Just beachy décor

You don't need to own a beach house to have beach-house style. In her latest book, "Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages" (Clarkson Potter, $32.50), Emmerling shares key ingredients for giving any home "an instant dose of sunshine." We rounded up some of our own favorite warm-weather, I-can-smell-the-ocean items to illustrate Emmerling's ideas. Happy summer.

Hang-ups

"A peg rack is not unique to beach houses, of course, but it's what's hung on the pegs that creates a distinctly beachy vibe and easy, grab-and-go storage."

• Accordion to Me Peg Rack in Antique White ($24) from www.landofnod.com.

• Watermelon Stripe kids beach towel ($17.50) from www.landsend.com.

• Medium tote bag in Orange Meloire ($145) from Quadrille Couture, 212-753-2995.

• Sun hat in Bahama Blue Macambo ($85) from Quadrille Couture, 212-753-2995.

Tootsie comfort

Sea grass and sisal rugs. "Their sturdy weaves and sandy neutral color make them a favorite choice for beach homes. Keep in mind that all natural fibers, particularly sea grass and jute, absorb moisture easily and should not be used in very damp or humid environments." We think summer-stripe cotton area rugs are pretty beachy, too.

• Sea grass border rugs in Espresso and Camel (starting at $24) at www.westelm.com.

• Sail Stripe and Jamaica Ticking rugs (starting at $28) from Dash & Albert. See www.dashandalbert.com for stores.

Mood lighting

"Hurricane lanterns and oil lamps offer the romance of candlelight with shelter from the breeze. The flickering glow of candlelight creates the most appealing and intimate ambience for outdoor dining and summer evenings."

• Lantern ($29.99), pillar candle ($5.14) and seashells ($4.99 and $7.99) from Target. Selection varies by store and online at www.target.com.

Wicker wishes

"Whether new or antique, wicker furniture lends a gracious air of gentility to patios, screened porches and covered decks, as well as indoor rooms. It can be easily painted, and cushions add to its comfort and design flexibility."

• Bistro table ($390) and chair ($290) at www.mainecottage.com.

Lean back

An Adirondack chair is a "favorite for decks, lawns and docks, with its angled back and wide arms, which offer a natural perch for drinks."

• Classic Chair ($169), Reclining Chair ($189) and Footstool ($79), from www.llbean.com.

Sun and surf fun comes home

Beyond fond memories of fries and vanilla cokes, Mary Ellisor Emmerling's recollections of childhood summers in the 1950s are of simple beach cottages filled with straw mats, wicker chairs and painted tables.

Something about that snug and unpretentious way of life helped launch Emmerling on a decades-long search for the many faces of down-home American regional style. For her 22 books that have sold more than a million copies, the magazine editor, designer and style setter has traveled the country chronicling and championing charm on a small scale.

Her latest book, "Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages," extols the carefree pleasures of coastal living.

"There is something you remember about the beach from your childhood, your honeymoon or some fabulous vacation. It's a look associated with good memories," Emmerling says.

Here, Emmerling shares some décor ideas.

Q: What are some appealing, affordable elements of beach decorating?

A: It's a clean, fresh look. I love a blue-and-white theme with sisal, pine furniture and white duck washable slipcovers. Lots of good books and rag rugs. It can be as simple as using your tote bag, your sarong and your bathing suit as part of the décor. Buy some colorful blowup beach balls and use them as shots of color throughout the house.

Q: What paint do you use?

A: I like a 50-50 mix of Benjamin Moore's Linen White and Decorators White. You can use this for walls and woodwork. Or I also like using Decorators White on the walls and Linen White on woodwork. Otherwise, use a color taken from a bathing suit or a sarong: Pink or aqua is always good.

Q: What else creates a beachy mood?

A: Hang up big, colorful beach towels. And put flip-flops everywhere. I love those beaded door hangings that blow in the wind. Plant some mint near your outdoor shower. It's the smell of summer.