greyed wood + pastels = scandi beach house perfection

Cottage and wood panelling are practically synonymous here.

For some reason everyone feels the need to line their weekend retreats with copious amounts

 of sometimes-garish pine and cedar planks.

So how to keep the rustic vibe but bring the panelling up to 2011?

Grey it down by applying a "wash" to the wood.

If the wood has a pre-existing finish, it has to be sanded first,

and calling in the professionals may be your best bet.

Simply apply watered down pale grey latex onto the bare planks, 

rubbing into the boards (with the grain) as you go, 

almost like a stain.

Saw it first in this stunner

and I'm loving it here...

The floors were actually stripped and left completely unfinished, to weather naturally.

That jaw-dropping wall of tile, which was already here, 

was originally orange and so was given the same treatment as the walls. 

Love, love, love the artisan feel.

The owners of this beach house are the founders of Ochre...

look at this office they've set up -

oh, to work with the sound of crashing waves in the background!!

With all the greyed down tones in the wood, 

clean, pale tints are the perfect accent colors - 

pastels are BACK.

It's a bit like driftwood and sea glass, translated into an interior, isn't it?

The outdoor space remains as equally low-key...

a modern table tucked under a homemade roof of bamboo poles lashed together - so totally clever...

sigh. so lovely.

How was your weekend?

I made it to Kempenfest,

our local arts and crafts extravaganza down by the lake.

Picked up an adorable baby gift for a friend (you're going to want one, and she is on Etsy - yay!)

and discovered a very cool sculptor / furniture designer that works with unique upcycled bits, 

will show you the pics later this week.

Have a great monday!