On a cool summer morning, isn’t it the best to have a lie-in? Half sleepy, half conscious of the birds orchestrating their latest classical masterpiece right outside your window – you know the feeling, yes?

  At the shore, there is also the sweet smell of the beach that parades through your home and eventually through your nostrils, once again confirming that yes – there is an ocean nearby. Very nearby. Because the Atlantic is our next door neighbor, there is a certain décor that naturally settles into Cape May homes (and other homes by the seashore) – it’s beach chic and it’s just right if you are here or want to feel like you are in Cape May every day.

  This July 4, I went shopping around the packed streets of our seaside town to find some ways to beach up the bedroom. It should, after all, be your castle, so why not have a castle in the sand? Or something like that.

  In Swede Things of America, there are loads of pretty things in loads of soft colors all over the store. This is the place to find a touch or two to add instant personality to your bedroom. I came across the loveliest glass butterfly hangers in bright orange colors hanging above the register, and was so intrigued that I just stood there staring up at them for about five minutes. They come in all sorts of sizes and colors. You can hang a few above your bedroom window so the light catches them or even above your bed to feel close to nature every day.
  Either way you will always wake up to something beautiful. Right next to the butterflies on the wall are fabulous metal wall sconces with round orange candles in the thick glass holders. They are serious must haves for a romantic, shore-inspired touch. I’m very into orange right now. There is something about it that makes me smile.

  Though the sconces are fabulous, you’ll still need another source of light a la Edison. I’m about through with the standard, can-get-these-anywhere lamps, so I headed to Kaleidoscope in search of something a bit offbeat. I didn’t even have to go in to find it. From the big front window, I saw two Hawaiian girls doing the hula scandalously wearing surprisingly little – only a grass skirt and a strategically placed lei. The lamps come in different sizes but each girl swivels her hips when turned on. Very necessary.
  And the shades come in a neutral bamboo or a fun, Hawaiian print with bright colors (they’ll match the orange butterflies and candles). I also found some cute slippers here, because when you step out of bed, it’s a bit less shocking to the soul when you cover your feet, no? These lacy slippers come in yellow and purple and have an outside-ready bottom and sort of look Victorian. That’s a good thing.
Throw pillows are a fun way to spice up a décor without spending too much time or money.

  I found adorable pillows right next door in Carli’s Country Connection. They have raised flowers on them and come in two different shapes, each totally practical and stylish. The backs have colorful stripes and while I contemplated why stripes always remind me of the shore, employee Jenn noted that it’s probably because of the fabulous awnings that are ubiquitous down here. I nearly fell over – she is so right.

  A beach book is essential in the summer and it should remain with you for a little night time reading so I headed into Atlantic Books and found loads of books on the Cape May area. One caught my eye - Down the Jersey Shore has a cute, colorful cover and interesting facts throughout, so you can pick up and be enlightened. Cape May Point was founded by John Wanamaker and Alexander Whilldon as a camp meeting ground for the Presbyterians. Enlightened indeed.

  So sleepyheads – you’ve got some ideas on how to Cape May up your bedroom and infuse it with shore style. Now all you need is a nice long nap to take it all in…Nighty night.

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