Paper Parade Co.

Bamboo tiered plant stand via Homesense Canada / lightweight throw via  Terrain / Melamine platters via Homesense Canada / Green goblet via Indigo  / Seaweed art via Arminho / Bridgewater lumbar pillow via Tonic Living / SOL rattan daybed via Article / Rollo, Sisal & Shonda pillows via Tonic Living / Casa Cubista Pipoca Rug via Saudade / Tavola dining table via Article / handwoven baskets via Tonic Living / black rattan lantern via Homesense Canada / Pink porcelain serving bowl via Looks Like White for the Jillian Harris x Etsy Summer Collection / Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt /

 Do you dream of sneaking away to a cottage or beach house on summer weekends? Me too.

For now, our summer getaway is our backyard or the usual beach house rental in Prince Edward Island. I love the idea of living near the water and having something of my own that I can decorate and enjoy.

I've noticed a bit of trend on Instagram lately where people are buying cottages and beach houses, renovating or refreshing them, and documenting the process on social media. The rentals even have their own social media accounts. So smart.

One of the people I have been following who just finished decorating her little apartment in Portugal is Janine Morrison of Tonic Living. Imagine a little casita on the coast filled with treasures from her shop, as well as, finds from antiquing at nearby markets. It's an alluring prospect, buy a house by the sea, decorate it (fun!) and then rent it out when you're not using it yourself.

I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada to create an inspiration board, and share some tips on how to create a breezy summer space and while thinking about writing this post it occurred to me that the new Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the perfect addition to a summer rental. It's easy when you don't have to worry about handing over keys to guests and then collecting them when they leave. Right?

The new Schlage Encode™Smart WiFi Deadbolt connects to your home from anywhere with built-in WiFi. You can pair with either the Schlage Home app or the Key by Amazon app to grant access to trusted friends, family or guests with customized access codes, and you'll know when your lock has been accessed. You won't need an additional hub or accessory.
That definitely makes the prospect of owning a summer rental or sharing your cottage with guests a little less complicated.


For now, a seaside escape/rental is only a dream but that doesn't mean you can't add the feel of summer and all the beachy vibes to your living space, indoors or out. So, here are 10 tips on how to get your home or cottage summer ready plus an inspiration board with some of the summery things on the list for the seaside beach house of my dreams. What's on yours?

Create the feel of indoor-outdoor living

Maybe you are lucky enough to have a screened in porch. That's definitely part of my beach house dreams. We do have a set of double french doors that open wide onto our backyard. I love to throw the doors open and let the fresh air in, it feels amazing and creates an indoor-outdoor vibe. We are looking at replacing our current screen door with a retractable screen that spans the entire width of our doors, so that we can let the air in and keep the bugs out.

Keep your colour scheme light and breezy. 

Swap out your pillow covers and throws for something summery. Cottons and linens feel best. Freshen up decorative accessories like stacks of books and candles with handmade baskets and pretty bowls filled with beach finds like driftwood, shells or my favourite - beach glass.

Keep cool.

Remove heavy rugs and replace with lighter throw rugs or enjoy the coolness of bare floors. I love Casa Cubista's rugs paired with pretty tiled floors.

Add a little green

Tropical plants or even pots of fresh herbs in terracotta pots brings the outside in.  In the summer we move our tropical plants outdoors clustered together on our deck so they can enjoy the sun and heat. Just make sure to move them gradually so it's not a shock to them.

Make summer entertaining easy

Have patio friendly tableware ready to use. Store melamine dishes and acrylic glasses in a covered basket or container so it's easy to grab and go outside. Invest in a spacious, easy care table that you can gather round with friends and family.

Create a cozy reading nook

A daybed seems like a worthy splurge. Imagine curling up with a good book and something to sip? I love this rattan daybed. It seems perfect for a beach house, cottage or breezy porch.

Use natural materials

Cotton, linen, natural woods, jute, clay bowls, rattan and wicker. This says summer to me. So layer in the baskets, rattan trays, terracotta pots and linen pillows.

Lighten up your walls

White or light walls paired with pretty art, photos of beach holidays or shadow boxes displaying collections of shells, beach glass and other summer ephemera is a definite nod to summer.

A keyless entry makes rentals easy.

The new Schlage Encode™Smart WiFi Deadbolt connects to your home from anywhere with built-in WiFi. You can set up to 100 permanent, recurring or temporary lock codes that you can change as you see fit or by sending virtual keys to trusted guests via text or email. It's perfect for a family cottage or a beach house rental.

Light the way.

String patio lights across the porch, stock up on candles and have lanterns ready - a smart portable lighting option.

Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.