Posted by
Emma Reddington
Friday, July 13, 2012 4:18 PM EDT
Oh, summer — it can be so easy to love and loathe you! The season of vacations and getaways and cottaging is upon us, and it can make those of us left behind in the city green with envy. Sure, we have our local parks and backyards to escape to, but nothing compares to actually having a place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where you can truly unwind. Luckily, designing your fantasy cottage can be just as rewarding as actually having one (OK, almost as rewarding). While you’re hard at work (and likely covering for those away at the cottage), take a few moments to think about what your dream summer getaway would look like.
A Place to Swim
Places to swim, via Timshel and Sully Sullivan Photography.
A summer getaway is really about the beautiful outdoors and being able to cool off from the heat whenever you feel like it. Swimming in a lake or ocean has to be one of life’s most simple pleasures. There’s nothing quite like the silky feel of cool water on your hot skin. A dream cottage would have to be on the water, with great swimming at hand.
A Big Table for Friends and Family
Big tables, via Desire to Inspire and 79 ideas.
Having a big, rustic table that can sit numerous guests is another must-have for a summer getaway. Whether you’re drinking coffee in the morning and finally getting to read all those New Yorker back issues you couldn’t get to in the city, or sitting down to a substantial summer barbeque, the dining table becomes the focal point of many of a summer retreat.
A Quiet Spot
Quiet spots, via House Beautiful and Magnus Anesund.
Getting away to the cottage is also about finding those minutes in the day where you can just sit back and be quiet. Firmly planting yourself in a comfortable chair or on a sofa with a good book is an essential part of relaxing. Nothing should be too precious at the cottage; slip-covered sofas and blankets that can be thrown beneath sandy feet and wet bodies are perfect.
A Lot of White
Visions of white, both via 79 ideas.
While all-white interiors are beautiful and reflect the surrounding light in a gorgeous way, they aren’t practical for everyday living. A summer cottage is the perfect place to indulge your all-white fantasy interior. Less daily wear and tear means keeping the place clean is that much easier.
An Outdoor Shower
Outdoor showers, via houzz and Interior Styles & Designs.
What are some of your own summer dream getaway details?
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