How to transform your space to a beautiful, calming beach retreat with artwork! || At Home with Julie Gohring of Saltwater Fit

Did you know that one of the quickest ways you can transform your space is with paint and artwork? When I purchased my condo here in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, the first thing I did was go to the paint store and paint over the pea green walls in my kitchen. Yes, pea green....🙈


And while I was renting?


You guessed it, the first design update I did when I moved in was to change up the artwork on the walls with my own beach + sunset photo prints, as well as with artwork and fiber wall art from some of very favorite artists.

By simply changing out the artwork, it made my pre-furnished rental feel more like home, especially because none of the furniture or decor was mine.

(In fact, here's a little fun tad-bit about Costa Rica -- the majority of rentals are rented pre-furnished, as well as homes are typically sold with all furnishings included in the purchase price.) 

So when Julie messaged me a couple of months ago with photos of her space, explaining that she wanted to change up the vibe in her furnished rental here in Tamarindo to be more relaxed, warm, and surrounded by nature’s beauty, I knew exactly how she felt...and how to help!!!
 

But enough of me typing...

This week I’m handing the keyboard over to Julie, who has some great design tips and suggestions for picking artwork for your space that fits your vibe, as well as her insight on working with yours truly on picking sunset, wave and beach prints at The Sunset Shop in order to help transform her space into a calming, beach retreat!

P.S. Be sure to check out Julie and her strength + nutrition work via Saltwater Fit @saltwaterfit!

How to transform your space to a beautiful, calming beach retreat with artwork! || At home with Julie Gohring of Saltwater Fit

Do you have any tips for picking prints that go best in your space? 

I think the art you choose to decorate your home/space should reflect your personality or the vibe you want to feel in the space. If you're into chill vibes, then a beachscape or palm tree print might be your jam. If you're into cities and where the action is you may like a cityscape or bridge. It's all a reflection of what feeling you want to bring into the space.

For me I want to feel warmth, beauty, and tranquility in my space, so I knew Samba to the Sea prints would be perfect. My only issue -- deciding which ones to order! :)

"It's Raining Sunshine" custom diptych (photo print split into two) 

Why did you decide to replace the artwork you had with Kristen’s work?  How do your new prints make you feel?  

Recently I've been updating my furnished rental unit to reflect my design and taste. The artwork I currently had displayed (which was not of my choosing) was of cityscapes & bridges in black and white. The exact opposite of the life I am living in a small beach town in Costa Rica. It also felt cold and mundane to me. One day, it occurred to me, I don't have to live with these prints anymore, and instantly I went to Samba to the Sea's The Sunset Shop website to see what I could order. I have always loved all of those prints soooo much!

"Find Me Where the Waves Are" custom sized wave print

What was the process like working with Kristen?

It was so easy to work with Kristen, which made all the difference. In fact we were in different countries when I ordered the prints and in the midst of the pandemic, yet I was able to easily order everything online and have it delivered quite quickly. (I think like 1 week). 

I measured the art that was in the existing frames and then sent over the dimensions to Kristen. At first I wasn't sure what to order because there were so many prints that I loved, but together, working with Kristen we were able to choose appropriate prints that worked in my frames and with the colors in each room.

She made the process so easy. She even made me mockups of the prints in my space so I could better visualize what the prints would look like on my walls before I even purchased -- no one likes having buyers remorse, and seeing the mockups of the prints was so helpful + made me confident that the prints were exactly the ones for my home!

 

Any interior design tips? 

I'd say no matter where you live, whether it's a rental or your own home, investing in your space makes a huge difference. Adding art can really transform the feel of your space and make it feel like it's yours. And the cool thing is, you can take art with you even if you move. So it's a win win!

Anything else you'd like to add?
I love all of my prints so much! Every time someone comes over, it's the first thing they notice. These prints have become conversation starters that ultimately bridge new conversations and connections -- it's so cool!

Julie with custom size sunset surfers print "Saltwater Paradise"

P.S. Are you interested in more interior design tip, tricks, insight, and DIYs for your artwork from talented design pros, weekend warriors with great eyes for design, AND real Sunset Shop customers? Click here to read more of my Design Tips, or feel free to contact me -- I'm happy to help!