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!