Rope! Summer-Inspired Decor

Doesn't nautical rope just say "Summer"?

Everywhere I look, people are finding terrifically creative uses for rope in their decor.  It's the most perfect decor element, especially for the summer - neutral in color but textured so it's interesting to look at, and it also adds a touch of whimsy:  

{ Via Little Nudge }

{ Via Apartment Therapy }

I absolutely love this look, but I have to admit I might lay awake all night worried that the bed would break!

{ Via Pinterest }

{ Via Pinterest }

 { Via Apartment Therapy }

This rope banister is one of my favorites, by interior designer Thom Filicia. How clever to put a big piece of rope where he could have just installed a boring old banister:

{ Via Pinterest }

This is one of my all-time favorite DIY projects, by Mandi of the blog Vintage Revivals.  Her "Rope Curtain Rod" for her friend Hailee's complete living room makeover has all the trappings of a perfect DIY project - aesthetically beautiful, clever, easy and cheap!

{ Images above via Vintage Revivals }

Isn't that last shot just fantastic?  The way they pulled the rope down the wall and looped it around like that? 




Here's another fabulous DIY project idea from Design*Sponge - the "Knotted Lamp Cord".  I thought it looked pretty easy!  I love that it's just a perfect mix of "industrial" and "artisanal":

{ Via Design*Sponge }

Of course, you don't have to go DIY crazy to incorporate some fun, fabulous rope into your home.  All kinds of retailers are getting in on the action, so you can just buy your way to instant gratification.  


Here's a rope knot door stop by Ballard Designs; it would also look great as a cool accessory on your bookshelf:

{ Via Ballard Designs, $45 }

Would you ever guess these mirrors are from Pottery Barn?  I think they are just great:

{ Via Pottery Barn, $349 }

If you caught my blog a few weeks ago, you already know how much I love a good pouf! Here's one I spotted on a recent visit to interior design store Haus Interior in downtown NYC:   

Another version you can purchase online:

{ Via Nautical Luxuries, $325 }

Hope you are as inspired as I am to incorporate some fabulous rope into your home!  

How is the summer treating you so far?  We visited friends of ours upstate and spent the entire weekend in the pool, followed by grilled hamburgers. Now is that *summer* or what?