Your Summer by the Sea: Coastal Living at Starfish Cottage

There’s nothing quite like summer in Midcoast Maine. The days stretch long under brilliant blue skies, sailboats drift lazily along the horizon, and the ocean breeze carries the scent of salt, wild roses, and possibility. At Starfish Cottage, summer is more than a season—it’s a way of life. A season of simple pleasures from early morning walks along the rocky shoreline to golden hour beach picnics, summer invites us to slow down and soak up the beauty around us. The tides shape our days. We rise with the sun, spend afternoons hunting for sea glass or flipping through vintage finds at local markets, and gather in the evenings for lobster rolls and laughter under string lights. Inside the cottage, the windows stay open to let in the sound of gulls and the rhythm of the waves. Light, airy fabrics flutter in the breeze. Bowls of shells and beach stones sit beside pitchers of hydrangeas, and every surface seems to glow with that unmistakable golden summer light. This season, our decor leans into breezy textures, coastal neutrals, and nautical touches. Think whitewashed woods, driftwood accents, sea-inspired blues, and pops of sunshine yellow. It's about keeping things relaxed, natural, and effortlessly beautiful. We love layering natural fiber rugs, woven baskets, and simple linens to create a space that feels as calm and inviting as the tide itself. A striped throw here, a jar of beach finds there—every detail tells the story of a summer well lived. Midcoast Maine in summer means more than just stunning scenery. It’s the charm of roadside farm stands, hand-painted signs for blueberry pies, fresh-cut bouquets from the farmer’s market, and evenings spent watching fireflies dance above the dunes. Whether you’re a year-round coastal dweller or just soaking up a salty getaway, this time of year brings out the best of what it means to live by the sea. This is our favorite season to host family and friends, to share recipes passed down through generations, and to fill the home with the scent of grilled seafood and fresh herbs. It’s also the perfect time to refresh a room with a DIY thrift flip, add a vintage nautical touch, or bring a little more sunshine inside. At Starfish Cottage, summer means barefoot mornings, sandy toes, and a heart full of gratitude for the little things. Every breeze, every shell, every sunset reminds us: this coastal life is something truly special.