Water elements have so many positive associations that it’s not surprising to find so many aquatic references in interior design.  Water inherently has a soothing quality that impacts all of our senses.  Shades of blue and green tend to be visually calming.  The sound of a river or ocean waves can be almost hypnotic (in a good way!).  The feel of cold water is welcome on a hot day or invigorating on a cold one.  And there’s a distinctive smell that often evokes happy memories of a vacation or downtime.      

It’s no wonder that we would want to include design elements that connect us to positive associations in our daily environments.   

This painting by Isabel Emrich was the first ‘real’ piece of art that my husband and I bought.  I originally saw it at Chloe Gallery in San Francisco, and I had such an emotional reaction to memories of ocean swims that I brought my husband back to see it too.  It hangs on a wall near the front door where I see it every day when I leave the house, and reconnect with my free-spirited-swimmer-self.   

Emma Gardner is a rug designer based in Petaluma, California.  Her colorful and whimsical designs already had my loyal attention, but when I came across this staircase runner she designed for a poolside cottage, it was true love!  

Our Berkeley Hills Clients were quick to select this turtle-patterned wallpaper for their guest room and office.  When we presented it as an option, they shared with us that they had gotten married in front of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Open Sea Exhibit.  As they said their vows, there were mating turtles in the background!  Read more about this project here.   

For a recently retired couple, we included serene references to the ocean, which were especially significant to the husband, who had spent most of his career at sea.  Although their Sunset Neighborhood residence didn’t come with views of the ocean, we included artwork that does the trick. 

I hope you find your own version of the endless summer!