Just Water, Please

By Emily Anderson
My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. What an amazing place. If you have limited time, this is the perfect get-a-way to relax. We traveled through Wisconsin and then along Lake Michigan, eventually finding our way to the shores of Lake Huron in St. Ignace, MI. From there a 15 minute ferry ride took us to the spectacular Mackinac Island.
Being a home-grown Minnesota girl, I sometimes become immune to the natural beauty the Midwest has to offer. But our Great Lakes, right here in our backyard are completely awe-inspiring. I've discovered that for me, a large body of water is a critical factor in creating a place that makes me feel like I can unwind. I think I could sit and stare out into the water for an eternity, seeing nothing by water and sky with a thin horizon line. Water provides us a sense of serenity and tranquility, perhaps just what we all need from time to time.
The calming effects of water don't have to be reserved for vacation. (Let me clarify, I am speaking to those of us don't live directly on one of our 10,000 lakes, dontcha know.) Elements reflecting the serenity of water can easily be incorporated into a designed interior. Art, wall coverings and rugs created with a nautical subject matter is an easy way to create this effect. Try using neutrals, soft blues, blue-greens, and white in tile, fabrics and paint to create a subtle nod to your favorite pond. And don't forget to display treasures from the sea. Driftwood, interesting rocks and shells all make memorable and inexpensive accessories.
Here are some photos from our trip:
[caption id="attachment_4470" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Michigan in the morning"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4471" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Michigan"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4472" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Michigan"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4473" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="View from our hotel, Lake Huron, Mackinac Island in the distance"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4485" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Huron from Mackinac Island"][/caption]