideas from my own home, the point being that it really doesn't take much to create rooms that you love with your favorite things, mine happens to be nautical and beach decor.

What's Yours?