How to Build Your Very Own Beach Retreat

Do you love the beach, but seldom get to go? Do you often dream of living on or near the beach, especially during the cold winter months?

So how would you like to have your very own beach right in your own home? It doesn't matter if you live in the middle of New York City or in Minnesota, if you have a spare room, you can build your own beach. Of course, you won't actually have the ocean, but you can have the beach.

How do you go about creating your very own beach retreat? It will take a little time and some effort, but in no time at all, you'll be relaxing on the "beach", reading a good book and drinking a cool glass of something.

You will need a room that is seldom used, perhaps a guest bedroom or a small den. Remember, this is going to be your very own getaway.

The first step is to clear out the room. Remove all the furniture, including the bed if it is a bedroom. You may want to just store the furniture in the basement or another part of the house. Don't get rid of it until you are sure you don't need or want it anymore.

Once the room is clear, you're ready to start the transformation. One word of caution: if you live in a rental property, check with the owner or manager before doing any painting. Most places will let you paint as long as you restore the original color before you more out. If you get the okay, then paint the ceiling sky blue. If the room has a ceiling fan, paint it white or even the same sky blue as the ceiling. Ah, you're on your way to the beach.

To transform the walls, you will need an artist that can paint landscapes or, if you don't have an artist friend, you can simply purchase a mural. Beach and tropical murals are easy to find online. And, if you have a photograph of a favorite beach spot, some sites will even let you send them the picture and they transform it into a wall size mural. The murals are not cheap; prices range from around $150 to $350. So you may just want to get one mural and then paint the other walls a soothing blue. Again if you live in a rental, you may want to attach the mural with thumbtacks instead of gluing it to the wall. It will be much easier to remove and you can even take it with you if you move.

Now it's time to really get that beach feel. This is where some of you may draw back and say, "No way." But if you want the beach, you need sand. You can purchase several bags of sand and spread it on the floor for that "sand between the toes" feel, even if you have carpet. Of course, first you will need to cover it. Purchase a large canvas or tarp that will cover the entire floor. If you can find one the color of sand, that would be great. Cover the floor completely and bring the edges up onto the baseboard to help keep the sand from getting underneath the canvas. Staple it to the baseboard. Staples leave very small holes that can easily be covered with paint once the staples are pulled out.

It's now time to set up your "beach" furniture. You will need a comfortable beach chair or lounger or two, if you plan on sharing your beach spot. Get one that sits low to the ground. Also, if the chair has legs instead of rounded one piece supports, place the legs on coasters or even jar lids and cover them with sand. This will keep the legs from punching holes in your "beach." Or if you have a favorite wicker lounger you want to use, simply drape a brightly colored beach towel over the cushion and you're all set.

To bring in the sound of water, add a small fountain. And while a fountain doesn't exactly sound like an ocean, just the sound of water will help create the atmosphere of being at the beach. Or, you could purchase a cd that imitates ocean sounds and bring in a small stereo.

Basically, you now have everything you need to feel like you are at the beach, except for a good book to read and something cool to drink. Make sure to keep a few books lying close by your beach chair.

There are some other items you could bring into the room if you like to help give the room a little more beachy feel. One, for example, could be a small tiki bar set up in one corner. Keep a small fridge behind it to store cool drinks in. Spread around a few seashells and starfish. Leave a beach ball lying in one corner. And you could add a sun lamp for the warm feeling of the sun.

The last, and possibly one of the most important items you will need is a sign to hang on the outside of the door. Write it out in colorful letters or print it and make it large enough to be seen easily. It should read: "Gone to the Beach. Do Not Disturb."

Oh, and leave your flip flops outside the door.