A non-slip rug pad that keeps every rug in place, adds the right amount of cushion, and protects your floors. I’ve tried a lot of rug pads over the years, including a mesh-style one that fused itself to my floor in the summer heat (not fun when you’re moving out of an apartment and trying to get your security deposit back). About five years ago, I found a rug pad that checks all of the boxes. It keeps rugs from sliding, adds a comfortable layer of cushion, and makes my rugs feel secure. It’s the one I now use under every rug in my home, and the one I recommend to family and friends. Rug pads are essential. Here’s why I keep using this rug pad: Related post: 12 Stylish and Budget-Friendly Neutral Area Rugs for a Coastal Home Where I use this rug pad These are all of the places in my home that I’m currently using this rug pad: As a living room rug pad I use this rug pad under the area rug in my living room, where I wanted extra cushion under our feet. This room is the heart of our home, where we play on the floor and walk through to get from one room to the next. This rug pad makes the rug feel more comfortable. As a hallway rug pad The hallway is a high-traffic area, so it’s important to have a rug pad that doesn’t move around. This is the perfect rug pad because there’s no slipping, even when my dog runs up and down the hall. As a bedroom rug pad (and guest room rug pad) We have a large rug in our primary bedroom, a 9’x12′, and needed a rug pad that’s stable for a large rug and would add cushion under our feet. This rug pad accomplishes both of those things. This is also the rug pad we use under an 8’x11′ rug in our guest bedroom. As an entrance foyer rug pad I also use it in my entryway, where it keeps the rug from sliding around and helps it stay looking neat despite getting a lot of daily use. What I didn’t like about other rug pads I’ve tried After trying several different rug pads over the years, this is the one I keep coming back to. I’ve repurchased it multiple times and have been using it throughout my home for years, which really speaks for itself. Shop coastal area rugs I love Save This Rug Pad for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this rug pad. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. The Rug Pad I Use for Every Rug in My Home Which area of your home could use a new rug pad? Share in the comments.

Everything you need to know about one of the most asked-about pieces in my home. If you love the look of high-end coastal furniture but not the price, this blue swivel chair is one of my favorite finds. It has the classic, elevated look you see in designer interiors, but at a much more approachable price. I’ve had these blue accent chairs in my living room for a while, and it’s one of the most asked-about pieces in my home. The color is the perfect coastal blue, and it’s both comfortable and structured enough to work in small or large areas of the home, whether it’s living room seating, a bedroom corner, or a nook in your entrance foyer. I chose the light blue and the color is even more beautiful in person. It also comes in a beautiful ivory color if you love this style but prefer something neutral. The fabric has a rich texture, the chair feels sturdy and well made, and it truly looks far more expensive than it is. It arrived fully assembled and was packaged carefully, which made the entire experience super easy. One of the main reasons I chose this chair is that it swivels. I love being able to turn toward whoever I’m talking to or pivot toward the television (or fireplace if you have one) without moving the chair itself. It makes the living room feel more conversational. Although I use my chairs in the living room, this blue accent chair would also be perfect in a bedroom corner, a home office, or even a spacious entryway. It can be styled easily with coastal, beach house, or grandmillennial interiors. This is the chair in ivory if you prefer a neutral look. If you’re looking for a coastal-inspired swivel chair that feels elevated, this is the one I chose for my own home, and I couldn’t be happier with it! I have two, and they look great as a pair, especially with a small accent table between them, but also look nice when used as a single accent chair. Related: Browse My Curated Coastal Decor Collection on Amazon Save This Coastal Accent Chair on Pinterest Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to these blue and ivory coastal accent chairs for your home. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Coastal Home Decor: The Blue Accent Chair I Love in My Coastal Living Room Related: My Favorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds Which accent chair color is your favorite, the blue or the ivory?

A blue and white guest room design brought to life, from a 3D mockup to the real space. I created a 3D room mockup as a starting point for my coastal guest bedroom, using a mix of blue and white, navy, natural coastal textures, and classic coastal details. Seeing the room come together visually made it easier to start making real decisions, and I’ve slowly started bringing it to life in my home. Keep scrolling to see the full design plan, shop the pieces, and follow along as the room comes together. Related: The Coastal Style Fall Sweater & Cardigan Edit The inspiration: my coastal guest bedroom mockups Side 1: Bed wall This side of the room focuses on the bed, with a patterned rug, white nightstands with gold details, white and navy layered bedding, and blue ceramic lamps that add depth and color. I’ve linked all of the pieces from this design below, or similar options where exact items are no longer available. BedExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 Area RugExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 Table LampsExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 NightstandsSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 Wall ArtExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2Browse more:My coastal and beach wall art picksAmazon beach wall art and Amazon coastal wall art Euro PillowsExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 Striped Throw PillowExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 Side 2: Dresser wall On the opposite side of the room, I kept the styling simple. A dresser, mirror, and a few pretty pieces like books and a vase help this area feel finished and inviting. Wall MirrorSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 DresserSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3Similar style 4 Table LampSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 Coffee Table BooksI like to mix different sizes and colors to keep book stacks interesting. Here’s a full list of my favorite coffee table books so you can choose what fits your own style. VaseSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 Artificial HydrangeasSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 Coral SculptureSimilar style 1Similar style 2Similar style 3 Area RugExact shownSimilar style 1Similar style 2 Related: The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Nightstands I’ve started working on this guest bedroom in real life and will continue updating this post with progress photos as it comes together. Designing the space this way has made the process feel much more intentional, even though it’s coming together little by little. I’m excited to keep building on this foundation and see how closely the finished room reflects the original vision, and what I decide to change along the way. Save This Coastal Guest Bedroom Design for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to this coastal guest bedroom design. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Interiors: Blue and white coastal bedroom design plan What’s your favorite part of this coastal guest bedroom design? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Simple decorating ideas to give your laundry room a fresh coastal look you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. Table of Contents: Doing laundry may never be exciting, but the space you do it in can be. A modern coastal laundry room adds personality with wallpaper, patterned rugs, woven baskets, and fun details that make the room feel cheerful and pulled together. Below are several decorating ideas that show how you can turn a practical space into one that feels inviting, organized, and genuinely enjoyable to be in. Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas This post uses 3D room mockups for inspiration. Items are styled digitally and may vary in real life. Ceiling LightHydrangea WallpaperSee more coastal wallpaper options here, and browse my favorite wallpapers on Amazon hereLaundry HamperArea RugFaux Potted PlantScalloped BasketRoman ShadeWall CabinetsWasher and Dryer Related: See My Favorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds Key Decorating Elements in a Modern Coastal Laundry Room A laundry room might be one of the most used rooms in your home, so it deserves more than bare walls and plastic baskets. Adding wallpaper, a great rug, or better storage can completely change how the room feels. When a room is finished in a way that brings you joy, your routine tasks can feel less mundane. Creating a modern coastal laundry room doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs a few carefully chosen details that make you happy every time you walk in. Browse My Curated Coastal Decor Collection on Amazon Save These Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to these modern coastal laundry room decor ideas for your home. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas to Inspire Your Space Which of these coastal laundry room ideas would make you enjoy doing laundry a little more?

Vintage-style pieces perfect for a coastal cottage or seaside New England home. I’ve always loved vintage nautical decor that feels authentic and has been collected over time, the kind of pieces you find in antique shops and local thrift stores near the coast. But as this style has grown in popularity, those true vintage finds have become harder to come by. Sometimes years pass between good discoveries, and when something special does show up, the price can feel completely out of reach. I’ve learned that the next best approach is curating a mix of genuine vintage nautical pieces and well-made, vintage-inspired nautical finds. Together, they bring the same depth, character, and personality to a coastal home for anyone with an appreciation for nautical history. Shop my curated selection of vintage-inspired nautical decor below. Vintage-Style Nautical Decor Shop my curated nautical decor collection here, including these pieces and more. Decorating with vintage-inspired nautical decor is an easy way to add character to a coastal home or beach house. A few well-chosen accent pieces can make a room feel cozy and lived-in while still keeping a light, coastal look. If you live by the water or just love the style, these pieces help create a home that feels timeless rather than trendy. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Nightstands Save These Vintage-Inspired Nautical Decor Finds Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this timeless nautical decor with a vintage feel. And follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Do you decorate with nautical touches year-round, or just in the summer? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A small DIY linen closet upgrade for a more organized home. Table of Contents: When we moved into our home by the beach, there was a small hallway linen closet, but it wasn’t finished. There were only three rough, unfinished shelves, with extra boards left on the floor, as if someone had started building it and never came back. With so few shelves, everything had to be stacked high. Sheets and towels shared the same spaces, piles were unstable, and pulling one thing out often meant the whole stack could tumble. It worked well enough to get by, but it wasn’t functional or organized. Part of creating a relaxed coastal lifestyle, at least for me, is making sure my home actually works day to day. When storage functions better, everyday routines feel easier. This small closet project ended up making a bigger difference than I expected. Scroll to see how this unfinished linen closet came together, from the original shelves to the finished result, plus the supplies we used to complete it. Supplies used The wood and paint materials came from a local hardware store, but I’ve linked what can easily be ordered online below. How this DIY linen closet shelving project came together Installing additional linen closet shelves created a layout that made better use of the vertical space. BEFORE When we moved in, the linen closet had only three unfinished wood shelves, with extra wood boards sitting on the floor (not pictured), as if the project had been left half done. MEASURING + PLANNING We measured the space and rethought the shelf spacing so the closet could actually function better. The existing shelves were 2 feet apart, so I decided to add three additional shelves so there would be six shelves, 1 foot apart. INSTALLING SHELF BRACKETS Using the same style of wood shelf support brackets already in the closet, we installed new brackets for the three additional shelves along the sides and back walls using a brad nailer. We painted these white before installing them. Here’s what the closet looked like after all shelf support brackets are installed. FILLING NAIL HOLES, PAINTING, + SANDING Once all the brackets were in, we filled the nail holes and prepped the shelves for painting. Then we painted the shelves and wall brackets. This took around a week with letting multiple coats of paint dry and sanding the shelves in between coats for a smooth finish. AFTER After painting and installing the shelves, the closet finally felt finished and far more usable! What was once an awkward, half-finished closet is now organized and functioning in a useful way. Bath towels, sheets, bedding, and beach towels finally have a place that makes sense. Why this small project made everyday life better Now that the shelves are finished, the linen closet actually works the way it should. Everything has a place, nothing is stacked too high or shoved in, and getting things in and out of the closet is noticeably easier. This wasn’t a dramatic renovation, but it made everyday life better. For me, this kind of update is part of living my ideal coastal lifestyle. A relaxed coastal home isn’t just about how it looks, it’s also about how it functions. When storage is thoughtful and clutter is reduced, everyday routines feel easier and less stressful, supporting a slower, more relaxed coastal way of living. If you’re updating your home too, this is a good reminder that small, practical projects can have just as much impact as bigger design changes. Looking for more simple home projects that make everyday life feel better? You can find all of my easy DIY home updates here.I’m sharing my small home updates and DIY projects as we slowly make this house feel like home. If you’re also looking for coastal home decor inspiration, I share modern coastal finds, furniture, and decor ideas. Save this DIY linen closet shelving project for later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this DIY built-in style linen closet project if you’re interested in adding linen closet shelving, improving your linen closet organization, need more linen closet storage, or are looking for linen closet ideas. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home and beach lifestyle inspiration. What’s one small home update that’s made everyday life feel easier for you? Share it in the comments.

A curated roundup of Amazon furniture that looks like designer pieces without the designer price. I’m always drawn to furniture that looks elevated and considered, but still fits a realistic budget. This roundup pulls together Amazon furniture finds that give a designer look for less, from accent chairs and nightstands to side tables and rugs. Each piece proves you don’t have to compromise on style just because you’re on a budget, and they’re all versatile enough to fit classic, coastal, neutral, grandmillennial, or beach house interiors. Here’s the full roundup of some of my favorite Amazon furniture finds that look elevated and stylish. Amazon Furniture That Looks Designer Row 1: Blue and White Area Rug // White and Gold Nightstand // Scalloped Rattan Side TableRow 2: Seagrass Nighstand or Side Table // Navy Nightstand // Ivory Swivel ChairRow 3: Light Blue Swivel Chair // Round White End Table // Scalloped Jute RugRow 4: Rattan and Glass Side Table // Rattan Rolling Cart // White Console Table All of these pieces are easy ways to elevate your interior style without committing to designer pricing. When you’re furnishing a living room, bedroom, entryway, or a vacation home, these are versatile furniture pieces that can be styled in a coastal, beach house, or grandmillennial direction. Amazon furniture doesn’t have to feel basic, and these finds prove you can get pieces that look expensive without overspending. If you’re looking for furniture that looks designer but is practical, accessible, and easy to order, this roundup is a great reference. More Curated Furniture & Decor Roundups Modern Coastal Mirrors to Brighten and Open Your SpaceThe Ultimate Guide to Coastal Nightstands25 Neutral Coastal Accent Chairs Under $500 to Complete Your RoomThese Beach Picture Frames Are Perfect for a Coastal-Inspired HomeFavorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds12 Stylish and Budget-Friendly Neutral Area Rugs for a Coastal Home Save This Coastal Amazon Furniture for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can continue to refer back to this roundup of expensive-looking coastal furniture from Amazon. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more more coastal lifestyle, DIY projects, and beach house inspiration. Coastal Furniture From Amazon That Looks Much More Expensive Which of these budget-friendly coastal furniture finds is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A simple lighting change that softened my home without giving up energy efficiency. When we moved into our home, many of the light fixtures already had cool LED bulbs installed. Nothing was technically wrong, but the house always felt a little harsh, especially in the evenings. The lighting just did not match the calm, relaxed feeling I wanted at home. This small project became the first in my Coastal Home Project series, where I share realistic DIY updates that make my home and everyday living feel better. These aren’t major renovations, just simple changes that have a noticeable impact. Below, I’m sharing the exact warm white LED bulbs I use in my home, along with a simple visual comparison so you can see the difference for yourself. Why I switched from cool to warm white LEDs I wanted to keep the energy savings and long lifespan of LED bulbs, but with the softer glow of traditional incandescent lighting. Warm white LED bulbs, often labeled as soft white, felt like the right balance. For a long time, it felt like you had to choose between cozy incandescent light or lower energy bills with harsh LEDs. That’s not true anymore. You can get LED bulbs that give the same warm glow as traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, LEDs can last many years longer than a traditional bulb. What warm white lighting changes After swapping out the bulbs, the difference was immediate. The house now feels cozier and more inviting at night. The lighting no longer feels stark or clinical, especially in living spaces and bedrooms. The bulbs I use After researching different Kelvin temperatures of light bulbs, I chose soft white LED bulbs that give off a warm, cozy glow without looking too yellow or dim. These are the same bulbs used throughout my home, including in my table lamps: Switching to warm white lighting was one of the easiest home updates I’ve made, and it completely changed how my home feels in the evenings. It’s a small detail, but one that affects how you experience your home every single day. If your home lighting feels a little too harsh at night, or you want to make the swap from traditional light bulbs to LEDs for energy efficiency and longevity, this is an easy place to start. Save These Light Bulbs Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can continue to refer back to the light bulbs I use for cozy, warm light in my home. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more more coastal lifestyle, DIY projects, and beach house inspiration. Why Switching To Warm White LED Bulbs Made My Home Feel Instantly Cozier Have you made the switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs? I’d love to hear why or why not.

These 2026 planners can help make everyday life feel calmer. Table of Contents: The start of a new year always makes me want to slow things down and focus on being the best version of myself. I want a calmer, more organized life that feels intentional instead of chaotic. One of the simplest ways I do that is by choosing a physical planner that feels good to use. Color matters. Layout matters. And when a planner fits your lifestyle and aesthetic, you’re more likely to stick with it. I pulled together a collection of coastal-inspired planners in soft blues, aquas, greens, and classic patterns like gingham, hydrangea flowers, watercolor backgrounds, and even one that reminds me of sea glass. They feel calm, inviting, and inspiring to use. Coastal-Inspired Planners for a Calm, Organized 2026 These planners are practical, but they also feel peaceful. They’re the kind you want to open every morning. Related: Favorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds You Don’t Want to Miss How to Choose the Right Planner for You If you’re deciding between styles, here are a few things to consider: The best planner is the one you’ll actually use consistently, not necessarily the one with the most features. The Benefits of Using a Physical Planner in a Digital World So much of daily life now happens on screens. Our phones manage our schedules, remind us of appointments, and constantly compete for our attention. A physical planner creates a small but meaningful shift away from that digital noise. Writing things down by hand naturally slows you down. It encourages you to be more intentional about how you plan your days, weeks, and months. A physical planner becomes a quiet place to think, reflect, and organize without interruptions. For me, coastal living is not just about living near the water. It’s about creating a calm, organized life that supports a slower lifestyle and more thoughtful routines. Using a physical planner fits into that mindset. It’s a simple habit that helps me stay focused on what’s important. Just like a walk on the beach or a quiet morning at home, a planner supports slow living in a very practical way. It helps bring clarity to busy days, reduces screen time, and makes everyday life feel more intentional and manageable. Save This List of Planners for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this roundup of coastal-inspired planners. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Organization: Coastal-inspired planners for a calm, organized year Do you prefer a daily planner or a weekly layout? I’m always curious how others like to plan their days. Share your preferences in the comments.

A collection of the most interesting objects I came across on the beach this year. I live close enough to walk to the beach, so I spend a lot of time wandering the shoreline and beachcombing for shells, sea glass, driftwood, and other interesting finds. Along the way I always end up spotting odd and unexpected objects mixed in with the sand and seaweed. Some of them are funny, some feel a little strange, and some are just plain puzzling, but they all make me pause and look twice. I started photographing these unusual beach finds last year (click here to see last year’s post) as a way to document them and remind myself of the stories they might carry. It always makes me wonder where each item came from. Was it left behind after a day at the beach, carried in by the waves from somewhere far away, or pulled out to sea during a storm and returned again? I will probably never know, but the mystery is part of why I love noticing and capturing them. Here are some interesting found objects from my walks on the beach over the past year. My Strangest Beachcombing Finds of 2025 I’ve never found a propeller on the beach before, so this one definitely made the my of strangest things I came across while beachcombing this year. Maybe it came from a small watercraft, although I’d hope they usually use metal instead of plastic. This was probably my weirdest find of the year, a dinosaur mask washed in with the tide. I can’t imagine the story behind how it ended up in the ocean in the first place. This was a new one for me, a lightbulb on the beach. I can’t help wondering about its story and how it ended up here, whether from careless dumping or from storm damage somewhere along the coast. I’m surprised the bulb wasn’t broken even though it looks like it’s been in the water a while. I had no idea what this was at first and ended up doing an image search. I wondered if it was some kind of deep-sea plant, but it turns out it’s an Osage orange (also called a hedge apple) that actually grows on trees, not in the ocean. How it wound up washed onto the beach is still a mystery, especially since I’ve never seen them growing anywhere around here. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds I did a little research and learned this is a Big Turbo Wheels police truck. I found it in winter, so it had probably been in the water for quite a while before washing ashore. Finding a ball on the beach isn’t unusual. Finding this many in one day is. These four were part of at least thirty sports balls washed up in just the small stretch of beach I walked that day. I still can’t make sense of why so many appeared at once. I found a shocking number of plastic Easter eggs again this year. I’m not sure how they all end up in the ocean, but seeing so many washed up has completely changed how I think about them. Related: 6 Beautiful Beach Sunset Color Palettes This baseball cap brim really took me by surprise. I often see forgotten clothing and stray shoes on the beach, but never just a brim. It must have been in the water a long time for it to separate from the rest of the hat. I really enjoyed gathering these unusual beach finds over the past year. Whenever something unexpected caught my eye while I was walking, I snapped a photo and saved it for this project. I ended up with far more than I could reasonably include here, so this is just a selection of some favorites. I also take part in several organized beach cleanups each year and do many on my own, so a lot of the objects you see in these photos were removed from the shoreline rather than left behind. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Beachcombing Photography of Unusual Found Objects Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this collection of unusual beachcombing finds. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photography: The strangest things I found while beachcombing in 2025 Have you found an unusual object on the beach? Share your strangest beachcombing finds in the comments.