I'm constantly collecting shells, pebbles & other beachy touches for my flat, but have just found a blog that takes seaside-obsession to another level. A Beach Cottage - Life By the Sea. Be prepared for a serious dose of home envy.

You can almost smell the salt air coming off the site's shabby chic design, with posts filled with home ideas with a coastal and upcycled feel. But it's not just a pretty face - it also offers some great DIY projects for simple ways to give your home a taste of the sea.

I LOVE the Coastal DIY ideas section - offering nifty projects like 'makeover a flea market chair' (above) or 'turn an old oar into a coat rack'.

Meanwhile if you like to browse home decor ideas that you can easily try yourself, you'll find oodles of inspiration from the blog's Vintage Furniture and Makeovers sections - I especially love this Beach Cottage Bedroom - Before/After vintage decorating with white/aqua.

*daydreams of the day I have my own cottage by the sea... with nothing to do but craft all day *

Loving these homemade home ideas?

• You might also like our  shabby chic drinks decorations tutorial
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