Design on the Cape

Every time I go to the Cape, I can't help but check out the architecture and browse through the home décor stores. Once a decorator, always a decorator. So I thought I'd share a few photos of some decorating ideas that caught my eye. The first is a staircase that leads you to the second floor of Edgartown Books on Martha's Vineyard. We hadn't been there in years so we decided a day trip was in order so we boarded the ferry with our bikes and explored the island some more. I'm sure you've seen many stair riser murals before, but I loved the mix of colors, fonts, and overall design of this particular one.

The stairs are made of pumpkin pine flooring and feature a beautiful dark-stained curved banister that contrasts nicely with the light pine. The dark grey walls (try Benjamin Moore 2124-30 Deep Silver)were covered in graphic food prints that invited you to explore every nook and cranny. Once you've grabbed your book and a cup of coffee, you can enjoy it on the oversized branch-fenced porch. (Be inspired by these vegetable prints from Etsy artisans.)

In this home décor shop, the merchandise was teeming with coastal charm. As you can plainly see, shells, rough-hewn and distressed woods, and wicker and rattan led the way...and the colors of the ocean are always in style. In one shop, I found the exact rope-wrapped candle holders that I scored at Target for a third of the price. (Sorry, I think I found the last two in existence. You can find something similar here.)

While we were in Chatham, we strolled through Jack Wills. I was more interested in the décor than I was the clothes, though they were nice too. Again more books lining the stairs, this time for real. The wall art is very English—more is more. Although I do like my home a bit more tidy, I can't help but favor this look.

Photos: Edgartown and Chatham, MA