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Christmas Staycation

By Beaty Coleman
August 27, 2012
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Bringing the Outside In
Credit: Helen Norman
Designer Seleta Hayes Howard and her family traded life in a busy suburb for a Florida cottage that celebrates barefoot style.
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Coastal Cottage

Coastal Cottage
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Living near the Gulf in the small community of WaterColor in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, gave her the courage to decorate with shades of white, turquoise, and apple green. The smaller cottage size inspired pared-down furnishings and rooms that accommodate grown-up entertaining as well as family play space.

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Bringing the Outside In

Bringing the Outside In
Credit: Helen Norman

A flea market chair in the living room is updated in a coral pattern—a nod to the home's beach locale.

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Bold Details

Bold Details
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

A striped rug in pale blue and brown adds graphic punch in the living room.

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Dining Room

Dining Room
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

A custom banquette made of faux-ostrich vinyl sheds spills in the dining room. "This is a mess-proof spot for kids," says Seleta.

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Built-In Office

Built-In Office
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Placed on a once-empty wall in the upstairs hallway, this vibrant desk area is an office/homework station.

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Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

By adding a vegetable sink, Seleta created two prep areas in the efficient galley kitchen.

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Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

"I felt like we needed to anchor the whimsical look of the rest of the house," says Seleta of the master bedroom. She added drama with black, in various fabrics as well as plates and frames on the wall.

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Bunkbeds

Bunkbeds
Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

The cheerful upstairs bunk room is a favorite sleepover spot.

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By Beaty Coleman

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    1 of 8 Coastal Cottage
    2 of 8 Bringing the Outside In
    3 of 8 Bold Details
    4 of 8 Dining Room
    5 of 8 Built-In Office
    6 of 8 Open Kitchen
    7 of 8 Master Bedroom
    8 of 8 Bunkbeds

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