The nautical style introduces a light and breezy sense of the seaside into any interior – it allows you to create a tranquil getaway in your home, akin to those long fun-filled summer days spent on the beach.
A nautical theme is a popular choice for decorating any room in the home, especially for holiday or seaside homes. With a simple colour palette, whimsical accessories and its bright and fresh aesthetics – this style really brings home memories of fun seaside getaways and introduces the natural splendour of the sea to your interiors. Decorating with a nautical theme is not difficult, here are a few guidelines:
Colour
Colour is one of the most defining characteristics of a nautical theme. The main colours used in this theme include various shades of white, blue and the odd accent in red. Other colours that are drawn from the seaside can also be used, such as foam cream, seaweed green, sandy beige and driftwood grey. A neutral palate will go well with all sorts of nautical accessories, including colourful glass displays, seashells, and a plethora of carved wooden nautical-inspired accessories. Colour can also be introduced via various nautical-themed wallpaper and border options that can be very effective and visually striking.
Lighting
Lighting is a principle element for nautical decorating. There are many exciting choices to choose from, including chandeliers made from shells or drift wood, or table of floor lights that have been fashioned into nautical-inspired motifs. To fend off the hot summer heat, you can opt to install an overhead ceiling fan and replace the existing weight at the end of the pulley with something like a brass anchor or a wooden seagull for added interest. Theme-based lighting makes a statement, but you can also opt for more subdued, yet effective lighting in the form of recessed down-lights or sunken spot lighting in the ceiling or bulkheads.
Furniture
With regards to furniture and nautical-inspired decor, the emphasis is on comfort – hence simple, comfy, overstuffed and upholstered furniture in easy-to-clean fabrics is a good choice. Slipcovers are an especially beneficial selection for the sofas, as seeing that the colour palette comprises very light tones, it would be a practical option to be able to remove the covers for a wash every now and again. For wooden and wicker pieces, consider those painted in pale, milky colours. Furniture that has been given a weathered or distressed finish also complements a nautical theme exceptionally well.
Accessories
And now for the fun part – accessorising! A collection of shells, driftwood, the odd starfish, a lighthouse or two and miniature model sailing boats are de rigueur in nautical-themed décor. Other popular items include wall plaques, an antique hand-finished wood, weathered wood seagull figures, picture or mirror frames with a sea shell detailing, mirrors shaped like port holes, and stained glass that contains images of seaside scenes, such as a lighthouse.
Sea-themed collectables, such as ship replicas, old brass spyglasses, vintage sextants, a nautical knots shadow box, worn lanterns, and lighthouse sculptures are also very effective.
To soften the look and accentuate furniture pieces, add decorative pillows with seashore designs or in solid blue and white colours. Remember, nautical style is casual and all about adventure - so don't be afraid to experiment a little until you have created your perfect nautical paradise.
Flooring
Generally speaking, the nautical style dictates hard flooring options, such as tiles, hard wood and laminate flooring – all in light, milky colours of course. This is a practical choice, especially if you live by the coast, as it makes cleaning up beach sand trouble-free. However, you can introduce a bit of warmth by including area rugs throughout the home – good options include sisal mats, short pile rugs or cotton mats.
Art
Wall art is an excellent way of highlighting your nautical theme. Seaside or ocean images are best, and the choices are limitless – from water colours, to black and white photographic prints, or even family vacation photos. Other excellent choices include prints of ships at sea, lighthouses, seashells, starfish, birds, harbour and coastal scenes. Framing options should stay within the chosen colour palette, ideally in silver, white or very pale natural wood colours.
Window treatments
The ideal window treatments comprises soft, flowing white curtains that drop to the floor and are light enough to billow gently in the breeze for a romantic effect. However, the choice is really up to you – you can choose drapes or blinds in various harmonious colours or designs, stripes are a popular choice. For a more modern alternative, you can opt for shades, shutters or Roman blinds made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo or grass for example.
Pictures courtesy of:
Newport Nautical Décor: www.newportnauticaldecor.com
Country Living: www.countryliving.com
Daily Mail: www.dailymail.co.uk
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