Nothing says Beach more than crisp white slipcovered furniture. Despite what you may think, white is actually the easiest color to keep clean. A little OxiClean, a spin in the washer and you're as good as new again. You can create so many looks, styles and feel with white furniture. I love all white in the winter. White comes in so many different hues that you can create dimension and interest just by layering the hues and textures.
Pottery Barn has a great Sweater Knit, Chenille and Faux Sheepskin pillow cover that give a cozy, snuggle by the fireplace look and feel. And I love their new distressed white accessories. They work for a beach cottage look, farmhouse or shabby chic style. The pillar candleholders will also be a terrific display for a piece of coral, nautilus shell or starfish.
In the Spring and Summer, add a pop of color to your white furniture with accent pillows. I always recommend a pattern pillow, which is your jumping off point and then adding a few solid pillow covers within the same color family, but slightly variety. The solid colors should pull from your patterned pillow. The Coral Branch pillow is a great pattern pillow for fall and winter. Then in the Spring and Summer, I would recommend a brighter sealife or coral pillow.
If you're looking for inexpensive, yet comfortable slipcovered furniture, may I introduce you to IKEA. Their Ektorp collection has several pieces to choose from, including a new sectional and a sofa bed. Their slipcovers come in a variety of colors and patterns and with the low cost, you can change with every season.
When possible, go with inexpensive furniture (as long as it's comfortable) and high-end accessories. Your accents always pull the room together and will make it look expensive.
So don't be afraid of white - the possiblities are endless and give you a blank canvas to let your creativity flow.
References/Photos:
