I love books! My apartment may be tiny, but my stacks of books are huge! It’s always such a treat when I can escape into a bookstore and explore what’s on the shelves. Hot off the press is Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages, the 20th+ book from decorating editor and author, Mary Emmerling. This coffee table beauty features the rooms and outdoor spaces of 17 dreamy beach cottages located coast to coast.

Even if, like me, you only dream of life on the beach, you’ll get plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you bring a little of the look to your home. And, don’t just take in the pretty pictures; Mary’s included a primer on beach house essentials, a huge list of shopping sources, and, one of my favorite parts, clever lists of everything beachy.

Mary and I worked together for 10 years at Country Home magazine and is my long-time friend and mentor. We met at my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Morandi, to chat about life at the beach.

JK: What do you love most about living in a beach cottage?
ME: I love the freshness of it: the ocean smells and breezes; the flowers and produce in the summer; and sunsets enjoyed with friends.

JK: What do you consider the essential elements of a beach house?
ME: I love slipcovers, white ironstone, blue and white fabrics, natural materials such as rattan and sisal, candles, and breezy curtains.

JK: I love the touches of humor in your decorating. How do you keep a room fun?
ME: Don’t take decorating too seriously and surround yourself with fun things—like beach balls, colorful jewelry, and family photos that make you smile. Also, look in your closet for unexpected decorating accessories; beach bags, straw hats, and sarongs add great color and style.

Mary Emmerling’s Beach Cottages is available at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Photos by Carter Berg. Photos courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Publishers.

— Jennifer Kopf

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