DIY Beachfront Retreat

Create a rustic, shaded area for socializing or siestas.

Stack shipping crates, painted pale blue, to form the base of a daybed. (Unpainted crates, or skids, are free at many lumberyards or hardware stores.) A twin mattress or foam slab covered with a white sheet or a canvas cloth and piled with pillows creates a comfy surface for lounging. A makeshift awning, made with a dropcloth or sheet, is supported by two sturdy branches securely staked into the ground. Dress up the rugged setting with budget-friendly whimsical additions, like the wicker elephant table from Chinatown.

For more outdoor decorating and design ideas, see our Tropical-Inspired Outdoor Spaces gallery.