By Mi-Ling Stone Poole – Published in The Oklahoman 

Beach themes are always a topic of discussion in my column. Oftentimes my readers venture off on a vacation to the islands and after returning, they want to recreate that feeling in their home or just find ways to incorporate the treasures they found into the space with ease and style.

While traveling with my hubby to Orlando, Florida the first stop on our way to a seven-day Western Royal Caribbean cruise, I was inspired by a unique restaurant called the Shark Pitt, a surfer’s paradise located in the lobby of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel.

This space was over the top and a little cheeky but a very inspiring space for a fun family room or a child’s themed room.

The carpeting of the restaurant set the tone for the space with colorful surf boards and the lamp bases were surf inspired as well.

The table tops appeared to be coated with an epoxy overlay, highlighting ocean prints and photos of surfers.

Colorful surfboards were used as artwork throughout, and the focal point of the space was a large round aquarium that could be seen from the inside the restaurant and from a surf shop on the other side. Colorful tropical fish and a large Nurse shark occupied the tank along with beautiful coral.

Deep blue, coral, sand and green were some of the colors that were used throughout the space to mimic the colors of the sea.

The built in seats were carved in the shape of waves and the upholstery was a vibrant mix of deep blue, light blue and cream and coral with an energizing pattern.

This restaurant and the food proved to be a fun and exciting spot to eat, have a delicious mango margarita and eat great seafood.

Situated close to the beach the ocean was in view from the rooms and provided a nice pre-cruise experience.

Here are a few tips to help you create this surfers paradise in your home.

Paint your room with the colors of the sea

Incorporate framed photos of the beach or create photos from shells you‘ve collected over the years.

Add an aquarium to your room or paint a surf- inspired mural or apply wall paper and frame the border.

Buy a few old surf boards from a garage sale or second hand shop and paint them with bold colors of the sea to use as art work in the space.