Last weekend I was able to get away... to here!

photo curtesy of Allison J. Berger

My friend (and loyal OUTSIDE THE WORKROOM reader) Allison and I left our husbands and babies and went to the lake for a sleepover. It was heavenly!

You can bring a little lake living into your own home - even if you don't live near a body of water. Here are a few suggestions...

1. Keep it casual... no formal spaces needed!

Southern Living

2. Incorporate anything old, worn, used, or weathered.

(unknown)

3. Nautical... yet subtle. Add a few nautical elements. (But use sparingly!)

My Sweet Savannah

Sign, Homes by the Sea Shore

Nautical Railing Feature, Southern Living

4. Create an outdoor place

Apartment Therapy

5. Use natural elements...

rug, via Lauren Leiss, Pure Style Homes

And if you do it all right it should come out something like this...

Margaret Bosbyshell, Southern Living