Holiday Style at the Beach

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Add a Twinkling Focal Point

Yes, sometimes it's completely okay to sacrifice the view! The main attraction of the tiny Dillon Beach, California, cottage during the holidays is the 9-foot-tall tree in front of one window. It's covered in seahorse, starfish, and sailboat ornaments, and surrounded by gold-and-blue packages.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Create a Winter Wonderland

In the dining area, gauzy napkins tucked in starfish rings complement blue-and-white dishes, while glittery deer, clear ornaments, and shiny sea-colored trees anchor the tablescape. Cyclamen are potted in galvanized buckets with seashells, a nod to the season and the beach.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Keep It Light and Airy

The clean, comfortable furnishings in the den—a plush, slipcovered sectional and a high-backed wicker chair—get a bit of interest thanks to the azure-and-taupe pillows from Pottery Barn, giving a cottage-by-the-sea feel.

Simple accents, such as a tray full of shells, glass jars, and conch artwork in matching whitewashed frames reinforce the calming look.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Adorn Unexpected Places

Chair backs provide a sweet spot for simple green wreaths decorated with starfish. For an ethereal, monochromatic look, spray wreaths with glitter flocking (artificial snow), available at crafts/hobby stores, before attaching decorations.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Set Up a Romantic Spot Outdoors

Sometimes it's not enough to just enjoy breathtaking water views from inside the house. Carve out a cozy outdoor niche with references to sea life, all-weather seating, and lots of overstuffed pillows.

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Let the Windows Do the Talking

Leave oversize windows bare to allow the landscape itself to steal the show.