Beach-house beauty
Those who long to live their lives like a Jimmy Buffett song should shop at Seaside Daze in Tequesta. Amid the creatively cluttered store, they’ll likely find the son-of-a-son-of-a-sailor’s lost shaker of salt (but in the shape of a crab, turtle or whale), along with less frivolous furnishings such as stylized sofas covered with coordinating throw pillows, chunky chairs pulled up to teak-wood tables and tasteful treatments for window gazing out at the ocean. “We bring the beach to you,” owner Missy Pedersen says. “If you are looking for anything for the beach, you can come into Seaside Daze and find it.”
Creatures of the sea
Buffett’s mythical Margaritaville comes to life inside the warm and welcoming retail space, where sea creatures of every species and shells of every shape appear on dishes, lamps, ornaments and wall hangings. Mermaids grace artwork by local painter Lucy Alvarez. Starfish not only come on napkin rings and paper weights, but they also adorn one-of-a-kind purses and handmade jewelry. Pedersen’s favorite saltwater denizen occupies a spot on almost every shelf. “I love the sea horse,” says the former farm girl from Wichita Falls, Texas. “I grew up with horses, and I think it’s just that connection.”
Paradise found
Seaside Daze washed ashore 11 years ago in Hobe Sound and recently relocated to a storefront on U.S. Highway 1 in Tequesta. Faithful clients include 35- to 65-year-old homeowners who flock to South Florida for the fall and winter months and want furnishings that speak to the salt, sand and sun. “I just think everybody should own a part of the ocean,” Pedersen says. Her intricate shell work on mirrors, picture frames, wreaths and even bedposts and headboards serves as one of the store’s trademarks. “What I try to do is bring my clients something that you can’t find anywhere else,” Pedersen says.
Imported goods
Much of Seaside Daze’s inventory originates in Bali, Indonesia — especially the furniture. Pieces look artistically weathered and worn, as if they already soaked up the spindrift. Assorted shells and colorful corals come from the West Indies, and other items ship from across the U.S. “We’re constantly buying,” she says. “We have emptied the store out, literally, three times with inventory. We’re so busy.” The store’s newly launched website features more than 2,000 items ready for immediate delivery. “I have customers who’ve been begging me for years, ‘Please get an online store so, if we’re not in Florida, we can still buy,’” Pedersen says.
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