Guest Picks: Blue and White Cottage by the Sea

These vintage Tolix chairs from ABC Home look all the better for being a bit worn around the edges. The aqua blue and cream color palette would be perfect for cheering up a breakfast nook or dining room.

Switching up the shower curtain is the simplest way to completely change the look of your bathroom. My pick this summer is the Aegean striped shower curtain from Toast. Bonus: It's made from organic cotton and comes with its own removable liner.

Can you believe this sparkling white pouf is made for the outdoors? Thankfully, that means it's extra stain resistant and easily wiped down, so it would be perfect for using inside a home with kids (or pets) too.

I love the look of Turkish hammam towels but crave the comfort and fluff of traditional terry cloth. These fringed and striped bath towels from Toast are the best of both worlds.

This print based on an original watercolor from Fine Day Press is super vibrant, and the dots are reminiscent of bubbles drifting to the surface in a crystal clear sea. I would hang it in a simple white frame with an extra large white matte and lean it casually on the mantel.

The packaging on this Sea Salt Soap is so adorable I would leave a stack of them on an open shelf in the bathroom. They would make cute hostess gifts too.

In addition to the prints on your walls, why not add something with a bit more depth? Tamar Mogendorff creates the most remarkable soft sculptures, and my current favorites are these little handmade fishbowls that feature sequined fish.

This silkscreen print by artist Jenny Bowers reminds me of midcentury British book cover art. I think it would be lovely hung in the kitchen or over a breakfast nook.

Did you know that thank you cards used to be called "bread and butter notes"? They were the bread and butter of correspondence, and I would love to see people today sending real notes more often. These simple yet striking striped cards are blank inside, so you can use them for many purposes, including your thank yous.

I love the turquoise hue and cool midcentury lines of this hanging planter from Horne. It would look fantastic holding succulents or air plants, and the built-in drainage and drip catcher means it can be used indoors or out.

Another lovely option for houseplants, this earthenware pot has a unique matte finish and hand-painted lines.

Looking to perk up your sofa for summer? I love the Rorschach-inspired look of this pillow from Haus Interior. At 25 inches, it's big enough to double as a floor cushion.

Savor that first cup of coffee or tea in style with this sweet little ceramic cup made by Japanese brand 4th-market.

This shapely enamel tea pot can be used right on the stove top, and it is pretty enough to keep on display.

I would be tempted to use these pale blue linen dish towels as generously sized napkins, though they would look splendid hanging from hooks by the sink too.

French artist Nathalie Lete creates wonderfully whimsical scenes on stoneware dishes. I would love to collect them, beginning with this floral and butterfly plate.

Get the look of vintage hobnail glass with these tumblers from Anthropologie. Perfect for everything from iced tea to cocktails, they are sure to become your new favorite glasses.

Invite the mysteries of the deep sea to the table with these vibrant printed dishes featuring octopi, anchors and sailing ships.

I love the super-saturated color on this throw from Serena & Lily.
It's big yet lightweight, making it extra versatile. Use it as a beach or picnic blanket, carry it into the backyard to stargaze on a chilly night or, of course, toss it over your sofa or favorite chair.

When the first really hot day hits, I love being able to box up the big duvet and put something light and pretty on the bed for the summer months.
Lately I've had my eye on this beautiful and entirely handmade double-sided floral quilt from Les Indiennes.

Next: Twist on Tradition: Blue and White Porcelain